Thursday, December 20, 2012
Monday, December 17, 2012
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Monday, December 10, 2012
Fish Brain Clan (2) Onagite
Now, I am sure you must have read the first part ofFISH BRAIN CLAN by Sally. I bring you the follow-up to tha ... http://p.ost.im/p/dUSQpP
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Fish Brain Clan
It was something right out of a movie scene. I think I even watched it on an episode of Friends, where Ross at ... http://p.ost.im/p/dDx8Vx
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
ASHES
Fifty seven minutes ago I burnt your picture.That was fifty-six minutes nine seconds before I started writi ... http://p.ost.im/p/dDTFtk
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
FACEBOOK LOVE
'What is your story? I want to know the truth behind the lies!' kelechi said with a stern, no- nonsense look. T ... http://p.ost.im/p/dDXr7E
Monday, December 3, 2012
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Thursday, October 25, 2012
CHINESE WHISPERS - PART 3
****************************************It came flying down with the windsCurled regally, flapping angelic wi ... http://p.ost.im/p/dkHnbV
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
CHINESE WHISPERS
Whispers,heard from far off landsWhispers,Whistled;Shrill and strong, over seas and waste lands it blewEsc ... http://p.ost.im/p/dkRNFH
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Monday, October 8, 2012
TAKE PRIDE
January 26, 2012 12.12 PMDo not fear for your prideYour patriotic strength do not let slackEven ... http://p.ost.im/p/drrxgL
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Friday, October 5, 2012
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Monday, October 1, 2012
Friday, September 28, 2012
BROTHERHOOD - 1
The morning air is fresh as usual. It is yet to get to that part of the day when it is distorted by all the pol ... http://p.ost.im/p/d6PMwC
Thursday, September 27, 2012
HIDDEN HAND
January 6, 2012 11.50amdrop the veilall you kept secret behind the sacred masklet me inside to reve ... http://p.ost.im/p/d6brT8
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
POSTCARD FROM HEAVEN
Dearest 'Wunmi, This letter will most definitely come as a surprise to you. I'd have preferred it if it were a ... http://p.ost.im/p/d6Yay9
Monday, September 17, 2012
I LOST MY WAY IN THE WHIRLWIND
No, I won't say it this time.
"Sorry" won't cut it. I have neglected my duty and my solemn vow here.
I have no excuse whatsoever.
But, what if I told you I have totally lost my way?
Yes, it has been a whirlwind since the last time I posted anything here. I have been inundated on all sides with some stuffs I'd rather not deal with. And quite a lot that are determined not to go away.
That last time, I told you Oga had thrown in the towel? Yea, he left and now it is just two of us left in the department. That means some crazy time ahead. The workload is enormous! The time requirement maddening, the pressure absolutely mind-turning!
Now check this. My colleague drops her own resignation letter too....
And that was after my office colleague had dropped her resignation and was cajoled to stay back. Now that tells you something right?
Well, oga has gone and from all indications it doesn't look like he'll be missed. As a matter of fact, quite the opposite seems to be the case.
Me, I am not even sweating the matter.
Above background gives a kind of lowdown on how I have been occupied. The work can get so infuriating you just want to strangle somebody. I find I have to lie and cajole and plead and manage people more....all in order to keep a smooth relationship with clients, even when things are not moving as fine as they should.
To make matters worse, for the past three weeks I have been the only one shouldering the responsibility of my department. The one-man riot squad as some people had tagged it.
No. My colleague didn't resign eventually. She has gone on a course. She comes in, but mostly not always around. So, now you know where my time had been occupied.
Fortunately, things have gone on as smooth as they can go. Of course, there is the usual pressure.
I have got my IBM campaigns up and running. I am proud of that, irrespective of how rough it had been and how operational lapses almost killed it. I still delight in the fact that I brought in a business deal of that amount and with every potential to blossom into hundreds of millions. All things being equal.
I also have a leg-room into the GSK account. Worked with Oga on that one before he left. That is looking good also and will eventually fetch close to fifty mill when all is done.
Yea, it had been a balanced share of the good and the bad alright.
Anyway, that is that about work.
I got my blog www.shaiguydotcom.wordpress.com up and running on July 27, 2012. The first story posted was "Blood on the Streets". Since then I have kept writing, and it doesn't seem like I'd stop any time soon.
All those stories locked up in my head since I was a young lad are struggling to be let out. Every night I am struggling to keep the voices out of my head. Struggling to find sleep. Struggling to find peace of mind. It is like a dam burst in my head...my mind. I can never seem to find rest until I have a story going. So much that my poetry has taken a back seat for now. I hope Calliope is not too jealous.
I have put up so many stories and stuff on the blog and the reception....Well, I am still keeping my opinion on that. There is promise....
So, now I am working towards taking the next BIG leap. I want to start my own website. It has always been my dream. And now I think I can pursue it to a logical end. Soon, you all will hear about the website. Hopefully, it will receive the same level of acceptance as the blog.
Outside of writing and work, the rest of my life have revolved around my friends and my family.
With my friends, it was pretty cool for a while. But, things are beginning to fall apart. I am sad. I am pained. I am worried. I have dropped friends...friendships. I tried. Really tried to mend the cracks that appeared. But, like one of them said to me once "Shanu, 20 kids can never play together for 20 years" - maybe the 20 years is up. It hurts so much, still does. But, life goes on. I move on with mine.
I just hope those guys can remember me with a big smile, just like I do when I think about them.
It is a reflection of my heart, my kind of person that I went into a corner one night and cried my heart out. It was too much....the tears however proved therapeutic. At the end, when I calmed myself I realized that friendships will always end. For the right or the wrong reasons....
