STORY TIME: MY HUSTLE: LIFE AS A BAR CASHIER

They say when you adore the roses, you should be in position to bear with the thorns too. A little over 4 years ago, my desire for independence drove me to do a lot of things. In my yearning to be an independent woman, i knew that to achieve part of that, i had to be financially stable.

I was in my second year doing Journalism and Mass communication and somehow, i found myself in dire need of extra money, leave alone the ka 20k, 30k that usually popped in when daddy was at his best after a 'saying hello call from me' or mum wanted to make my day on a weekend.

A friend of mine who was a cashier at a certain club around Wandegeya took me through her usual days' schedule and well, i thought i would also adopt the afternoon-night shift at the club. I presented my fair CV and got the job, thank God! The club had three counters/cashier cabins and i was to take up one. I must say, i was nervous about the whole thing but being the go getter that i am, the night shift wouldn't hurt that bad, would it?

I remember the afternoon of my first day at work,...clad in a pink top and brown baggy trousers, a cross bad hanging loose on my shoulder as i followed my boss around the work station. I had never been surrounded by so much alcohol!!! A medium counter, two refrigerators, a bottle shelf, a ginormus TV set and bar stools composed my then soon to be daily spot.

Stock taking is a cashiers number one activity when you get to work. You wanna know how many beers, sodas, wines, water and energy drinks you have before the waitresses and waiters start to make orders. You also have to check for what brands or kinds you might need to stock more for the day so the supplier is notified. 

Anyways, when i was done noting down the starting stock, the boss turned and as she left my cabin, she said i should be vigilant, "some girls will steal from you, i don't want you to make losses."

I didn't know exactly what that meant but it sounded more than just a warning. I pulled my stool and sat, cross-legged, overlooking the counter as i waited for waitresses' orders. The girls were a bit kind, i didn't get bullied, save for one girl who was thrice my size; she popped in with a piece of pork in her hand, chewing so loudly that i cringed for a split second.

With no greeting, she asked if i was the new cashier, to which i replied "yeah". "Tomanyi Luganda?" was her next question to which i smiled off. She then leaned forward to sort of "check me out" and before i readied myself for another of her annoying queries, she was in my face, "are you even allowed to be here? Oh, my god, you are so tiny, how old are you?"

At that point, my phone rang and someone was basically notifying me that our media ethics course work submission had been preponed! I was panicking! The big girl in front of me asked if i was done with school, "no, not yet" i said. She blabbered and off she went, giving me a minute to breathe at my own pace.

Fast forward, we closed off at 1 am that Wednesday night and i went home amidst fright. I had made a shortage of 4500 but i had been tipped 20k by some drunk Kenyan students who kept me busy at the counter. I felt like i wanted to resign immediately because of what i had experienced. People despise bar maids, look at them in a sexual-driven manner, treat them like their lives don't matter at all and some men go ahead to use them for their pleasure!

I was a student, trying to figure out life, i didn't know if i would be able to smile at such people if they offended me. But, day by day, i got used to the environment, made friends with the girls, got people who liked to jazz with me at my counter and generally adopted to the night job. 

I made losses almost everyday, but on lucky days, my tips were enough to drain the sorrow. After all, i had gone there to make money!! We were paid 40k per week and we got 5k per day for transport facilitation. I worked, studied and resided in Wandegeya so the 5k always catered for other things. I had one 'off day' in a week. 

Juggling school and work wasn't easy, but it was worth it. This job got me some of the households i wanted- i had just moved in with myself and i needed all the money i could get. My parents never really got to know about this job until later when i told my mum about it. It wasn't something a parent could go 'cool' about but there was no option. I hope daddy never reads this because he has never known.

Fast forward, ....some days were okay, others were really horrible. Sometimes i cried under the counter, other times i went partying after working. It was always one of the extremes, either really happy or really sad. I got to meet some amazing people, well as i bumped into the most weird assholes. Sometimes i had issues with the waitresses, customers and the bosses alike.

The Floyd Mayweather Manny Pacquiao Fight

The day of this fight was something i have never come to comprehend. I spent 24 hours working non stop. I had a 9-11 am lecture which i attended and then headed to work. I always reported for work at 1pm. Usually, Monday to Thursday were less busy so we always closed of at 1 or 2 am. Fridays and Saturdays were trans-night shifts.

On this particular day, i made sales of 2.9m something. My counter was the smaller one of the three so this was huge. The other two doubled my sales. People flooded the bar hours before the fight and stayed till morning. Others came as per usual and i didn't even have space to go get my face 'woken up'. Every corner of the Casablanca hangout was full.

At around 2am, we increased the price of beer to 5000 from 3500, people bought everything. We had to call our supplier for an emergency delivery of more beer. The after fight music was so loud, the place looked merrier and the drunk customers tipped me like never before. I went home with around 90k.

