LIFE UPDATE: OVERWHELMED BY LOVE, GRATEFUL

People across the globe are buried in intense anxiety, worry, fear of the uncertainties surrounding this whole COVID-19 situation. The bereaved are mourning the departed souls who lost the fight while many other households are clinging to God's mercy and hope for their next dinner-others are actually starving to death, unfortunately.

Sad as it may sound, some humans are taking advantage of this terrifying period to inflict excruciating pain on to others; people stuck with their violent husbands/wives are in fear of what next form of suffering they might be subjected to. Some people are dealing with their narcissist lovers who, even in such a time, are putting themselves first and draining whatever piece of peace that's left in the formers' lives.

Criminals are citing and using any kind of loopholes in the security system to unleash their long-concealed technics in murdering people, looting homesteads, and forcefully rustling away what's not theirs to take. It's tough and rough out there, and it may seem distant when it's not in your home, but it's surely happening.

But what about you? Have you taken a moment to give thanks to God for the mere gift of life? Have you counted your blessings that are still overflowing in your cup even amidst this situation? If you still can afford data to read this blog, if you still have full-course meals, if you didn't lose your job and are still hopeful for another brighter day, darling be grateful.

Religious or not, you must know that there is a higher power that's making it all easier for you. It's about that time when we all should be grateful for every trivial thing that has brought a smile on our faces.

At the beginning of the lockdown, I was excited - to be home, work from home, and enjoy the quiet of my surrounding. But as time went by, the situation hardened by the day, sad news seemed to be the order of the day. Anxiety crept in slowly and eventually took root. Everything changed and my heart grew so vulnerable to fear of the unknown.

A beautiful shot for ya!

But I have seen the hand of the Lord hoover over me and mine. I have witnessed extraordinary favor run down my wicked being and fill my heart with a new song every new day. I have seen my family get closer than it ever was, people calling in every day to check if I ate, slept well, or if I needed anything. I have received tonnes of love like never before, and I have tried to reciprocate the same.

I have never been so grateful for every minute that my heart was/ is at peace and life is still all I have. I have been humbled by the Lord's mercy that even in this situation of dire need for finances, he has blessed my soul with so much more, with little luxuries that I can't take for granted. Give me just one reason why I shouldn't have bragged about the unseen comforter, who answers even the unuttered little prayers.

And as life moves on, as we take part of our freedom back, as we go face to face with the looming virus, I hope that we can always remember that love conquers all. That there will be another day and be grateful for everything. I have lost an uncle recently, couldn't travel but my spirit rests in knowing that God is still here with us all and that no amount of misery can take us down.

My heart goes out to all those dealing with loss and all those who are lost in worry, hang in tight, tomorrow is yet another brand new day and dawn may break with your utmost breakthrough - TAKE HEART.

Love,
         Patie.

IS JOURNALISM A CAREER WORTH PURSUING? MY TAKE

MY FIRST JOURNALISM LECTURE;

I had always wanted to be a journalist since my primary five. I admired how broadcasters sounded so sophisticated and looked super focused while reporting on various issues during TV news bulletins. I wanted to be them, I loved the way Mr. Bbale Francis pronounced the name 'Gaaga bus' when there was an accident in Mityana.

Little did I know that one day, I would be seated in the front row, listening and enjoying my first ever lecture in Journalism and mass communication by my role model. Now I know that everything is possible because that too came to pass.

Our time table read 'dynamics of broadcasting' but didn't indicate the lecturer. While we sat chit-chatting in the lecture room, I recognized his voice before I turned my head to see him. his intonation of the phrase 'good morning' was so familiar and for a split second, I thought I was only but having hallucinations.

Just like in a flying dream, that moment before you fall off the cliff, I peeked at the guy as he put down his neat file and turned to the class. Starstruck isn't the word to describe that feeling, it was excitement, gratefulness, love, admiration, and all the above. Finally, the fine gray-bearded Bbale Francis(RIP) was just a meter away from me. I think I blushed a lot too the entire 80-minute lecture!

Reminiscing aside, I guess my case is what they call being in the right place, at the right time with the right person. Imagine what it would be like to spend a day per week with your idol! For some reason, I felt like I was learning from the best broadcaster I have ever seen, and my zeal to go and conquer my career was stronger than ever.

he did not only teach us the basics of broadcasting and forced us to repeat some words till we got the right intonation, he also showed us how to navigate and thrive in the journalism rough corridors. Bbale always taught for the first half of the lecture and dived into 'life after campus' talks. 

The late Bbale Francis, my forever role model in Journalism.

While he mentioned to us that our transcripts would be of help, he emphasized that skill was all that would take us places. I have never felt bad for missing a lecture like the days the ever smart Bbale Francis issued a 'not around today, we'll pick up from last week when I get back' notice. It was heartbreaking.

Until today, even after hm passing, Bbale is still my invisible guiding hand. During times when doors are slammed in my face when people doubt my capabilities, and those mornings when I start to get second thoughts about my career, I always look back at the words he said; if your career is in sync with your passion, nothing can stop you.

And I move on with a brave heart knowing that my dream is manifesting and nothing can take that away from me. I will always be forever grateful to my dad, who didn't agree with my decision to pursue journalism, but respected it and held my hand through the three years. 