So, here I am....lost.
Will I ever find my way back?
"Sorry" won't cut it. I have neglected my duty and my solemn vow here.
I have no excuse whatsoever.
But, what if I told you I have totally lost my way?
Yes, it has been a whirlwind since the last time I posted anything here. I have been inundated on all sides with some stuffs I'd rather not deal with. And quite a lot that are determined not to go away.
That last time, I told you Oga had thrown in the towel? Yea, he left and now it is just two of us left in the department. That means some crazy time ahead. The workload is enormous! The time requirement maddening, the pressure absolutely mind-turning!
Now check this. My colleague drops her own resignation letter too....
And that was after my office colleague had dropped her resignation and was cajoled to stay back. Now that tells you something right?
Well, oga has gone and from all indications it doesn't look like he'll be missed. As a matter of fact, quite the opposite seems to be the case.
Me, I am not even sweating the matter.
Above background gives a kind of lowdown on how I have been occupied. The work can get so infuriating you just want to strangle somebody. I find I have to lie and cajole and plead and manage people more....all in order to keep a smooth relationship with clients, even when things are not moving as fine as they should.
To make matters worse, for the past three weeks I have been the only one shouldering the responsibility of my department. The one-man riot squad as some people had tagged it.
No. My colleague didn't resign eventually. She has gone on a course. She comes in, but mostly not always around. So, now you know where my time had been occupied.
Fortunately, things have gone on as smooth as they can go. Of course, there is the usual pressure.
I have got my IBM campaigns up and running. I am proud of that, irrespective of how rough it had been and how operational lapses almost killed it. I still delight in the fact that I brought in a business deal of that amount and with every potential to blossom into hundreds of millions. All things being equal.
I also have a leg-room into the GSK account. Worked with Oga on that one before he left. That is looking good also and will eventually fetch close to fifty mill when all is done.
Yea, it had been a balanced share of the good and the bad alright.
Anyway, that is that about work.
I got my blog www.shaiguydotcom.wordpress.com up and running on July 27, 2012. The first story posted was "Blood on the Streets". Since then I have kept writing, and it doesn't seem like I'd stop any time soon.
All those stories locked up in my head since I was a young lad are struggling to be let out. Every night I am struggling to keep the voices out of my head. Struggling to find sleep. Struggling to find peace of mind. It is like a dam burst in my head...my mind. I can never seem to find rest until I have a story going. So much that my poetry has taken a back seat for now. I hope Calliope is not too jealous.
I have put up so many stories and stuff on the blog and the reception....Well, I am still keeping my opinion on that. There is promise....
So, now I am working towards taking the next BIG leap. I want to start my own website. It has always been my dream. And now I think I can pursue it to a logical end. Soon, you all will hear about the website. Hopefully, it will receive the same level of acceptance as the blog.
Outside of writing and work, the rest of my life have revolved around my friends and my family.
With my friends, it was pretty cool for a while. But, things are beginning to fall apart. I am sad. I am pained. I am worried. I have dropped friends...friendships. I tried. Really tried to mend the cracks that appeared. But, like one of them said to me once "Shanu, 20 kids can never play together for 20 years" - maybe the 20 years is up. It hurts so much, still does. But, life goes on. I move on with mine.
I just hope those guys can remember me with a big smile, just like I do when I think about them.
It is a reflection of my heart, my kind of person that I went into a corner one night and cried my heart out. It was too much....the tears however proved therapeutic. At the end, when I calmed myself I realized that friendships will always end. For the right or the wrong reasons....
So, here I am....lost.
Will I ever find my way back?
Monday, August 6, 2012
BIG, BIG GIST
Oh No!
I don't know how long I'm going to be doing this...I am very sorry!
Work ni o! But I am here to give you gist. There is plenty, I tell ya. loads have happened in a week and a half or thereabouts since I last gave you anything to chew on.
You know how this is going down right? Cool, let's do this....
Wednesday July 22
Finally the contract came in for the IBM project I had been working on for a while; it was almost fouled up. Anyways, it is in. Some more stuffs on the way there though.
Well, as usual some funny questions were asked....over the tenor of the contract and the fact that one site was omitted that was initially indicated in the Letter of Interest from the client. But, heck....questions are always asked. Always!!! Even when you have 'killed' a client on the rates offered for the sites.
Thursday July 23
Now, here is the main gist!
The office got locked up today!!!
Seems we are becoming very 'friendly' with LASG and her parastatals. This time the offense was over cutting of some trees at Ahmadu Bello Way. The said trees were adjudged to have been hindering the visibility of our site.
Unfortunately for us, the military guys had also cut trees on that stretch and the ministry of environment people were still smarting from that.
So, the office gate got clamped.
Embarrassing and utterly avoidable. But, this things happen.
The Top Dog, his deputy and a number of senior guys were locked out. Lucky for them they had not been in the office as early as someone like me and others; their cars would have been locked in too. Maybe unlike us though, they can call for their second and third cars sha!
Someone is sure going to get the knock for this. I can be sure of it judging from the hard set of Top Dog's face when he arrived at the office.
Plus, the guy who ordered the cutting of the said tree came to the office late.
Ohooo!!!
Friday July 24
I love Fridays. I get some small relief.
But, today was not like that. We had a session. Brain-storming session it was called for our SBUs. Why we need to do that I still don't get though. Those guys should be able to think for themselves. After all, they are riding the big cars.
Well, we had the session....a marathon I tell you. Almost five hours of stating the obvious.
And all the while, my Baygon contact was calling me to find our when his board was scheduled to be brought down, as per LASAA directive.