The last person left my cabin at 7:47 am, i stretched my arms, galloped the last bit of my smirnoff red, stuffed my tips in my bag and switched off everything. It was a tiring but good day, or night i should say.

Long story short;

I worked at this bar/club for close to eight months and decided to quit. I had not got another job but i was tired of the late night shift. Fortunately, i had earned myself a solid start of what i wanted and even when the quitting came after a bit of fights with my immediate boss, it was long overdue. 

What i want people to know is, that not everybody who works in such places is a prostitute, its not that they don't have a future and certainly, its not like they are less of human beings. From this job, i learned to respect every person's hustle. I learned to tip people-when i can, i learned to be a good person towards every worker in whichever category.

Why? Because i know what it means to be disrespected at your job, i know the fear that comes with losing a job because you stuck to your principles and certainly, i know the life of a bar maid. That's the reason, when i hang out, i wanna say hello to the person serving me, be nice to them, smile with them and remind them that there is still a kind soul who values their work. You, yes you, should try it too, you really should.

Alright people, i'mma stop here, but i want to remind everybody that your hustle is yours and you don't have to be ashamed of it. The people you feel like shouldn't see you at your work place don't deserve you! In the end, you are really trying to get something for yourself, not to beg any fuckin body so go ahead and hustle! When it's all over, you will smile at yourself for having done so.

Let me know the kinda hustle you ever did and felt like you are a bad ass bitch or a bad ass son of your mother! I love you guys, so much. Thanks for the unwavering support.

JUNE 30: ANOTHER YEAR, ANOTHER BLESSING!

When i was younger, probably 10 or 8, i wanted to be a grown woman, so bad that i, on many occasions, envied our maid; living an independent life, making personal decisions, earning her money and in a different way, i loved and admired the freedom she had in pursuing her love life.

Rhonet, if u see this, here are my eyebrows!

I wanted to be able to wake up, decide on what i am going to wear, make phonecalls, make plans, be a boss, create an empire, make rules and watch over my life!

I wanted to be independent, its all i really ever wanted; to clean my house whenever i felt like, (my dad used to do random checks in our bedrooms and shame those with unkempt beds at breakfast) i wanted my personal space, i wanted to walk around with flimsy ragged pieces of clothing,....all that grown up-ish, WITHOUT NOBODY INTERFERING in my damn business.

But above all my freedom needs, i wanted to experience the feeling of being in love, being loved, and having to love somebody. When Hope(my elder brother) started dating, i was always excited to tip toe into his bedroom, shut the door and dive into all the love letters he had received, and the drafts he wrote but never sent. It always elevated my mood. I loved the whole concept of loving, dating and everything that came along.

In my Primary Six, i happened to fall in love! Ululululu,....i am tearing up as i write this, because it feels as fresh and surreal, just like it was so many years ago. How it happened and how it ended is a whole other story,....infact, it survived for up to like three years! That was a huuuuuge achievement you guys! And i will leave it at that.

But the memory of my first kiss is one that lightens up my day, when the sky is more grey than blue. It's an ever-fixed landmark in the initiation of a girl into womanhood. It was warm, mint-fresh and relaxed. It was a moment. A feeling that gives me tingles even now that jot this down,.....banange PG 10+! I would like to hear about you guys' first kiss experiences, if u don't mind sharing.

Fast forward, tomorrow June 30, i will be adding another year to my already grown self. My mid twenties are rolling away in a flash of a split second, but i have never been happier my whole life, like i am at the idea of growing, maturing, and making every dream of mine come true!

I write this as a dedication to me and the dreams that i have seen manifest right in front of me, from the torn pages of my 2007 notebook, and all the years i could only think about a life i have now. And i dedicate it to all the people who are embracing themselves and carrying their heads straight on their shoulders, living their youthful years with pride and utmost fun.

Where are all the June babies @?

I am grateful that i have witnessed all the changes i ever wanted and a bit of those that came with growing up. I have lived alone since 2013, i have worked- earned, made plans, but i haven't become a boss yet though, haha. I have created a little empire for myself and my raging thoughts and i have a lovely audience that makes my dream manifest every other day. Thank you so much guys, for being part of this.

I wanted to date, to love,.....i have done that, so much that it feels a bit odd for me not love or be loved. I have had all the good and ugly encounters in my many relationships and life is much more sweeter today, knowing that my current relationship is very healthy, happy and fulfilling. I have done all the crazy things i ever wanted to, clubbing till 5 am, crazy house parties, romantic get aways, being able to support other people financially in my little capacity, gifting my parents and loved ones, taking solid steps in my career and all that.