IS JOURNALISM REALLY A WORTHY CAREER TO PURSUE?

Regarding making a living off journalism, God has seen me through the days when my monthly expenses weighed more than the salary I got but believing in my ability to demand more through my work, God has blessed me with a "break-even curve" and I can enjoy a few simple luxuries."

I want this to be clear that what Sheila Gashumba mentioned about low payments for broadcasters is the truth even when many won't let you in on their rough days. Many bashed her but a good percentage is behind her, thanking heavens that at least someone somewhere got to introduce the topic.

If you haven't achieved close to what she has, put some respect on her name!

The other thing that folks must understand is that Sheila watered down the 50k because she has had more than that and it's never an offense to know what you want and what's worth your effort. If her business can sustain her, why then bend low to spend more than she earns for a show? And the human race is funny, if she came to TV without a nice face beat, headlines would read, "Is Sheila going broke?" or "Truth revealed, Sheila can't afford the luxurious life anymore" ...blah blah.

Also, we all live within our means,  if I earn 100k and it solves my issues, well and good. If someone else earns 1.3m and that's what caters for their expenses, let it be! There are so many radio and TV presenters who actually don't even earn a penny, but they love the fame, if there are other avenues they earn from, no worries! 

The issue is TV fame puts you in a spot where you have to play a certain character and sometimes, you don't even earn enough to sustain that kind of lifestyle. So all in all, there are issues so many people shy away from even when they are being pressed really hard. If someone has finally brought it up, be grateful and fight for your worth!

Your ego doesn't pay bills and no one is bothered when you lie awake all night worrying about where to hire nice clothes at a discount. Let not your work demand more from you when it doesn't bridge up the gap at month-end.

Otherwise, thank you guys for turning up yet again and may we all know what we want and be bold enough to go get it. We live just once, i mean once! Enjoy your hustle if it pays you, if it doesn't widen your thinking and go for a catch, there is a whole lot of fish in the water!!!!

OUR ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY- BE PART OF MY JOY

Guys, can you believe it? It's been a full year of my little lovely creation and I taking on the world.

On the 5th of April 2019, I woke up feeling like I needed something, a project I would call my own.

I didn't have a million to do a small business, all I had was a flimsy thought of sharing my world with those that could find a minute's solace in the thoughts of a 25-year-old slender woman.
I put up my first blog post on patiepolly.blogspot.com. It was one of those days when I went to bed with utmost satisfaction for my effort and accomplishment.

Some dawns broke with lots of uncertainties and I didn't know what kind of content I would put out for the week, but thank God, my brain has not run dry yet and we haven't hit the rock bottom either. Those who write understand that sometimes, they want to give a mighty piece to readers but for some reason, they end up scribbling down a trashy jot and they have to start all over again.

I have written and published averagely 3 blog posts per month and you guys have journeyed with me all through. I bow before you, and thank you for being such an amazing audience. Thank you, everyone, for making my dreams a reality.

Thank you to all those who chipped in some blog ideas, those who constantly reminded me, "Patie, it's a Friday, where is the link?" Thank you for keeping me in check. Christopher, Cosmas, Ms. Nansubuga, hope, Penny, Elisha, Cathy, Alfred, Sharon, Vivian, Ronald, Simon, Stella, Momo, and all you anonymous reviewers, I am grateful.

Making gold milk for y'all

I must confess, it's been a bit bumpy especially towards the end of 2019, I got more responsibilities at work and somehow couldn't be consistent but it was all for the greater good. News Editing has been a dream of mine and when that door finally opened, I gave it my whole. So while I may not blog every week here, God is making greater things happen in my career. So please bear with me when everything else consumes me, don't worry I won't sell my soul to the whirlwind.

Mint is a semi climbing plant, I guess, I want to intertwine these

I know our lives have changed really drastically due to the Covid 19 situation but I'm thankful that I get to assure y'all, "there have been so many goods in this bad." You gotta find your "good".
I have been learning new stuff like baking and propagating plants. My peppermint baby is growing, giving me endless smiles every morning that I wake up to a new shoot. I'mma be enjoying mint tea soon, those who want a treat, make me a good buddy, haha.

My quarantine project

Always look at the brighter side, even in the seemingly dark pit. Even the greatest walls are bound to have cracks in them, look out for that Ray of light coming through, and keep your foot on the pedal, you will make it through, I promise.

Otherwise, people, thank you for being part of the Patie Polly's Take reality-ship and I hope to have you aboard, till the end of time. I love and appreciate y'all, stay safe.

MEET MY GREATEST LOVE

Happy Easter everyone. It's been quite a long kinda 'holiday' that somehow the excitement for Easter dwindled with every day that passed in this quarantine. I hope y'all are staying home and staying safe. Please check on your loved ones and reach out to those you haven't heard from for quite long, it's always a nice gesture and a refreshing moment.

I am sorry you guys, its been quite a minute minus any posts but all I can say is, I am well, and everything is going on, not really smoothly; it's been a bumpy ride for some good months now..work and other projects that take up almost every spare minute I always had, please bear with me.

So, who is your greatest love? And what makes them special to you? Well, considering its Easter, I thought I would share a few things I have come to learn and explore. Mundane and human as I am, I, just like many of you....yes, I'm winking at you, I know what you did last summer, haha, have been on a journey to finding true love and comfort, freedom and happiness.