Boy! Was I glad to be out of the meeting?
Interesting bunch of people, my SBU guys. Very interesting. Want us to do their marketing for them....hahaha!!!
Let me Break the gist there.
Trade secrets. I hope you understand.
Monday July 27 - Friday July 31
Yes, I have to do it this way.
I am short of time and I have forgotten most of the gist. In specifics.
However, Monday came and the gates were still locked. From what I understand and gathered the ministry of environment boys were very upset. They should. The way those trees were chopped down ehn!
Business went on as usual though. As the pedestrian gate was still accessible.
Status meeting was brief. My Oga was not around though. He had complained of chest pains last week - AGAIN!
I no fit laugh.
Well, we held our own and there was nothing much going on. Other than the IBM contract which was major, even though in usual fashion it is being treated as not.
Tuesday came and the gate was still locked. Everyone else whose car was not in the premises when the gates were clamped and sealed parked outside. The rest of us had ours in 'storage'.
And still My Oga didn't show for work. He had not called either myself or my colleague, the only two people in his department to let us know what's going on. As it happened, he had called HR to inform that he had been ordered on 'bed rest'.
The continuation of the brainstorming session went on without him there.
The MTN presentation didn't go forward as planned.
I let that one slide. Plus, there were too many things going on with LASG to get TOP DOG interested in that right now.
By Wednesday, the gate being locked up was a major embarrassment.
Finally, Thursday brought freedom. The gates were thrown open after a hefty fine was paid into the coffers of the State Government.
The sense of relief was palpable.
My Oga finally showed up. In a way, I have my theory of what is going down. I predicted something a while back. I hold my peace and wait.
We had our last leg of the brainstorming session today.
My Oga attended this one and in usual manner went about putting 'structure' to the discussion. Towards the end, there was a confrontation between a 'bigger oga' and a 'smaller oga'.
The 'smaller oga' had initially accused the 'bigger oga' of keeping mum over serious issues he expected him to talk about. It was the second time when the 'smaller oga' tried to out his foot in the 'bigger oga's' mouth that he bit and HARD!
Who says a toothless dog can't bite?
Even the gums can be painful if enough pressure is applied.
Me, I just looked on. Knowing I was going to tell you about it soon.
On Friday, the bombshell was dropped.
My Oga had dropped his resignation letter yesterday.
I knew something was up.
The stress of this job is too much for someone that 'tush'.
I have no other opinion on the matter.
The grapevine once again rules.
But, I don't get my juice from there.
No sir.
See you around....
I don't know how long I'm going to be doing this...I am very sorry!
Work ni o! But I am here to give you gist. There is plenty, I tell ya. loads have happened in a week and a half or thereabouts since I last gave you anything to chew on.
You know how this is going down right? Cool, let's do this....
Wednesday July 22
Finally the contract came in for the IBM project I had been working on for a while; it was almost fouled up. Anyways, it is in. Some more stuffs on the way there though.
Well, as usual some funny questions were asked....over the tenor of the contract and the fact that one site was omitted that was initially indicated in the Letter of Interest from the client. But, heck....questions are always asked. Always!!! Even when you have 'killed' a client on the rates offered for the sites.
Thursday July 23
Now, here is the main gist!
The office got locked up today!!!
Seems we are becoming very 'friendly' with LASG and her parastatals. This time the offense was over cutting of some trees at Ahmadu Bello Way. The said trees were adjudged to have been hindering the visibility of our site.
Unfortunately for us, the military guys had also cut trees on that stretch and the ministry of environment people were still smarting from that.
So, the office gate got clamped.
Embarrassing and utterly avoidable. But, this things happen.
The Top Dog, his deputy and a number of senior guys were locked out. Lucky for them they had not been in the office as early as someone like me and others; their cars would have been locked in too. Maybe unlike us though, they can call for their second and third cars sha!
Someone is sure going to get the knock for this. I can be sure of it judging from the hard set of Top Dog's face when he arrived at the office.
Plus, the guy who ordered the cutting of the said tree came to the office late.
Ohooo!!!
Friday July 24
I love Fridays. I get some small relief.
But, today was not like that. We had a session. Brain-storming session it was called for our SBUs. Why we need to do that I still don't get though. Those guys should be able to think for themselves. After all, they are riding the big cars.
Well, we had the session....a marathon I tell you. Almost five hours of stating the obvious.
And all the while, my Baygon contact was calling me to find our when his board was scheduled to be brought down, as per LASAA directive.
Boy! Was I glad to be out of the meeting?
Interesting bunch of people, my SBU guys. Very interesting. Want us to do their marketing for them....hahaha!!!
Let me Break the gist there.
Trade secrets. I hope you understand.
Monday July 27 - Friday July 31
Yes, I have to do it this way.
I am short of time and I have forgotten most of the gist. In specifics.
However, Monday came and the gates were still locked. From what I understand and gathered the ministry of environment boys were very upset. They should. The way those trees were chopped down ehn!
Business went on as usual though. As the pedestrian gate was still accessible.
Status meeting was brief. My Oga was not around though. He had complained of chest pains last week - AGAIN!
I no fit laugh.
Well, we held our own and there was nothing much going on. Other than the IBM contract which was major, even though in usual fashion it is being treated as not.
Tuesday came and the gate was still locked. Everyone else whose car was not in the premises when the gates were clamped and sealed parked outside. The rest of us had ours in 'storage'.
And still My Oga didn't show for work. He had not called either myself or my colleague, the only two people in his department to let us know what's going on. As it happened, he had called HR to inform that he had been ordered on 'bed rest'.
