Public Service Announcement

Hey peeps....
Been quite a while, I'm sorry. Just want to take this medium to notify you good people that i will be taking some time off to arrange and re-organize the blog. Please bear with me. Its just to bring good things to you people. See y'all in a jiffy. *wink*

What Does it feel like to Die?

Seems like every of my posts now is about complaining about stuff or writing about a calamity. I do not wish to make a habit of it I promise but things happen and we have no control over most occurrences. We are still in the first quarter and a lot of water has passed under the bridge. I have experienced two major losses in quick succession that has made me question the fairness in the balance of the universe.

Recently, I lost my dear cousin(more like a sister) to the cold hands of death. Earlier my dear friend Lara was snatched away from us all within 29 days. Tayo’s death opened up the floodgates. I was broken and miserable for days following her death. I had questions to ask. I needed answers. Here was a pretty and talented young lady full of life with all to live for. She had completed her undergraduate studies and was undergoing the compulsory National Youth Service to serve her fatherland (NYSC is a complain for another day). She had labored all these years only to be taken away from amongst us. 5 people in the car and she had to be the only one who died. Why? Why did things take the turn they chose to take? Why did it have to be my dear sister? Why not some shrewd businessman or some evil politician we have in this country?

A balance has been upset in the universe because somebody unique has been deleted from the equation of the cosmos; A person who had the ability to control the outcome of things, A person who had the ability to love unconditionally, A person who had the ability to make you her friend even against your will. She had such a cheerful and radiant face that you had no choice but to just be drawn to her. Everything about Tayo was perfect. A mere look at her and you would know that this girl had a great future. Don’t ask me how I know, I just know.

I lost my appetite and my confidence. I was even questioning the essence of living on this side of eternity only to be taken away so soon. I asked myself “what’s the point to even living at all if you are going to die so soon?” why bother to live at all if at the end of the day, death comes knocking and you gotta answer even though you are still so young? Why the hell is death not a respecter of age? Why isn’t death choosy? Pick some bad people not the good ones. Don’t pick people who could make a difference to our generation. All these went through my mind I must confess. I went through Depression-Denial-Anger-Bargain-Denial-Depression… I know this is twisted since there is suppose to be only five stages but this is what I think I felt. I will eventually come to acceptance but that would hurt. Throughout the weekend following Tayo’s death, I had practically no time to grief at all because we were busy planning her funeral. You know according to the Yoruba custom, adults don’t plan funeral of a young person. They are not even suppose to know where the person is buried. So, I was busy engrossed (with my cousins) in giving Tayo a befitting send forth. I owe her that much…we owe her that much.

On the day of the funeral, the reality of the whole situation dawned on me. My Tayo is gone for real. I will never see Olatayo again on this side of eternity. I broke down completely. The floodgates opened and it rained and rained. God knows I love Tayo with all my heart. We had quality fun together and we rocked things together so to come to terms with her demise was just too much for me to process.

On the other hand, Tayo’s demise raised a few questions that you may consider odd but I am sure some people might have thought about it at least once. What does it feel like to die? I do not have a death wish, I promise! But honestly I have been thinking about it. Some people say you see your life flash before your eyes, others state that they have a kind of out of body experience where they see their lifeless body. Since I have never died before, I cannot confirm the validity of these claims but they led to some other questions that will forever remain unanswered on this side of eternity. Now I have one more reason why I want to get to heaven… ’cos I will see Tayo again. I have that much comfort. I would love to get to heaven; I cannot begin to state how much I will love to make it to heaven. Even then, I can finally get answers to all these questions that have been raised in my heart. Maybe there will be a sort of conference where we can meet with God and ask questions…after all the song says “we will understand it better by and by”.

Then in the midst of all these, I got thinking. Maybe I could be able to save lives. There has to be something I can do to prevent more people from dying due to injuries sustained from car accident and any form of trauma. I know I am not God who decides the outcome of events but at least can I give a fighting chance. First of all, the emergency response in this country is way below par. Like its way down there on the ladder. If there is a car accident, there is usually nobody to provide adequate emergency response that would give the trauma patient a fighting chance. First response team (Emergency Medical Team otherwise known as EMT) are equipped to simulate the first aid that such a patient will receive at the hospital right there at the scene of the trauma. They are equipped with heart monitor, oxygen and a lot of other cool first aid kits that could minimize the risk of a fatality. What if I could campaign for such a structure to be incorporated to the nature of our country? What do I need to do? Who do I need to talk to? How can I go about it? Who do I need to go after? Please if you know the answer to these questions, contact me and let’s work together.