Many a time, we have all searched for love and attention in all the wrong places; from people; boyfriends, girlfriends, family, ...we have also gone ahead to find the longings of our inner selves in things like money, a new phone, a new Arsenal or Liverpool jersey....shoutout to all Liverpool fans. 

Other times, we don't even have a human to talk to about what we feel and so drown our sorrow and confusion in a bottle of wine, beer (Ms Nansubuga, you have been quarantining with Guinness) or a massive platter of pork(I won't mention you guys here, haha) just to feel some kind of way about everything.

Quarantine got me wandering around Najjera, found a nice hedge!

But I bet more often than not, all we get is a short time of fun, comfort and a bit of that tipsy feeling that most of us like, when we are a little more happier, more jovial, more complete and don't let me mention the confidence we get, feeling like we can actually jump on top of a table and pull a sick move when we have even never stepped on the dance floor.

We use anything humanly possible to try and fill the void and yearning inside of us but this has been only but a wild goose chase for me. There comes a time or situation when you know very well that even if you had a chance to have the most fun intimate session with the crush of your life, a moment after that peak of excitement, you would still be sad, troubled and helpless. 

What then has been a refuge for me? There is someone, in whose presence I feel whole, never judged, loved like I would love to be, unshaken regardless of the size of the wave because baby, He's got the motion of the ocean under control. I pride in knowing that there is a power beyond all that we can see, a commander that brings all the strongest battalions to their knees and He, is the greatest love of my life.

We can joke all we want, hurt people to please our ego, use them for our needs and desires, inflict excruciating pain on others because we are more powerful than they are but darling, there comes a time when we all run to someone too, to Jesus, the greatest comforter and bearer of all our crosses. Sometimes I look up and say, thank you Lord for never giving up on me!

Allow me leave this here

I have, on many occasions been in so much trouble, worried to bits and on the verge of losing my faith, just like that moment in a flying dream, a split second before you fall off the edge of a cliff, and before I even realize, I am somehow back on my feet. 

I know we have all been there.....I KNOW THAT WAS YOU, LORD! Who else has done something evil and got away with it but after crossing that line, you are like, damn.... I am pretty sure that was you, Lord?

THE LONG WAIT TO RECEIVING BREAST CANCER SCREENING RESULTS

A few weeks into the 'Special Human Interest Projects' that I was working on together with my colleagues at office, I started developing a weird feeling about cancer; one of the topics we were meant to cover.

Here getting sun kissed, i am at peace now.

Since my puberty days, (gone are the years), I have always had intense breast tenderness and a bit of enlargement towards my periods. The pain of getting my bra off after a long day was and is always mild but noticeable.

I, however, didn’t give it much attention since it came for a week and wore away eventually. It was uncomfortable but bearable. And so I trudged on with life.

In mid February 2020, the pain and soreness became quite intense and driven by the much traumatizing data the reporter kept sending in, my head couldn’t rest.

From watching whatever videos of “How I found out I had cancer”, “Dealing with breast cancer” and more of the like, my nights had never been long! I didn’t want to tell my close friends and family, for a few reasons;

I didn’t know what and how to explain the feeling and two; I didn’t want them to worry about me.

Because it's a Friday!!

I remember telling one of my workmates that I needed to touch some other woman’s breasts so I could compare to mine: the feeling and how coarse the 'stuff' inside should feel.

After a few phone calls to my medic friends, Manzi Alfred; God bless his heart, recommended a certain hospital where someone would help me navigate through the initial process. I consulted the young lady named Josephine and she said I could go to the hospital any time.

On a cold Thursday in mid March, I made my visit to the government hospital. As expected, it’s an avalanche of patients coming in, others leaving with sad pitiful faces. I got to the waiting desk and sat still, careful of who sat close to, it being the Corona virus times.

After an hour of waiting, the doctor beckoned me in and asked me to sit. The squeaky chair rendered me nothing but more tension before the doctor abruptly told me to undress.

Much as I expected that, it was a whole new experience; someone exploring my breasts, squeezing tight and loose all the way, asking if I felt any pain on palpation. Of course there was a bit of pain!

A few minutes later, I answered some questions and she asked me to go have both breasts scanned. It was yet another time for my 'girls' to go loose from a flimsy sports bra that I had opted for that morning.

Lying on the small bed covered with a stuffed mattress, a cold substance of thick consistency touched my skin, all the way to the now hardened areola, and the scanning commenced. Feeling every bit in there, the doctor turned the monitor to my direction so I could follow up with the process.

Soon enough, he mentioned that some ducts in the breasts were swollen..but not enlarged to cause harm. Hesitant to make any response, I asked what the cause could be.

“Hormonal changes can bring about this, which is normal. I don’t see anything abnormal so I might as well conclude that your feeling is more psychological than physical,” he said.

I don’t know if I liked or loathed that statement, but I am certain it wasn’t a conclusion I hoped for. Nonetheless, I cleaned up, got my blouse back on and paid the fee. Slamming the door behind me, I clutched on to my report sheet that had a scan results photo attached to it and headed for the long lonely corridor exiting the facility.