The continuation of the brainstorming session went on without him there.
The MTN presentation didn't go forward as planned.
I let that one slide. Plus, there were too many things going on with LASG to get TOP DOG interested in that right now.
By Wednesday, the gate being locked up was a major embarrassment.
Finally, Thursday brought freedom. The gates were thrown open after a hefty fine was paid into the coffers of the State Government.
The sense of relief was palpable.
My Oga finally showed up. In a way, I have my theory of what is going down. I predicted something a while back. I hold my peace and wait.
We had our last leg of the brainstorming session today.
My Oga attended this one and in usual manner went about putting 'structure' to the discussion. Towards the end, there was a confrontation between a 'bigger oga' and a 'smaller oga'.
The 'smaller oga' had initially accused the 'bigger oga' of keeping mum over serious issues he expected him to talk about. It was the second time when the 'smaller oga' tried to out his foot in the 'bigger oga's' mouth that he bit and HARD!
Who says a toothless dog can't bite?
Even the gums can be painful if enough pressure is applied.
Me, I just looked on. Knowing I was going to tell you about it soon.
On Friday, the bombshell was dropped.
My Oga had dropped his resignation letter yesterday.
I knew something was up.
The stress of this job is too much for someone that 'tush'.
I have no other opinion on the matter.
The grapevine once again rules.
But, I don't get my juice from there.
No sir.
See you around....
Monday, July 23, 2012
WEEKEND BLAST
Okay, I think I had myself a great weekend.
There is so much gist, I wonder if I will remember all.
Saturday July 21
On Thursday, I received a text at about 5.13am from a "really good friend" - now, it is not what you think. Imagine the timing, cheeky eh?
Text had read thus:
"Good morning -stop- angels and devils alike -stop- I'd like to know tho -stop- anyone interested in hitting the beach on Saturday -stop- Got a date with a shark -stop- or something -sop- so -stop-
The first three to five words of that text almost got me jumping outta my skin. alking
But, knowing this fellow who sent it, I smiled and prepared for my day.
Well, I finally decided I'd make it and be there. Knowing it is an opportunity to meet the 'shark' and also hang out with friends.
So, off to Oniru I went. But, somewhere between leaving my house and getting on the first bus on the road, I decided I was going to see a bit of downtown Lagos. So, after alighting at Mile 11; I bought a BRT ticket for CMS.
My earlier fears of traffic was non-existent. The roads were very free. So, I was at Leventis very early.
So, guess what I did?
I walked. The entire stretch of Marina from Leventis. Oh no, not straight all the way down.
First, I crossed over and went into Balogun market.
The old buildings were a beauty. As it were, Balogun was just being roused to the hustle and bustle of commercial activity which marks it as one of the biggest markets in Nigeria.
So, I walked on. Enjoying the scenery and how the place looks so peaceful at such times. Without the pushing, cursing and shouting it is usually associated with.
I strolled through Broadstreet, past the dirty looking CBN building through Kakawa street and then headed out through towards Marina.
Have you taken out time to appreciate the resplendent beauty of the Methodist Church?
I tell you, I saw that building in another light.In a way I have never before in my life seen it. If the doors were open, I most likely would have gone in. Imagine how many people seeking God, that can gain access.
On through towards Marina I strolled stopping at a few book vendors looking for Salman Rushdie's The Ground Beneath Her Feet; still can't find that book.
The water along the Marina is another matter. I stood on the pedestrian bridge at CMS for like twenty minutes just taking in the view. It was peaceful. It was restful and it was really beautiful. If I had more time and it was another time of the day, I most likely would have visited "The Fish Shark", you remember don't you?
Well, there was no time so at the end I had to skip my sight-seeing so I can be at Oniru before the set time of 10a.m. At that point, I could only hope for a taxi.
Luckily, I didn't have to wait long before I saw an empty one.
As I suspected, I was the first person around. So, I used the opportunity to just take in the view. Water has always been a major attraction for me.
I sat and just mooned.
It was my "good friend's" call that jerked me out of my reverie. As it happened he had been around a while with one of the other guys, K.I. (all of us belong to this NaijaStories platform), and they had been chilling out at SHOPRITE.
In a few minutes they arrived and we didn't waste time breaking out the bottles and stuffs.
One hour after, another of the guys. T.O. showed. The ladies typically, showed up last.
But when they did, the place had a different 'feel'.
In all, we drank but didn't smoke; we chatted and some danced...while others disappeared for long periods. Not what you think again!!!
I swear on my church mind.
After all is said and done, we left for around past five and that is also because "my good friend" was not feeling tops. He was just getting back, you see and shouldn't have been exposed to so much sun and allowed to drink. The two both of them he did, to what extent?
*lips sealed*.
Heading back was a total chaos. Just like the first time we all ever met each other, at Elegushi, K.I. launched into this idealistic debate of literary culture in the country.
Needless to say the #twitpack seem only partially interested in exhibiting the same level of passion.
We discussed the issue all the way from Oniru on the Island to TBS. I am sure the taxi driver would have thought all of us young, noisy, rotten fools.
Well, maybe we were...but not all so young- as K.I. wrongly posited in the BRT we hooked from TBS to the Mainland. The discussion had continued in the bus, before a larger audience, who would have thought the same thing as the taxi driver. Albeit, most of the talking was done by K.I.
Eventually, some would have been left with the impression that the passion is fueled by something else.
Out of the five, who got on the bus I was the last one off.
It was fun. Listening to the craziness of the ideas that were uttered...and seeing all the beautiful faces again.
Particularly....
As it happened, the discussion continued over twitter later in the evening. The banter didn't stop.
