It’s not even 12:00pm and this is already the bestest birthday ever! If you can’t reach me, I’m sorry… I ran away.
The past two and a half months, I’ve been in Warri. One morning I woke up, looked at my last packet of noodles and said to myself, “Surely, even the lowliest servant in my father’s house has much more to eat than this?”
We don’t have servants and I live in my mother’s house, but you get my drift. I conceded defeat, packed a tiny box and left Lagos back to Warri. Since I lost my job, I have struggled much more than I can publicly admit.
I enjoyed the peace and tranquility of Warri. Also, in my small area, because I haven’t really been home in ages, I’m kinda like a superstar. I walk by and people hail me…
“Doctor! Welcome o!”
I nod and wave to them like a celeb.
“How ya ozzband?”
“E dey. We taink God”
My sister is the doctor. The ozzband is her husband, not mine. I don’t bother to correct them though. I just enjoy the hailing and pray in my heart that no one ever collapses from a stroke during one of my celeb doctor sightings. They’ll drag me to the scene, pushing through the crowd that has gathered round the poor stroke victim lying on the ground, writhing in pain.
“Comot for road!! Make way… na doctor she be!”
How then will I explain that the stethoscope I hang round my neck is just a rubber necklace?
I wasn’t totally useless in Warri. One day, while I was eavesdropping on my mother’s conversation minding my business, sound waves from my mother’s conversation reached me and forcefully entered my ears. One of my neighbours was complaining about how hard it is to get good staff these days. So, later, I went over and introduced myself as an HR Professional… I even said it with a straight face and all.
The guy seemed skeptical at first. What do you know about recruitment? I spun some elaborate BS about jobs I’ve done in the past. He said ok, he’ll try me out. So I asked him a tonne of questions regarding the kind of staff he wanted. I think that gave him a bit more confidence. Then we shook hands and that was it.
My former MD used to talk about how he started his empire in a three bedroom flat. So I cleared out the small entrance in our house – a nice space where my mother (the millipede) keeps a gazillion pairs of shoes. There were also several big bags filled with Christian literature.
She’s a pastor millipede.
Anyway, I cleared that space, put a plastic table and two chairs, one standing fan and voila! Ngo Baby’s Recruitment Plc had kicked off. Maybe one day, I’ll write about the adventures of interviewing Warri people. Right now, I’m on a birthday vacation and this is supposed to be a very short post.
I left Warri a few days ago and although I will never admit it in public, I actually miss my mum and her silly Indian soap operas that are all shot in slow motion. I have decided to visit home more often… I’ll try.
I am happy today and I am so grateful for life! I was in such a terrible place this time last year. I thank God for the best siblings in the whole wide world. I don’t even have words… when I try and think of something to say to them, I well up. Thank you Nne, Wooolex!, Chip Chip and Gboo.
I am grateful for friends who cheer me on and applaud even the tiniest baby steps. I don’t know why, but they haven’t given up on me…
I should put up pictures, but I don’t want my enemies locating me via Google pics. Just know, it’s a beautiful place with a lovely beach and lots of seafood. I’m having fun. I took one backpack and my handbag & I regret it because I don’t need three-quarters of the shit I packed.
Sorry for the scatterednessity of this post.
Happy birthday Ngo!
Happy birthday love, God’s goodness & mercy will forever be with you. Amen
Ariiiiiin! The third muskateer… Thanks babe. Hope you’re doing great.
How’s your granny by the way?
Happy bday dear. Looking beautiful as always. It’s been ages
Haha!… You wrote Dozman so that there will be no doubt who it is!
Thank you dear. Yes, it’s been years…
Happy birthday Ngo babe🎉🎉. I caught up on your past posts today, incase you’re wondering who your Kenyan stalker is 👀👀. Didn’t even know you lost your job, sorry about that dear. Glad to see you took time off to celebrate. I wish you a prosperous year.
Mummy Oreofe! My stats are not that fancy so I can’t tell who is reading from where… lol.
Feel free to stalk jare.
Thank you so much Agbons…
Call me na!
Lol! My loving school mother… I am still so proud of the name “Isi azu”.
Same number atink?
Happy Birthday my darling Ngozi. May this year be filled with more laughter and peace for you in Jesus name, amen. I enjoy reading your post…… Kiss kiss
Lol… I remember when we met! And the tall piece of chocolate you were with 😉
Thank you Maryam.
I forgot to mention that you look more beautiful than the last time we met. Very lovely pictures.
Happy birthday darling. U look lovely . Many beautiful yrs ahead.
Uzo!!! Thank you…
ps- motherhood REALLY agrees with you o.
Totally ‘henjoyed’ this xx
Odafeeeee! My Warri sister… thank you so much!
Lol… I actually heard you say ‘henjoyed’ in my mind.
😆😊Ngoziiii…happy birthday!! Been ages.. happy to know your are fine and well!💜
Thanks Amaka! Yeah, it’s been a while… I was chatting with Ife last month and she asked about you.
Happy Birthday Missy…. may your years be blessed. The best is yet to come #Surely… N.B Hurry back I want 2 hear more about Ngo Baby’s Recruitment Plc {I’m Job Hunting 😂😂😂}.
It would be rude not to say you look stunning!!! Have a blast 😘
Amen! Thanks babes… already on my way back.
And that’s not really the name of the company o.
You look good. Wish you better days ahead. Happy birthday. And for whatever reason we are no longer friends, get over it and be blessed in all u do.
Loool… you have never ever been one to hold your mouth sha.
Thank you so much Ada!
Happy birthday dear, you look gorgeous. Please keep writing, you are very good at it. I trust you had an amazing time.
Tallest! I had an AMAZING day… lol. Didn’t want it to end.
Thank you Ebose.
Happy birthday, wishing you the very best of everything.
Is this my friend before the war?
Thank you! 🙂
Happy birthday dear.you write so well,you made my day.
From now on I will read every write up by you.
Take care
Wow… thank you so much Loveth!
Happy Birthday 🎂 Darling. You Deserve All The Happiness ìn the world. Am glad you’re having fun
Thanks luv… I had a great day.
Happy Birthday Dear! From reading this post, I can sense a shift in your energy, an overall increase in your positive outlook of life,l and perhaps, even a change in your fortunes. You said you “conceded defeat” … naw, it’s only a temporary setback, preparing you for the greater good that lies ahead, so long as you continue to see the bright side. I am glad you are happy again. Stay Happy and Stay Blessed my good friend. Cheers!
Sensei! My favourite Irianan (don’t tell Amen I said that)… thanks dear.
And amen to the change in fortunes!
Happy birthday hun! You don’t know just how much your life mirrors mine one day i will tell my story…one day….there is a reason I subscribed to your email updates:)
Thanks so much Lydz!
Lol… Why wait till one day na? Share eeeeet!!!! (please?)
Missing you like a crack addict misses crack, I do hope you are well
Juju! I’m great, thanks… hope you’re god as wll.
E don tey o.