I took back the report to the physician who had handled physical examination. She perused through the document and insisted I should do more check up because she “clearly felt some funny masses in the right breast.”

She asked me to get back on Wednesday of the following week, which is this very day. As I write this, I am seated on one of the long benches in the lobby, waiting for my turn to go see the specialist. It’s been two hours of waiting and the anxiety in me is flaring up.

This must be one of the days when I want to dive off to some paradise but just won’t because I need answers and however long it may take, I will handle the wait somehow. Hopefully, the results prove it’s nothing serious!

NOTE: GOOD NEWS!

I wrote the above piece while in the hospital. I am glad to say that I got the results after two other examinations from a breast specialist and some other doctor who cared; they said “WHATEVER YOU FEEL IN THERE, WE HAVE CONCLUDED THAT ITS NOT ABNORMAL AND WITH A FEW PAINKILLERS, THE PAIN AND SWELLING WILL GO AWAY. THERE IS NOTHING MUCH TO WORRY ABOUT.”

Again, this is such a relief! TO GO BE THE GLORY. To all those that called in, my dear workmates, family and friends, your emotional support was and still is a treasure to me, Thank you!

To all the females, oh..and males too out there, don’t take anything light, if your boobs feel a bit different from normal and the condition persists, please take the initiative and go get them checked. I love y’all so much and I want you safe. Catch you next time, Cheers to the good results.

JUST SAY YES!

Good morning beautiful people. It's been a hell of a time, a month, and some awful nights. I hope you are doing pretty fine. How is the corona wave taking you? Personally, it feels really awkward,..like a terrible situation we can only do much about.

Fridays are the best days!

But anyway, putting the miserable bits aside, i just want to bring you up to speed with something i have seen people do, or have done myself, "LETTING OPPORTUNITIES SLIP OFF OUR HANDS."

Now, for all i am certain, we many a times face the rough time of decision making. Either we are scared of what the outcomes of that particular choice might be or we are doubting ourselves as whether we are good enough or capable of making the dream or choice manifest. We fall back into the world of "what ifs" and we go back and forth, never moving forward.

Looking back at the numerous chances i ignored, i want to punish myself for saying no to the people who believed in me and knew that somehow i could be able to handle whatever it is that they put on my plate. I don't like the way i let myself and others down, for fear of not succeeding at the attempt.

But who says we must have everything in control? Who said we should embark on a project only if we know the proper way around? Who even cares if we are 'fit' for certain ventures or not? Well, after considering all the above, i want to ask myself and you my esteemed reader, to stop focusing on how things will end but rather TAKE A LEAP OF FAITH, SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY AND START!

Work without play........

A clear example is: When you are late for an appointment and you are rushing into a building you are not familiar with, when you get to the stairs, do you first jump to see if there is a door at the end of the staircase of do you take the first step and find out at the top?

Truly, YOU DON'T NEED TO SEE THE VERY LAST OF THE STAIRCASE, YOU ONLY NEED TO MOVE STEP BY STEP! Its just simple. When an opportunity comes, you don't really have to say no because you don't know how to implement the strategies to make it work; JUST SAY YES AND THEN DIG OUT ANY HELPFUL INFORMATION YOU CAN LAND ON.

Also, we usually say no to things simply because we are not familiar with them or how they operate. That, ladies and gentlemen, should stop henceforth. We all learn whatever we know now and its never too late for anybody to align themselves for something new. We all go to school, pursue certain courses but even when we are employed in the same sector, we require orientation and a bit of on-job training. Why then are we scared to learn new things?

It's okay to plan something but we are never sure whether it will go as planned. So, don't underestimate your capabilities, even when you are new to a certain field. JUST SAY YES AND GO FOR IT, the rest will either fall in or out of place, but then you will be able to forge a way forward, because you are IN IT!

Been taking care of my skin,...have you?

Otherwise people, i will be posting when i can. Life is getting way too busy too fast like i never thought it would so please bear with me. I still have lots to offer. And you, my darlings still have lots to laugh about, with me. I am working on certain 'special projects' at www.chimpreports.com and when they are out, you will have a taste of what i and other great men and women have been investing our time and efforts in; REAL PEOPLE, REAL ISSUES, REAL STORIES!

I love y'all, take extra care of yourselves, wash your hands and abstain from close body contacts, we all need to be safe. This corona virus ain't a joking subject. UPDATE: Kenya has confirmed its first corona virus case so, be on the lookout for any info that trickles in. I am also scared here,...haha....but i am trusting the heavens that it will all be well.

LOST SLEEP THINKING OF YOU!

Missing you gets easier every day, even if i'm one day later from the last time i saw you, i'm pretty sure that i'm still one day sooner, to the next time i will meet you.

Giving You all of me!!

Welcome aboard the Valentine's Day blog y'all. Happy freaking Val'z! I'm excited for all the lovers, and i hope that this day brings you nothing but happiness and new beginnings. Truth is, as i laid quiet on my bed last night, i started thinking about what i had to chat about with you today.

I didn't put up a post last Friday because,..life can take turns that no one ever imagines. It's not anything bad, i am just overwhelmed at how God's mercy can transform our lives. There is a time in my life when i didn't have responsibilities, or even worry much about my input in most of the things.