When i look back at all the years that the heavens have blessed me with, i see nothing but favor. And as i usher myself into yet another year, I look forward to doing more crazy shit, and living life with a purpose. If there is one thing that we can't have back, no matter how much we can offer to buy, its our youth. Therefore, i will choose to have every thing done now, so when i am aged, i don't want to carry regret and sad stories with me. I want to be a little vibrant granny(If God so blesses me with that too).

She is a grown ass woman!

The advice i would give to that little girl in primary five with dreams so big they outshone her then present life, is to take it day by day, one step after another. I was impatient to be who i am today, it has taken me years of making mistakes, causing people pain, messing up my parents and breaking hearts of those who had pure intentions for me, but i threw everything away, hurrying to catch up,...i don't know with what. But one thing i am sure of is, IT WAS ALL WORTH IT!

The late night calls that went on for hours- earning me punishments from daddy the next morning,..the narrow escapades that filled my holiday seasons but brought me trouble with my parents, the little and big heartbreaks those boyfriends of mine brought, ..... it was all worth it! I don't regret a thing, because everything that was lined up in my path, led me to the ME that i am today.

Happy Birthday Dear self, Patie! Oh, in advance, until tomorrow 7 pm, hold up the excitement, darling.

Who is partying with me??????????????????

MY FIRST TIME IN KAMPALA: EPISODE TWO

A CHALLENGE A DAY, KEEPS PATIE AWAKE, BUT SO DOES LOVE!

So, due to an overwhelming demand that i couldn't possibly ignore, i will give y'all a part two of the story. Your reactions to last week's blog were hard to neglect, everyone literally noticed that the piece was incomplete! I had comments from various people asking me for part two, or a mini series of the whole thing-which i'm still thinking about. Others told me to ask the guy who distracted me, to STOP, haha.

For starters, i want you to know that 2013 was a huge transition for me, from a kinda naive girl who had just completed senior four in a single school on the Catholic hill of Nyamitanga, a girl who had VIRTUAL boyfriends from Chaapa, Ntare, Jovoc, Muntuyera...well, they were 'Number-Mates' who, after sometime i grew fond of and eventually attached my freaking love feelings, emotions and fantasies to. Don't worry, they reciprocated the same, haha.

So, the hostel where i resided had both genders; boys on the lower floor section and girls on the upper. It was a kind of free range system where animals moved freely without anybody peeking on their business. It was some kind of a new thing to experience.

Some of your comments

This one night, during the second week of the semester, i lost sleep, like i always do, so i decide to move to the balcony to catch air.

While i leaned on the cold metallic rail whose paint was wearing off, i turned to the corner at the far end of the balcony where two lovers were enjoying a moment. While my head reasoned out that i should take a french leave, my heart was wrestling against all odds- putting a weight on my feet and keeping me glued in one spot. Now, you can call me a nerd or whatever, but i actually stayed, since they weren't bothered anyway.

At 2 am, after 47 minutes of bizarre stares that i kept stealing at the couple, i thought i was ready to move away. To go get a life! But i probably wasn't. I hadn't recognized the male figure, whose hands caressed the girl's back in a tight embrace they were sharing. For some reason my heart was enjoying my awkward stay at that particular spot where, in my damn head, i was loving the fact that two people can be in love, create memories that can last a life time and care not about a stranger, who just couldn't break free from the bondage of being an unintentional third wheel.

The girl sort of pushed the guy aside, whose fully built physique outshone the flimsy excuse of the grey vest he wore, creating a bit of distance between them before she leaned forward, raising to her fore toes as she threw, (like literally threw) her lean body with a subtle thrust on to this long muscular torso whose shape fit perfectly the description of a guy i had only read about in a romantic novel-That Old Devil Moon. I gazed at the empty road, trying to be less weird, only to be interrupted by the careless whisper that escaped their mouths as they kissed ever so passionately.

This was kinda savage!

I wasn't sure of anything anymore, whether i was seeing this happen, or if i was just having a fantasy dream. The metal rail had become warm then, it didn't feel cold anymore, i wanted to leave, honestly, but i wanted to stay too, curiously. To be the eye witness to this lovely moment that not even Leonardo DiCaprio would recreate as perfectly as it was manifesting before my eyes.

These two came through too.

Time check; 2:55 am, and my world was still rolling. The lovers were standing still, his chin lowered onto her neck, both staring into space. They didn't talk, their bodies, i think, were taking over the role entirely. I might have lost sense of time and everything else, before my silly phone slipped of my hands, free falling carelessly on to the floor. I crouched forward to pick the phone when i caught a glance at four feet heading for the corridor, hand in hand, his arm wound tightly at her waist as they swayed off.