Secondly, most of y’all know I am a medical student. I was hoping to specialize in cardio-thoracic surgery but what if I can throw in a great deal of commitment and become a Trauma surgeon. I love the show “Grey’s Anatomy” and I love the way Trauma Surgeon Owen Hunt carries out his job and save lives. What if I could contribute my quota and save even more lives? Can I at least try to minimize the death toll from blunt trauma? These thought has been prevailing in my mind and I wonder what God thinks about it. I need to ask him first anyway. I have just been thinking about it, it’s not yet a decision.

All in all, Tayo’s death has brought to the forefront once again the frailty of life. Life is too short to be spent messing around. Tayo’s own assignment here is done and might I add that she did it well. She made sure her presence was felt and left an impact on everybody that met her. No wonder the church was full to the brim and even overflowed at her funeral service. A rare gem has been lost but we can only keep her memory alive and keep her legacy standing firm.

Dear Tayo, you will be missed no doubt but you memory will never die. You will live on in our heart.

-signed-

OkiZle

PEACE, PERFECT PEACE: I Remember Omolara

I am not here to eulogize you. Eulogizing you means admitting that you are truly gone but that isn’t the case here. You live on forever in our hearts. I remember the chubby young lady who always complained when I made fun of her being fat. I remember the person who will complain about being too old in school. Remember that time you told me that you fell and bit your tongue and required stitches? I thought that had to be the worst feeling in the whole world, I thought that was raw pain but now this is worse. I can’t cry, I don’t know why. It seems I have run out of tears to cry. I called Lanre in the morning to tell him and He just called me now to say He still doesn’t believe it. My heart is torn, my spirit is heavy. So many questions we are asking but they will forever remain unanswered.

Why did fate have to be so cruel? Why did you leave us at this time? What went through your mind in the flash moment it all happened? When I spoke to you 2 days earlier did you have any premonition? So many questions in my heart but I can never find answers on this side of eternity. Yes, through all the pain I remember the cheerful person who saw me through one Hell of a year. I remember the friend who is never shy to express her mind. I remember the person who will not mince words in correcting me when I am wrong. I remember the strong lady who stood behind her friends all the time. I remember fondly your trademark punches to the side every time somebody stepped on your toes…I always complained about them and how much it hurts when you do that but right now, I can’t believe I am saying that I will miss them. If only you could punch me one more time. I remember how hard you worked during the Medical Dinner. I remember walking down with you around 1am with a couple of our friends and you were complaining about the shoe you wore. I remember the several ways you contort your face to express your emotions. I remember the love and concern you show unconditionally to people around you. Remember that time in Ife town when I got angry at you guys about complaining to me because we missed our way and how you talked me down. I remember the times I have called you to help me get some things done without prior notice. I remember the time you costumed us for our Drama presentation in the Village of Iregba. I remember the Last day I saw you in Ogbomosho going for that Rhema Dinner with Dotun and I helped with your make-up. To be honest I just wanted to make you look funny and It turned out superb. I never knew I had it in me and the eye shadow I applied came out superb!

I remember the way you costumed yourself one very cold night when we had to take turns in security. I remember Lara and her bossy attitude. I dare not refuse when Lara ordered me to do something….those witty punches! I remember all the things you ARE! Yes my heart is torn, our hearts are torn! yes our spirit is heavy, yes our friend is gone but I choose to praise God in this storm. I honestly thought God will step in and save the day but once again I say Amen and its still raining. I had hoped God would  have reached out and wiped our tears away but as the thunder rolls I barely hear you whisper through the rain “I’m with you”. As your mercy falls I raise my hands and praise the God who gives and Takes away. Lord I’ll praise you in this storm, I will lift my hands for you are who you are no matter where I am. Every tear I cried you hold in your hands you never left my side, though my heart is torn, I will praise you in this storm!!!

This is what I call Peace, Perfect peace! knowing that God has done what is best. No matter how much we try to argue it out…God knows best! yes she is young and not yet fulfilled but I still believe that God knows best. I have peace right now knowing that you have gone to the best place you can be. I have peace because this occurrence has taught me more about the brevity of life. I have peace because you are not truly gone, you live on in our heart. I have peace because I know we will be comforted. I have peace because you are looking down from up there as a witness now to this race we are running. I have peace because I know you don’t have to strive as hard as we will ever do again. I have peace because you have the rest God promised us. I have perfect peace because I will get to see you someday! The Christian in me remembers Is26:3 “thou will keep in Perfect peace…” Now I have one more reason why I do not want to miss heaven…because I will see Lara there someday!

Friends…readers…please help observe a minute of silence wherever you are for my departed friend, sister and colleague. Lara, yes you will be missed but you live on in our heart. All you have now is peace, perfect peace! I will miss you…we will miss you!