Right now, however, it is all a different story guys. I get busy sometimes and i feel guilty about giving you some random drafts of writings,...that's not on my agenda. So if i miss posting, please bear with me, i wouldn't love for you to think that i'm getting lazy or walking out on you!

You guys have been the best audience i have had to chat with and if i'm being honest, i look forward to hearing from each one of you every Friday, it gives me joy. This, however, has proved not to be as i envisioned it so, i hope you can accept the changes that may come along.

As years go by, we attain more responsibilities but time is never doubled so, we have to create invisible minutes to keep up with all that's on our plates. I know you guys are busy too, but i hope once in a while, we can catch up on stuff right here, just like it was at the very beginning.

So, i have decided that i will be posting once every fortnight, and also introduce you to something new that i'm about to set my hands on. How about a YouTube Channel where we can enjoy some visuals? Let me know what you think about that. A podcast wouldn't be a bad idea but i know the era we are in and about to have will largely consume everything visual and less of the writing or even the audio bit.

Been here feeling good.

I wanna keep the pace,...with you, and share much more with you! Otherwise, have a fruitful fun day and catch you later. I'm always thinking of you guys,...thanks for sticking by.
Love you, bye!

MEET THE YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS

On 31st December, 2019, i shifted to a new place of residence and like you can imagine, i didn't have any buddies for some good weeks. Getting to know people can be hard at times especially for fellas like myself who rarely look at strangers in the face.

From left; Jamila, Shadia and Florence

Well, a month in, on a calm Tuesday evening, i was in the living room snaking on daddies when i heard a knock on my door. I was reluctant to open since i was sure i don't have friends nor prior arrangements for any visitors. I swallowed the last chunk and washed it down with the remaining mouthful of Mirinda Apple, swished a bit and headed for the door.

While i made the last button-up on my shirt (cheers to all those who get lousy the moment you get home from work, i love the freedom it brings), i peeped to check who it was. One, two...three, i was the sniper of the day! Three beautiful girls were standing off the veranda and so i opened to find out what the 'courtesy visit' was all about.

Fast forward, i got to meet and chat with three young souls; Florence, Shadia and Jamila. Flo was probably the most shy, followed by Jamila and then Shadia. These three girls are all holiday makers, Flo and Shadia are enjoying their S4 vacation. Jamila is seating S6 this year. So here is the gist for the visit y'all.

While i sat there and did less of everything in my Senior Four vacation, these girls are nothing but hard working. They had brought me samples of their DIY (Do It Yourself) or lets call them home-made rugs, that they are selling. I also got to learn that they can personalize the rugs depending on a customer's preference for size, shape and material.

Each rug, small size goes for 4000shs and the double piece 8000. I must say i loved their idea and i can confirm that i am already a customer. We all need that simple rug that we can sit on while we do our simple pedicures or for those of us who don't like feeling the cold floor as we hop out of the shower, this is the perfect piece.

One of the rug samples, this goes for 4k

Our one hour conversation zeroed in on the girls asking me to help market their  product, which i said yes to right away. Its the same reason i am writing all this so you guys can place your orders. There is nothing important like lifting a person who is trying to start up something. They need encouragement and financial support.

So i am appealing to you, to please reach out, its just 4000,...men, those things of sitting your ass down on a bare veranda while you clean your shoes on a Sunday morning,..come on, you can have this. I will do the delivery.

Bigger size goes for 8k

Now someone might be like,...ummmhh...ummmhhh....No, even that ka chair you sit on while frying your veggies could feel more comfortable with a piece of rug on it so, lets support my young friends; the future businesswomen! We can do it, can't we, Team?? Call or whatsapp me on 0752187021.

I'm waiting for y'all  and let's support the people around us, its a new year, new decade, we can be a stepping stone for someone without losing nothing. Don't you feel good when you do an act of kindness towards a certain cause or person? I do, and i believe it's what humanity should be about.

And this is my sunset shot, taken three days ago, somewhere in Najjera!

Catch you later guys and do take care of your selves. Also, if anybody knows where i can access mammogram services, please let me know. I wanna get checked, thanks.

IN LOVE WITH A CRIMINAL!

Hello and welcome back to yet another interesting blog. So last year, i happened to meet someone who has atleast 50 % of the same likes and hobbies like me.  It was in those rare and not the best circumstances to meet a person who would later be so meaningful to you.

Love, Lies, Crime, Passion all in between two covers!

While we recruited some new people at my place of work, it was a huge number and we decided that only those who are competent would stay. This girl(who is now my good buddy) was still a student but she took up the chance and was retained.

Due to busy schedules with school and stuff,....or for reasons best known to her,...she didn't keep up and somehow i was asked to let her know that unfortunately, she wouldn't be with us anymore. It was heartbreaking for me, because i personally understood her since we had  some stuff in common. She is an excellent passionate writer and she loves wrestling, just like i do..ulululu. See, there is always a good in every bad, if that makes sense.

After giving her the bad news, she seemed not so bothered and i figured out i would talk to her some more. I asked her if we could still be friends even when the work situation had gone south, she said, "sure, ofcourse, we will keep in touch."