Some other twitter contact (not from the #twitterpack) was forced to ask me if I ever quality family time.
Unfortunately, how could I defend that? When I spend so much time online...But, I sure do. Online is a platform for expression for me. It is what I have always done. Even before I started a family.
But, I created quality time and spend it with the family.
I just couldn't explain it all to her. I hope one day she finds this blog and understands better.
As usual, I slept.
Hahaha....
*************************************************************************************
Sunday July 17
It was cat and mouse day as far as the rains were concerned. It rained and rained, stop-start, stop-start. Almost all day.
I was able to spend some quality time with the family.
I will leave you with pixreel.
Enjoy.
There is so much gist, I wonder if I will remember all.
Saturday July 21
On Thursday, I received a text at about 5.13am from a "really good friend" - now, it is not what you think. Imagine the timing, cheeky eh?
Text had read thus:
"Good morning -stop- angels and devils alike -stop- I'd like to know tho -stop- anyone interested in hitting the beach on Saturday -stop- Got a date with a shark -stop- or something -sop- so -stop-
The first three to five words of that text almost got me jumping outta my skin. alking
But, knowing this fellow who sent it, I smiled and prepared for my day.
Well, I finally decided I'd make it and be there. Knowing it is an opportunity to meet the 'shark' and also hang out with friends.
So, off to Oniru I went. But, somewhere between leaving my house and getting on the first bus on the road, I decided I was going to see a bit of downtown Lagos. So, after alighting at Mile 11; I bought a BRT ticket for CMS.
My earlier fears of traffic was non-existent. The roads were very free. So, I was at Leventis very early.
So, guess what I did?
I walked. The entire stretch of Marina from Leventis. Oh no, not straight all the way down.
First, I crossed over and went into Balogun market.
The old buildings were a beauty. As it were, Balogun was just being roused to the hustle and bustle of commercial activity which marks it as one of the biggest markets in Nigeria.
So, I walked on. Enjoying the scenery and how the place looks so peaceful at such times. Without the pushing, cursing and shouting it is usually associated with.
I strolled through Broadstreet, past the dirty looking CBN building through Kakawa street and then headed out through towards Marina.
Have you taken out time to appreciate the resplendent beauty of the Methodist Church?
I tell you, I saw that building in another light.In a way I have never before in my life seen it. If the doors were open, I most likely would have gone in. Imagine how many people seeking God, that can gain access.
On through towards Marina I strolled stopping at a few book vendors looking for Salman Rushdie's The Ground Beneath Her Feet; still can't find that book.
The water along the Marina is another matter. I stood on the pedestrian bridge at CMS for like twenty minutes just taking in the view. It was peaceful. It was restful and it was really beautiful. If I had more time and it was another time of the day, I most likely would have visited "The Fish Shark", you remember don't you?
Well, there was no time so at the end I had to skip my sight-seeing so I can be at Oniru before the set time of 10a.m. At that point, I could only hope for a taxi.
Luckily, I didn't have to wait long before I saw an empty one.
As I suspected, I was the first person around. So, I used the opportunity to just take in the view. Water has always been a major attraction for me.
I sat and just mooned.
It was my "good friend's" call that jerked me out of my reverie. As it happened he had been around a while with one of the other guys, K.I. (all of us belong to this NaijaStories platform), and they had been chilling out at SHOPRITE.
In a few minutes they arrived and we didn't waste time breaking out the bottles and stuffs.
One hour after, another of the guys. T.O. showed. The ladies typically, showed up last.
But when they did, the place had a different 'feel'.
In all, we drank but didn't smoke; we chatted and some danced...while others disappeared for long periods. Not what you think again!!!
I swear on my church mind.
After all is said and done, we left for around past five and that is also because "my good friend" was not feeling tops. He was just getting back, you see and shouldn't have been exposed to so much sun and allowed to drink. The two both of them he did, to what extent?
*lips sealed*.
Heading back was a total chaos. Just like the first time we all ever met each other, at Elegushi, K.I. launched into this idealistic debate of literary culture in the country.
Needless to say the #twitpack seem only partially interested in exhibiting the same level of passion.
We discussed the issue all the way from Oniru on the Island to TBS. I am sure the taxi driver would have thought all of us young, noisy, rotten fools.
Well, maybe we were...but not all so young- as K.I. wrongly posited in the BRT we hooked from TBS to the Mainland. The discussion had continued in the bus, before a larger audience, who would have thought the same thing as the taxi driver. Albeit, most of the talking was done by K.I.
Eventually, some would have been left with the impression that the passion is fueled by something else.
Out of the five, who got on the bus I was the last one off.
It was fun. Listening to the craziness of the ideas that were uttered...and seeing all the beautiful faces again.
Particularly....
As it happened, the discussion continued over twitter later in the evening. The banter didn't stop.
Some other twitter contact (not from the #twitterpack) was forced to ask me if I ever quality family time.
Unfortunately, how could I defend that? When I spend so much time online...But, I sure do. Online is a platform for expression for me. It is what I have always done. Even before I started a family.
But, I created quality time and spend it with the family.
I just couldn't explain it all to her. I hope one day she finds this blog and understands better.
As usual, I slept.
Hahaha....
*************************************************************************************
Sunday July 17
It was cat and mouse day as far as the rains were concerned. It rained and rained, stop-start, stop-start. Almost all day.
I was able to spend some quality time with the family.
I will leave you with pixreel.
Enjoy.
Friday, July 20, 2012
A WEEK OF RAGE
Ah!
Am back. Late as usual. I am really sorry about that.