-OkiZLE-

Help bring Tosin home. Everyone is praying and waiting for your return, Tosin.: Help bring Tosin home. Everyone is praying and wai...

I came across this post on one of my many I-am-bored-let-me-find-some-news-on-the-internet states. I was kinda touched and appalled at the same time. Touched because the young lady is a Nigerian and also a medical doctor. Appalled because the authorities haven't done anything about it as at the time of the post. please pray along!

Help bring Tosin home. Everyone is praying and waiting for your return, Tosin.: Help bring Tosin home. Everyone is praying and wai...: Yesterday, I heard one of the worst news ever. I found out that the beautiful lady whose picture is on the left, Tosin Oyelowo, went missing...

Random Thoughts: Again

Hey folks!

How are we all doing? Great, I suppose? I know its been a long time since I updated this post last but I have been madly busy. With end of the year coming up and my MBBS examination approaching faster than anybody could have imagined, the work load just keeps piling up. I have so much curriculum to cover in so little time and I have just been lazy, like a lot! nobody needs to tell me that I have been lazy with my school work. I need help I suppose. Meanwhile, my brain has been very busy thinking up random stuff. I have had a lot of thoughts going through my head all these while and it creating so much pressure that it might soon explode. Its high time I let it all out I suppose….Random thoughts again!!!

*whatever happened to styl-plus? The Nigerian R ‘n’ B group that stole the hearts of many with tracks like Olufunmi, call my name, Iya Basira and more. What happened to these guys Shifi, Tunde and Zeal. Where on Earth are they?

*Whatever happened to Wande Coal. The sensational Mo Hits singer that has the voice of an an Angel and dropped hit singles like Bumper to Bumper, Ololufe and others. Yeah this guy has had his fair share of scandals but what happened to him?

*Recently I find myself imbibing so much of this La Casera drink. It has a very refreshing taste especially when it is cold. I love that apple flavour and the Classic cocktail flavour, I love this drink!!!

*I love Hollandia yoghurt too! The big one! I just get a straw, kick back and enjoy the whole thing. That is yoghurt how is meant to taste not like some brands that we have out there!

*Are we sure our president doesn’t need help? I am just saying.

*The idiot independent marketers have started to hoard the fuel again and it is freaking annoying!!! Why do we need to keep something that we have in abundance because The Man says we need to remove fuel subsidy. If our refineries were functioning there wouldn’t be a need for Fuel Subsidy in the first place.

*Who is the guy that came up with the idea of setting up a company called Econet. That company has never known rest…somebody is always buying it over. In less than 10 years, this has been the trend Econet--->Vmobile--->Celtel--->Zain--->Airtel. I am of the opinion that I will still buy that company in the non too distant future and name it okizle-tel or something!!!

*MTN is a really ridiculous network. I cannot over emphasize that but if you are asking why please make reference to my post Random thoughts: We Run things. They have ridiculous tariffs and the worst thing is that they don’t give a hoot whether it pays you or not. MTN kiss my *expletive*!!!!

*Etisalat Nigeria have the most ridiculous customer care in the whole world. Their customer care representatives are not adequately trained and I can always tell they do not know Jack about my problems ‘cos they are always reading their troubleshoot guide from their computer. At least if they must do that, they can do it discreetly! *smh* and don’t even get me started about how long I have to wait for them to answer me when I call. Even when they answer, the give technically correct but completely useless answer. They need to learn from their pals at Visafone Nigeria. mscheewwwww!!!!

*If only Nigeria as a country could develop the way Nigeria Music Industry has developed in the last 5years….

*What I want for Christmas?  An Internet Service Provider with internet that work. No ridiculous tariffs and Excellent Bandwidth…throw in a Fantastic speed!!! Also I would love a Police force that works…like really!!! Am I asking for too much? I hate to state the obvious but our police force is wack Q.E.D!!!

*I really need to go back to my mathematics and start solving complex additions and Multiplications without a calculator, pen or paper. All in my head!!!

*I miss Sunday afternoon Pounded yam that I will have if I were at home…It may not seem like much but that is when we have time to do some family bonding because everybody is busy through out the week.

*Who Rocks the Rap Scene like the dudes at Chocolate city?

*Who Rocks GraFX like the dudes at PXC?

*Who Rocks GraFX , Web and Multimedia packaging like James ‘abinibi’ Alabi. The guy and his company, Abinibi Multimedia, Rock!!!

*I probably will be the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria one day…. :D

*My caffeine consumption is officially almost next to zero…yaaaaY!!!!