Prossy Nansubuga, my other favorite writer

Days later, i learnt that she is running an e-book and i was dying to read it! Ladies and gentlemen, Ms Prossy Merilyn Nansubuga introduced me to some terrific character, a one Mayson Ssimbwa in her book, "MINE, YOURS" and i have grown fond of him ever since till the last chapter.

Being born an identical twin to a brother- Elijah Ssimbwa, came with some highs and lows. Mayson is an established and smart defense lawyer whose prominence reaches 'far lands.' Like any other man, he has his routine cravings for women, only that his level of 'man-hoeing' is so outlandish! He has mastered the one night stand ishh just like he has, the art of saving his criminal clients.

Also, being a twin brother, Elijah figured out he could use Mayson's assistance in keeping his marriage together. Mayson was the right person to keep Mia(Elijah's woman) company while he(Elijah) made his rounds with the patients. Elijah is a seasoned doctor.

This wasn't a bad idea until Mayson forgot his manners in his bathroom and brought his defense tactics into Mia's bedroom, devouring her, just like he did the prosecution, during Noelle's case. You don't wanna have these pictures in your head, just grab the book and go in right ahead.

Them Bad Bougie Bitch looks

This night was the beginning of yet another scandal that went on in the Ssimbwa family, silently but violently, seeing Mayson plead guilty to the assassination of one of his ex girlfriends, rather one night stand partners,....and a mother to his daughter. Just like you, everyone wondered how a lawyer like Mayson could go down minus putting up a fight.

Fast forward, if you think Mayson was one to die like a bug under a shoe, you are wrong and likewise, while Elijah might seem like the holy grail, there is more to him than just a man who can poison his babymama and a child too.

Oh, and never be fooled that a woman can't tell her husband apart from his identical twin brother, but why did Mia let Mayson screw her like there was no tomorrow? Wondering how this came about? GO READ THE BOOK! Wattpad has got you covered and also its only $9.99 for the Kindle version if you wanna support a sister.

Who said i would leave all the spotlight to Prossy? HAHA

As for me, i am team Mayson all the way, and i love his character despite his way too many flaws. If you think its impossible to love a criminal, ask yourself how the Stockholm Syndrome came about. I'm out, see you next Friday and checkout my girl's book, you will love it, i promise.

LOVE WINS; MEET THE BYARUHANGAS

Hello everybody and welcome back to the blog guys! Hope y'all are doing okay and you had a good time during the holidays. Glad i'm back from my break too,....haha, seemed like forever, but anyways, WELCOME ABOARD another decade of breakthroughs, prosperity and a new beginning to a great life.

Mr &Mrs Byaruhanga

Greetings aside, i wanna bring you up to speed with how my holiday rolled on like crazy, and the love story of a person so dear to me; Ladies and gentlemen, my darling brother Hope Byaruhanga...drum roll please...!

On the 14th of December, 2019, Hope and Doreen(my sister in-law) said I DO to each other, on a day whose sun shone a little more brighter, the winds blew a bit more gently and if I am being honest, everybody's emotions got a little 'boil' than the usual. People were being nice to one another-even those whose ego is usually their first name!

Now, as everybody clutched to their breasts, at a church service attended by a few selected friends and family, my sister-in-law to be, gazed up at my brother who looked a bit more handsome than usual, and said, TO FOREVER WITH YOU! Hope, whose grinning face sparkled more than just love and admiration, radiated nothing but a feeling of being COMPLETE and some other powerful aura that seemed to have the ability to smash down the universe!

To have, to hold, to cherish, Till death do us part

I, and the other five bridesmaids sat still, bouquets close to our chests as we witnessed the most powerful moment in the lives of two enchanting lovers. As for me, it was different, apart from feeling weird about being in a long burgundy dress, there are hot tears that stung my eyes every now and then but i couldn't let them fall, just so i didn't have to explain my unruly emotions that got the best of me to people.

Such an amazing soul! Blessing

Also, being in company of beautiful girls like Blessing,Praise, Evelyn, Brenda and the other one whose name was too tricky for me to get, was a different feeling. I didn't know how to behave!!!
Was i supposed to talk about wrestling(that i enjoy) or just listen to whatever convo they introduced?

I got that bump on my ass, damnn, third from left.

Well, fast forward; we had a photo session and headed to the reception after church. Then came my worst segment of all parties! I don't enjoy dancing, later on to songs like "Sema asante by Yemi Alade" which suited the moment, it being a 'born again' event. "It's your wedding day" is that one song that won't miss at a wedding party, and so we danced to that too, damnnnnn!

No comment

Fast forward, again, haha....i had to give a speech, since i'm the one and only sister to the groom and while i did so, a minute in, i started crying,.....and Spear, my young brother held my hand, in a reassuring manner so i calmed down. I lifted my dress and back to my seat i moved. A one Blessing, asked me, "Did you get that speech off head?" To which i replied,"yes" and she said,"i love you more for that." Ulululu, someone hold my mule!!

Your girl was in a dress for the second time in 2019

Long story short, i now have a sister that i never had growing up and guys, you gotta wait for my wedding.....if it ever happens,...probably in 2023,...and as usual, i will spill the tea myself! I hope you enjoy this, probably revisit memories of a wedding you attended. Otherwise, i will see you again next Friday and i promise to be consistent.