It would be my joy to be here more often, like the old days; but work is taking so much of my time these past few weeks. If you have followed this blog, you will know why.
Work, and my rage. My rage at everything that has connived to take away all my time. Time I love to spend with family, friends etc. Time I love to spend in other things and with other people that reward me with immense personal joy and satisfaction.
Yes, that time has become almost a long-forgotten memory now.
Hence, it is looking more like I would be doing a lot of the weekly review format I have been doing lately.
In other news, I got myself a new blog. I created it a couple of weeks ago. It is a personal development challenge for me. Something I have always wanted to do is write in prose. Sure, I have my own volumes of soon-to-be-disposed diary entries; I have written for both print and electronic media; I write all the time online; develop reports and proposal documents at work etc.
But, nothing like serious prose writing. The fictional kind that tells a story- a wonderful (if mostly superfluous) stories; you know the type? Those that make you said, "Wow! This is sweet" or "This is so true".
Well, I got the blog out there at http://shaiguydotcom.wordpress.com, you should visit. I will welcome you with both arms and a few wet, sweet kisses (offer only for fine, sweet girls please).
But, this blog has taken so much more of my spare time.
So much!
Whatever the case though, I intend to still present to you all of the things that have been happening around me. Maybe that way, you guys can help me find solutions to these issues of life.
Isn't it true what they say? Two heads are better than one....
How about I get a million heads here?
***********************************************************************************
Monday July 16
Status meeting was a killer today!
The LASAA ruckus rages on - further compounding my own roaring temper. The blame for the present predicament solely lies at the feet of management.
I guess that is why no one has dared come to my department asking for in-bound cheques from clients. In the past, we would have been fed with the soup of Hell. Now, it is the finance guys that have to slap the streets canvassing for advance payments of yet-to-be-due payments.
All through, I just smiled and exchanged knowing glances with my colleague. Shit! I keep forgetting she is also leaving soon.
All through the four hour meeting, I kept receiving calls from my Sony campaign contact. I know he wanted to find out what the status with the posting of his boards was. He had called me over the weekend, almost begging that I should find a way to make it happen. He had ended the call with a ringing statement, "Shanu, you know my material has been in your office for almost two weeks? If we do not show evidence of deployment, I cannot push for payment and if I cannot push for payment you can't get paid. We both lose."
End of story.
But, my finance controller had been playing hardball with me over that campaign. He is looking at the financial side of the argument, saying the client was owing money from previous campaigns - which is not true; but finance guys are always finance guys. I was looking at it from the marketing and relationship management angle. I think these guys, finance and operations,should be trained on aspects of client service and client relationship skills. They are causing me a lot of headaches lately.
Anyways, I was able to get the matter resolved by asking the client to do a simple letter of commitment, stating how the payment will be offloaded. It is not ideal; but under the circumstances, it is the only thing that will assuage my numbers loving finance tricksters.
In the final analysis, I am afraid we have succeeded in potentially losing ourselves another client.
What else to be done?
It was my Ovaltine contact's birthday today. So, I was out there to personally say "Happy birthday".
************************************************************************************
Tuesday July 17
I was supposed to be at Shoprite, Alausa today to do some shopping.
But, oga (the numbers lover) made sure that plan was truncated. He hijacked the car allocated to my department on the excuse that he was going out to "source funds". Funds to settle the LASAA palaver.
Well, that meant I was grounded in the office.
What did I do? Listened to music, went through a lot of really really eye-popping pictures on twitter (ah! twitter, the virtual land of the wicked), and wrote for my new blog.
I poured my rage and fury into that writing. And the title of the piece I was writing for the blog reflected that - Vendetta!
I wrote that for the better part of the day. I didn't finish it though. I couldn't. Too many ideas competing for prominent space in my head. It is supposed to be a story of a girl who shunned a guy's love advances, even after urging him on for most parts of the guy's pursuit, and the guy's carefully laid plan for revenge and how that backfired too.
That is what it is supposed to be....
Don't be surprised though when you read Vendetta, all that will be familiar will be the title.
Anyways, I wrote for most of the day.
I was able to get some pictures across to my Sony contact person, pictures of some of the sites up. He should be happy now.
One of my colleagues in operation almost made me lose my handle, and right before oga too (departmental oga this time). The guy is fond of interjecting in departmental discussions with him. Because he was padi padi with oga does not give him the license, and I made him know that today. I was cryptically brutal with my attack. I called him a snout-nosed rat - elenu-eku and right in front of oga too. That will teach the snout-nosed (actually he is snout-mouthed, but that won't fit the description) poke noser.
************************************************************************************
Wednesday July 18
Finally, I was able to go to Shoprite today.
My mistake? I went with my female colleague. Women and shopping, grrrrrrrrr!
I was supposed to just go in and pick a gift item for my Ovaltine contact who celebrated his birthday on Monday. A quick dash in and out operation. But, she told me she also wanted to buy water dispenser and asked if she could come along.
I acted the good sport.
My error.
Guys, when you want to shop for small something, make sure you go alone or if you must, with another guy. Never with a woman o!
I should have known better sef, judging by what Kinky makes me go through every time she succeeds in dragging me along for shopping.
My eyes saw pepper.
We had separated at the ATM machine, because there was some sort of queue, and there was really no need for me to hang around for her since she is going to another section for her dispenser. We agreed to meet at the car in forty-five minutes tops.
I had bought my stuff in recod time - Under one hour; it was a washing machine and I was given a big bag of Ariel detergent soap to go along with it. I had two guys help me with the whole stuff to the car in hope that my colleague also would have been done with her shopping. But she wasn't and after waiting some ten minutes and several unanswered calls after, I went looking for her for another thirty minutes before giving up and coming back to wait in the car. I was there in the car waiting for another hour and a half, before she emerged from the entrance near the city mall wing.