I squatted, and for the first time, i touched my cheeks- rock cold, it was 3 am and the nightly winds didn't spare me. I know you thinking i was a jerk or something, didn't mind my business, but i had a reason. Actually, i got to recognize this guy when she pushed him. His long jawline and clear temples weren't unknown to me. We had attended the 'radio presentation' lecture together.

He stood out in some kinda way and i guess i was starting to maybe like him or something. If i am being honest, he fit the physical fantasies i ever wanted to encounter. But here i was, seeing him with some girl. I didn't even know if they had dated for long- i was new, a fresher sort of. I was naive and i usually lived with my heart and used less of my head when it came to such spheres of life.

I grew sad,....sad that he was a taken guy, and there would never be a chance, EVEN WHEN I KNEW CLEARLY THAT HE DIDN'T EVEN KNOW ABOUT MY MERE EXISTENCE. My situation was silly, sad, irrational and all the above. How would i even ever explain to somebody that i was falling for someone with whom i had even never talked? Silly, right? Bottom line is;

IT WAS OVER BEFORE IT EVEN BEGAN. My relationship status, instead of being: IN A RELATIONSHIP  to IT'S COMPLICATED then probably to SINGLE AGAIN,...it just flipped at once: Single to Single Again,...in one night. It was complicated before it had a chance to be and i didn't wait to let my heart hoover around in what never really was, after two months, it was "IN A RELATIONSHIP WITH SOMEONE WHO REALLY EXISTED!"

Let me know about your silly love fantasies,.....that was one of mine, when i still had an inch of a 'cultured girl illusion' kind of belief in love.

STORY TIME: MY FIRST TIME IN KAMPALA

A little Munyankole girl takes on the city to pursue her big dreams!

Luganda was not the overall hindrance to winding up my tedious first day in the city, it was a whole bunch of mishaps here and there, including tagging carefully on my back pack each time we moved, lest I lose my trivial treasures in there.

On a Tuesday in early February 2013, daddy took a quick check in my navy blue rectangular suitcase, making sure I had all the requirements packed,...just like he did since my Primary One, when I joined the boarding school section. He always did our back to school shopping and even this time around, when I was joining Crane Media for a course in journalism, he did just the same.
Swift Safaris was his bus of choice from Mbarara to Kampala. While I staggered in the bus corridor after a rude lady squeezed her way past me, daddy yanked me off to the seat after neatly loading our mini luggage bags up on that luggage sort of palette.

Handing me a monitor newspaper, he pulled out I guess New Vision or something that was a day old. "It's going to be a long journey, you need something to keep you busy," he said.
We had little conversation breaks while I opted to read a small novel- The Stormbreaker which I had started on a day before. I didn't have interest in The Daily Monitor, at all.

After four long hours, I didn't need an interpreter to notify me that we had reached Kampala, I could feel it, the noise, the chaos, an avalanche of vehicles getting past each other in a careless manner, tall buildings and people speaking Luganda ever so quickly that I figured I would never learn from them.

The bus conductor started yapping a lot, this time in Luganda not Runyankole, as we sloped to Kisenyi bus park. A slight drizzle ushered us in, not a good way to move about the heavily congested city.
"We are in Kisenyi park, we now have to head to Wandegeya and catch up with a bit of paperwork," my day's tour guide said as we descended the two long steps of the bus. Being a Maryhill High School chap, I had an umbrella folded up in my side bag. It was helpful as we waited on our hired taxi.

Fun fact: We were not allowed to run on compound at school so whether it rained or shone, we had to be 'ladies', act ladylike and ladies don not run. Umbrellas were vital during one's stay at Maryhill, haha.

After clearing with the bursar's office, we walked from the DTB building (where the campus was then) to the mighty Chicken Tonight (It was still operational then) for a late lunch which served as dinner for me. We moved back, and we were assigned some girl to help us with the hostel stuff.
As usual, daddy had to take me to where I would live from then on. The hostel was in Makerere Kavule, a few minutes away from Kolping Hotel. I was to share a room with three other people, including Rachel who had escorted us there.

After we made my bed, daddy gave me some more ka money and hugged me good bye as he slopped down the stairs. "I will come back to check on you on Friday," he promised.

My feelings were strange seeing him leave. I was, at last, going to explore the city, but I was also ALONE! In a minute, the girls introduced themselves, Phiona, Rachel and Sofie...before they headed out for 'Kalerwe', a good chance for me to unpack and settle in. "All these girls look bigger, more experienced, more lively, more everything!" I thought to myself.

My evening passed in a daze, getting to know who I would go to school with, what i would do with my fuckin life and many other stuff.

The next days, weeks, months saw me adapt to many changes, beach parties, dating, going broke, learning funny Luganda words like 'aganyogoga' and a lot other things that I don't regret.

Daddy visited more often, we always hung out at Chicken Tonight and he always asked me to eat more yoghurt so I could add a bit of weight.

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.