Hiatus is done!  Who is wedding soon so i can cover their event???

HAPPY HOLIDAYS Y'ALL, 20TENS ARE OVER!

It's the most beautiful time of the year, Lights fill the streets spreading so much cheer....well, we all love that, don't we?

Like you, i'm also grateful that i get to see yet another December, the last December of the Decade, how cool is that?

Have a beautiful beautiful holiday season.

With so much happening in the world; the weather catastrophes, the endless political drama, people dying of hunger, families tearing apart,..and so on, WHO AM I THAT I AM STILL HERE, FULL OF LIFE AND EVERYTHING?

Maybe we have encountered rough days and sleepless nights have been expended, but all that matters and the single reason we should be thankful to heavens is the GIFT OF THE PRICELESS LIFE! Satisfied or not, we have to celebrate the little that we have accomplished this year and the much we hope to get done with as the year winds up.

Oh, before i forget, DID YOU KNOW WE ARE COMPLETING YET ANOTHER DECADE? Yap, the 2010s are over! Yo, we're only getting older, and i have been thinking about it lately. Does it ever drive you crazy, JUST HOW FAST THE NIGHT CHANGES?

As odd as it sounds, me and my generation, the ones that luckily made it to the surface of the wide wild world in the 1990s.....oh mehnnn, that even sounds so freakin old, we are now responsible people, we are out of our parents' nests (oh, sorry if you are still washing family dishes), we now have to bend low for our bosses not teachers and lecturers, we set alarms to rush and catch a taxi to work not be late for the annoying Media ethics lecture,....blah blah

DO YOU LIKE THE CHANGE?

Personally, I sure do! I love all this that is turning around. Even when i am not excited about X-mas anymore, well, because i spend my own money not my dad's.....i like it all, and i hope you embrace it too and make it work, somehow!

From me to you, happy holidays.

I want this as short as it can be, because i have lots of stuff to attend to. I know you too are handling something. My bills are still pending, have you cleared yours? Haha, i am off to make smart calculations, you know,...December expenses are calling. I hope you plan wiser this time.

Alright, i want to wish y'all the best of the holiday season, go be with the people you love, LOVE THEM IMMENSELY and let them know they have space in your heart. Those stuck in toxic situationships, i hope God will give you a clear path out of the maze. Go have fun, drink if you wanna, its time to get 'WASTED' because we deserve the break!

While on break, i will be doing more of these shots!

As for me and my house: Patie Polly's Take, we are on hiatus till January 2020! I have put up 31 blog posts this year, i thank you for the unending support and hope to see you, when we usher in 2020. I love you all and wish you nothing but the ABSOLUTE BEST OF EVERYTHING.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYBODY, HUGS X KISSES.

YOUNG, DUMB AND BROKE!

What's the 'brokest' thing you have ever done?

Hello and welcome back to the blog guys. How have you been? Hope everybody is fine. So today, i have been kinda busy and i didn't prepare something for us, but hey, i thought we could do some chit chat here and there.

A little sun-kissed.

Have you ever been broke? Yeah...(In Jay-Z voice) I know you have ever been to that BROKECITY. I have been there, so many times. If we are being honest, there are somethings we do while we are dead broke and when we get some ka money, we look back and we are like; really, was that me? Did i exactly do that? And so on...

A friend told me she was broke and her tissue at home was gaming so when she hang out somewhere,..she legit carried the toilet tissue roll from the hotel washrooms. So just in case you thought its easy, its not, dealing with brokeness is hardddd!

Another friend of mine confessed to packing a chicken thigh in her napkin (because she couldn't ask for a foil since it was her little secret). You know that situation where someone takes out for some expensive dinner and you wish they could just give you even half of the money they are gonna pay?

But you can't say nothing because not everyone we dine with has necessarily to know our inside issues. If it has happened to you, you know exactly how it feels the following day when you only have a piece of chapati for breakfast.

Okay, lets now get up close and personal. Recently, like two months ago, i was dead ass broke. So, i plan my transportation for the day to and from work. It should cost me 4k or 4500 utmost. On that fateful day however, taxi's were scarce so we paid 1500 from Wandegeya to Ntinda. That's 500 extra on my usual budget.

Some more of me for you!

My head had to brainstorm for answers as to how i would make it back home. So, i work in Kiwatule and here is the thing; From Ntinda to Kiwatule awo nga ku bridge, its 500. Beyond that, you will likely pay 1000. So i tell this conductor that i have 500 paka awo nga ku PK Supermarket.

PK is close to my work place but not near enough. So i expected these guys to get me beyond PK atleast. To my deep disappointment, this conductor was as keen as an eagle. We approached PK and i heard; "Masawo, waliwo avaayo"! Whattttt? So, i couldn't argue, i got my sorry ass out of the taxi,...sort of picked my phone as if to make a call,...straightened my hair ..looked around...and the taxi sped off.

Damn,,,,now i had to move all the way down to my destination. I was angry but satisfied, because i had saved 500 to top up on my transport home.

So folks, if you are being honest, what is the brokest thing you have ever done? I know it's mid month so you could have even done some broke thing or stunt today, let's share and have some fun.
Till next Friday darlings, take good care of your selves. Hydrate and cheer up!