If she had come out lugging a water dispensing machine, I wouldn't have minded.
She came strutting out empty-handed!!!
That's not right - She had two overstuffed, white bags in her hands. Those clearly won't hold a water dispenser though, or could they?
Hell!
I just glued my eyes on her as she sauntered down to the car.
"They don't have dispensers jere," she announced as she stepped in.
"Ehen!"
There was nothing more I could say, unless I want to be angrier than I already was. Now I had to pay out six hundred naira at the exit.
Hmmmmmm.
We headed for NECA house on Hakeem Balogun, in central Alausa, to drop the package to the client.
Traffic back to the office was light and so we dashed quickly into Biggie Mart, on Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, where she eventually got her dispenser.
This time, in less than twenty minutes.
Women!!!
************************************************************************************
Thursday July 19
There is still some back and forth between oga and top dog on this my Kinetic contract. If I had handled this affair myself, I'd have resolved with the top dog since.
It was a simple matter of how much commission we should concede to the contact as the conduits for the business. They had asked for twenty percent on a contract worth over forty-five million. That was roughly nine million.
Even though there was no agreement between myself and the contact during our negotiations, I had asked her to get her MD to call top dog, to agree on a discount percentage.
It was a straight-forward matter, but oga had been on it for three days now and we still don't have a headway. I had suggested to him we propose a ten percent offer to the contacts, which he agreed to; but he wanted to "bounce it off" with (the head) of top dog.
I just shook my head inwardly.
This dude is not taking charge of his office as Head. Why ask for that permission? If he is earning what he is earning, he should be able to take some decisions. And ten percent is fair. We can't say those guys shouldn't earn anything (even if we perceive it is extra) on the business. Moreover, the sites had been offered at lucrative rates from the onset, so things balances out evenly for us in the final analysis.
Well, he bounced it off alright and was told we "can only offer" five percent. I knew that was going to be the feedback he will get, especially as he had sent a mail and not a personal discussion.
So, I had to grudgingly do a mail stating the five percent offer. It was insulting to the contact organization really.
Hence, I wasn't surprised when I received their response :
We are pissing these guys off.
That was the first thought when I read that on my galaxy tab screen.
And I was less surprised when a couple of minutes after, oga as is usual, burst into my office.
"Did you see those guy's response?" He asked
I nodded, placing my tab on the table and reaching for my cup of water.
"What do we do now? The tone of that mail is somehow, abi? Like She is angry...," I just kept looking at him. Why won't they be angry?
"Should we go back to ** and tell him? Maybe we should just settle for fifteen percent and get the order fast before they give it to someone else."
"Really, the deal is even good for twenty percent off. If we take into consideration that the sites were significantly marked up when it was proposed to the client. We should still be in very green fields. However, fifteen is not bad. I know those guys are playing smart. But, our own bottom line has been taken care of and that is what should be more important." I finished off. I took out my calculator and did some calculations for him and we were both agreeable to fifteen percent.
"Okay, so I will let ** know that fifteen is okay. Present this is a document and attach to this mail, print out so I can discuss with him." He turned and left.
I shook my head again.
Some forty minutes or so after, my intercom buzzed.
"Hello,"
"Shanu, please come."
I shook my head for the third time. It was oga.
"** has responded," he announced to me as I entered his office.
"Okay," I replied.
"He replied the mail I sent him, he asked ...." he stopped and clicked a few buttons on his Toshiba laptop. "Let me read his response."
I wondered to myself how come we were talking about mail messages, when we agreed he was to see ** about the matter and get a resolution. I cursed him in my mind. We have been on this matter for almost a week.
Just agreement on discount!!!
" Thank you for the mail and update. I would think fifteen percent is rather high, but if you recommend that it is fair, I'll accept the position. I am only here to guide and will hope that you will take better charge of the responsibilities of your office...." He stopped.
I grinned inwardly - BINGO!!!
"Well, so I will just communicate fifteen percent to those guys and it is left to them to take it or leave it. I confirmed from Wole, you know him now?" he asked and I nodded - Wole is the finance with the contact company and a personal friend to oga, "he confirmed that those guys just want extra cut on the business. So fifteen percent is enough."
I shuddered. So, this chap knew this and he still went round a thousand miles and eons to arrive at a decision - albeit one slapped on his head by **.
"OK." I muttered, got up and left.
Some people sef.
Choi!
************************************************************************************
Friday July 20ube, and demanded to speak with my contact.
"Sorry to butt in on your discussion," he said turning to address me also. He stopped then, looked quizzically at me, "this face is familiar."
I shook my head, "Well, we might have met. I don't know and am bad with faces and names."
"Ojere, " He quizzed.
"Oh! That will be it then." I was taken me by surprise. People have done that before, still I get surprised. How can't I recall them but they do me? And I wouldn't say I was the most popular in my department back in school, not to talk of the entire school. But, this chap knew me. But, I didn't want to encourage him. So, I turned slightly away.
He was forced to return to the main object of his intrusion, "I don't know why Chika has refused to give me the remittance advice for the payment I picked up. My finance people will ask for that advice,but she is refusing to give me a copy." He rushed this and was almost stuttering at the end.
"But, why would she not want to give you your cheque?" My contact asked. "No, I have the cheque, it is the remittance advice I want now," the fellow responded.
"What is remittance advice?"
"That paper that I sign on that I received payment."