*I love my girlfriend (yeah i said it, go and hug transformer)

*Can’t Wait for Christmas. Its my favorite time of the year. I don’t get much gifts but who cares about gifts, lets rock the town and have fun while not forgetting the reason for the season…Jesus Christ! So this Christmas whatever you decide to do, don’t forget the reason for the season. Jesus Christ! and I am not getting into that argument whether Christmas is actually December 25. Who cares…Its Christmas!!!

*I gotta go now, I have to be in school by 10pm tonight. Don’t ask why!!! I hate school no doubt about that….follow your boy on twitter

OkiZle

Signing Out…..Peace, Love and Chicken Grease (whatever that means)

IN BETTER HANDS

Its hard to stand on shifting sand

Its hard to shine in the shadows of the night

You can’t be free if you don’t reach for help

and you can’t love if you don’t love yourself

but there is hope when my faith runs out

‘Cos I'm in better hands now

Its like the sun is shining when the rain is pouring down

Its like my soul is flying though my feet are on the ground

so take this heart of mine and there’s no doubt

I’m in better hands now.

I am strong all because of you

I stand in awe of every mountain that you move

I am changed, yesterday is gone

I am saved, from this moment on

There’s no fear when the night comes now

I’m in better hands now

Its like the sun is shining when the rain is pouring down

Its like my soul is flying though my feet are on the ground

so take this heart of mine and there’s no doubt

I’m in better hands now.

Its like the sun is shining when the rain is pouring down

Its like my soul is flying though my feet are on the ground

Its like the world is silent though I know it isn’t true

Its like the breath of Jesus is right here in this room

so take this heart of mine and there’s no doubt

I’m in better hands now.

 

Yeah, I know my posts have become increasingly random nowadays but that's the point anyway. Basically this is where my thoughts go therefore you are actually reading my mind. Before you start wondering whether I became a poet all of a sudden overnight, what I have above is a song by Gospel Artiste Natalie Grant. Her lyrics are really inspirational. The time is like 2:30am and I can’t sleep, got a lot of things running through my mind and this song just jumped at me. The song defines somebody who is or who has been at cross roads and is now releasing himself or herself out to God, at the same time such person realizes He/She is in better hands now.

There comes a time in our lives when we are faced with challenges, we need to make decisions or we are just plain confused. Sometimes we could even have gone through something as profound as losing a loved one and we maybe thinking this is the end of the world but this song highlight the fact that its not the end of the world. Yes, it may seem as though things are going out of control but as the song has rightfully stated “take this heart of mine and there’s no doubt, I’m in better hands now” The moment we release ourselves to the supreme control, there is a refreshing. I don’t know if you’ve had that moment before, like an Epiphany when you know all is going to be well when you just release that stuff bothering you into the hand of God. The feeling is just so refreshing and relaxing. Sometimes you even get new strength and new direction as to how best to approach such challenges or deal with the situation no matter how great it could be! You get that feeling that Natalie Grant stated…”my soul is flying though my feet are on the ground”

This goes out to you who think its over, you have been beaten, been battered and taken all life could throw at you. You had to make tough decisions, you’ve had to make choices. You’ve had nights you cried yourself to sleep, you’ve had nights you went to bed not expecting anything better the next day. You feel hated and you have even contemplated killing yourself because you thought life was being cruel or God was being wicked! I have been there before so I know!!!! I am here to tell you no matter what your present circumstance is, you are in better hands now. Just let go and you will see you are in better hands now! Love is just around the corner…

Dedicating this post to My friend who Lost her Mom…you know you! (and to everybody who can relate to it) Cheers!

I’d like to post a download link but what about copyright laws…..

Rules of Engagement: Series 1

Hey y'all did you miss me?

Sorry I know I should be posting more regularly but I have been constrained of time and resources. It aint easy trying to combine several things together...my academics, graphics and this! Then there's a lot of other things in between and it just keeps putting a strain on my resolutions. I know a time will come when I have to make way for the primary one, Academics, but for now let's keep pushing with this one.

The new series is Rules of Engagement. I don't mean engagement like you people are thinking. No it aint Marriage!!! Its basically a set down protocol that you should act with when faced with or handling a particular situation or Item as the case maybe. This is not from an official source, just my own view of issues. It all stems down from my own believe and how I handle stuff. So with the above explanation, I guess you now understand what we are talking about. If you don't please read again and again till you do. If you still don't please follow the following instruction. (I hope u still have the carton/case your computer/phone came in)

1.shutdown

2.Remove power plug

3.Open carton and put your device in it

4.Get a piece of paper(A4) and black marker and write the following

"I am too stupid to own a phone/computer" 

5.Insert paper and Send to manufacturer!