HOW COMPATIBLE IS YOUR BLOOD TYPE TO YOUR PARTNER'S?

Hello everybody, it’s Patie again bringing you yet another important health chat. It's been long minus having this kinda post but i thought this could be an eye opener to somebody out there.

I hope you are doing fine, if you are dealing with something not quite pleasant, i send my love and best wishes to you. Get well soon darling! 

Today i want to bring you up to speed with an issue that most people especially here in Uganda and Africa at large don't consider vital, yet it is. This is about the Blood type system and the Rhesus factor system and how they could possibly affect your relationship.

You gotta know your blood group guys!

Now, i know for a fact that many of you guys out there do not even know what your blood type is. This is in no way meant to make you feel some kinda way, it's a fact that we can't shy away from and it’s not good, at all. You probably haven't had a chance or even reason to know it. I too, didn't know mine till i was 12 years.

I will cut straight to the chase; this is going to be particularly about people with the Rhesus Negative blood type. Since i don't have huge insecurities about stuff, i will let you in....i'm AB Negative! For a fact, this is considered the rarest blood type with only 0.6% of the world's population while AB Positive is 3.4% I'm unique guys, hahaha.

People with AB blood inherited an A gene from one parent and a B gene from the other. Based on the underlying number of people in the A and B blood types, the odds of that particular combination happening are simply lower than any other possibility.

With this rare occurrence comes some bits of complications such as which person can donate to you and health issues relating to pregnancy and child birth as a whole.

Here is who you can donate to or receive blood from, take note!

Usually, the blood type system goes hand in hand with the rhesus system therefore knowing your blood type helps you know the rhesus stand. Some people carry the Rhesus D and therefore Rh Positive while some like myself don't and therefore Rh Negative. (I will not get into much details because it’s a wide and complex topic) 

I just want to create awareness about some health risks that we can prevent. If you are interested in knowing more, you can do an extensive google reading.

There is something called Rhesus Incompatibility which is plainly when a mother-to-be and father-to-be are not both positive or negative for Rh factor. If a woman who is Rh negative and a man who is Rh positive conceive a baby, the fetus may have Rh positive blood, inherited from the father. (About half of the children born to an Rh-negative mother and Rh-positive father will be Rh-positive.)

Rh incompatibility usually isn't a problem if it's the mother's first pregnancy. That's because the baby's blood does not normally enter the mother's circulatory system during the pregnancy.

During the birth, however, the mother's and baby's blood can mix. If this happens, the mother's body recognizes the Rh protein as a foreign substance. It then might begin making antibodies (proteins that act as protectors if foreign cells enter the body) against the Rh protein.

Rh-negative pregnant women can be exposed to the Rh protein that might cause antibody production in other ways such as via blood transfusions with Rh-positive blood so pregnant mothers ought to be careful and their medical personnel too.

With your rhesus factor position, here is which blood you can receive

When Is a Baby at Risk?

Rh antibodies are harmless until the mother's second or later pregnancies. If she is ever carrying another Rh-positive child, her Rh antibodies will recognize the Rh proteins on the surface of the baby's blood cells as foreign. Her antibodies will pass into the baby's bloodstream and attack those cells.

This can make the baby's red blood cells swell and rupture. This is known as hemolytic or Rh disease of the newborn. It can make a baby's blood count get very low.

How Is Rh Incompatibility Treated?

If a pregnant woman has the potential to develop Rh incompatibility, doctors give her a series of two Rh immune-globulin shots during her first pregnancy. She'll get:

• The first shot around the 28th week of pregnancy
• The second shot within 72 hours of giving birth

Rh immune-globulin acts like a vaccine. It prevents the mother's body from making any Rh antibodies that could cause serious health problems in the newborn or affect a future pregnancy.

In rare cases, if the incompatibility is severe and a baby is in danger, the baby can get special blood transfusions called exchange transfusions either before birth (intrauterine fetal transfusions) or after delivery. 

Exchange transfusions replace the baby's blood with blood with Rh-negative blood cells. This stabilizes the level of red blood cells and minimizes damage from Rh antibodies already in the baby's bloodstream.

Here is how Intrauterine fetal blood transfusion is done(to the unborn baby ofcourse)

This comes at a cost which might not be affordable for every ordinary person and that's the reason i emphasize being open minded to learning something new every day. Who knows this very blog could lighten up something for your understanding.

Now folks, i didn't bring this up to scare nobody, i just want us to be aware of these things. Sometimes a couple fails to get children or have miscarriages, stillbirths or even sometimes give birth to very weak children and sicklers.

In the African setting, we would say, the lady or man was bewitched,...the in-laws don't wish them well or something of the sort. Actually, some of these myths and misconceptions can be explained scientifically and solved.

An approximate count of world wide blood group distribution

So, my dear readers, be WOKE! Before you meander to some spiritual healer to get kids, first have your situation analyzed by the right doctors. Oh, i'm a believer so i will say, talk to God about stuff because clearly he is the one keeping even those fake wizards of yours alive.

I hope this article was helpful to you and I’m awaiting your comments down below. If you have something that you would like to see in the next blog, please let me know. I would even catch a grenade for you my esteemed readers.  That’s how much I appreciate your support guys, thank you!

INFO CREDIT: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/rh.html