"Oooooh! Okay, did she say she won't give you? Wait I coming," my contact turned away from him in a gesture of dismissal.
"Okay," the fellow left. "Nice to see you." He offered to me.
I nodded and smiled, finding it hard to believe I just saw a man as dark as the ube fruit.
"All this people sef; too much wahala."
We talked some more and he mentioned something oga said to him the last time we were there. I was shocked. Some people might no dey close. My oga own na basket!
Soon, I made to leave after learning that next week looks mostly likely when payment will be made for the other site the client has with us.
On our way out, I decided to say hello to another friend. I had spied he was around from the look-through dividing glass that demarcated his office.
So, we had gone in and there was the fellow that had come earlier.
Gosh!!!
I said my hellos, but could hear the minor drama that was playing out between the fellow, my contact and the female Client Service rep. My ears ehn!
"...but you have to give me the remittance to indicate what the payment is for," I could hear the fellow say.
"But, I have already written the percentage the chheque represents on the photocopy for you. You can take the photocopy, but these ones are our own internal documents. One for my file and one for finance." The CS rep was waving the papers. She seemed at her wits end.
"But, why can't you make a photocopy for him," asked my contact.
"Oho..." Chimed in ube
"I have written it on a copy of the cheque." It was obvious the CS rep was in no good mood.
"Oga," my contact turned to ube "you can use calculator to determine the percentage that was paid now. And the cheque will also validate that figure in the overall invoiced value."
"That is not enough for my finance people. They usually insist on this remittance. So, they can track payment."
"Okay o. Shanu come let's go. This man is not ready. Which is more important tne cheque or the remittance? Come jere."
I couldn't help but smile, remembering my numbers lover in the office.
Ube also has another numbers lover breathing down his neck in his office.
Small world!
Have a nice weekend people.
Cheerios!
Am back. Late as usual. I am really sorry about that.
It would be my joy to be here more often, like the old days; but work is taking so much of my time these past few weeks. If you have followed this blog, you will know why.
Work, and my rage. My rage at everything that has connived to take away all my time. Time I love to spend with family, friends etc. Time I love to spend in other things and with other people that reward me with immense personal joy and satisfaction.
Yes, that time has become almost a long-forgotten memory now.
Hence, it is looking more like I would be doing a lot of the weekly review format I have been doing lately.
In other news, I got myself a new blog. I created it a couple of weeks ago. It is a personal development challenge for me. Something I have always wanted to do is write in prose. Sure, I have my own volumes of soon-to-be-disposed diary entries; I have written for both print and electronic media; I write all the time online; develop reports and proposal documents at work etc.
But, nothing like serious prose writing. The fictional kind that tells a story- a wonderful (if mostly superfluous) stories; you know the type? Those that make you said, "Wow! This is sweet" or "This is so true".
Well, I got the blog out there at http://shaiguydotcom.wordpress.com, you should visit. I will welcome you with both arms and a few wet, sweet kisses (offer only for fine, sweet girls please).
But, this blog has taken so much more of my spare time.
So much!
Whatever the case though, I intend to still present to you all of the things that have been happening around me. Maybe that way, you guys can help me find solutions to these issues of life.
Isn't it true what they say? Two heads are better than one....
How about I get a million heads here?
***********************************************************************************
Monday July 16
Status meeting was a killer today!
The LASAA ruckus rages on - further compounding my own roaring temper. The blame for the present predicament solely lies at the feet of management.
I guess that is why no one has dared come to my department asking for in-bound cheques from clients. In the past, we would have been fed with the soup of Hell. Now, it is the finance guys that have to slap the streets canvassing for advance payments of yet-to-be-due payments.
All through, I just smiled and exchanged knowing glances with my colleague. Shit! I keep forgetting she is also leaving soon.
All through the four hour meeting, I kept receiving calls from my Sony campaign contact. I know he wanted to find out what the status with the posting of his boards was. He had called me over the weekend, almost begging that I should find a way to make it happen. He had ended the call with a ringing statement, "Shanu, you know my material has been in your office for almost two weeks? If we do not show evidence of deployment, I cannot push for payment and if I cannot push for payment you can't get paid. We both lose."
End of story.
But, my finance controller had been playing hardball with me over that campaign. He is looking at the financial side of the argument, saying the client was owing money from previous campaigns - which is not true; but finance guys are always finance guys. I was looking at it from the marketing and relationship management angle. I think these guys, finance and operations,should be trained on aspects of client service and client relationship skills. They are causing me a lot of headaches lately.
Anyways, I was able to get the matter resolved by asking the client to do a simple letter of commitment, stating how the payment will be offloaded. It is not ideal; but under the circumstances, it is the only thing that will assuage my numbers loving finance tricksters.
In the final analysis, I am afraid we have succeeded in potentially losing ourselves another client.
What else to be done?
It was my Ovaltine contact's birthday today. So, I was out there to personally say "Happy birthday".
************************************************************************************
Tuesday July 17
I was supposed to be at Shoprite, Alausa today to do some shopping.
But, oga (the numbers lover) made sure that plan was truncated. He hijacked the car allocated to my department on the excuse that he was going out to "source funds". Funds to settle the LASAA palaver.
Well, that meant I was grounded in the office.
What did I do? Listened to music, went through a lot of really really eye-popping pictures on twitter (ah! twitter, the virtual land of the wicked), and wrote for my new blog.
I poured my rage and fury into that writing. And the title of the piece I was writing for the blog reflected that - Vendetta!
I wrote that for the better part of the day. I didn't finish it though. I couldn't. Too many ideas competing for prominent space in my head. It is supposed to be a story of a girl who shunned a guy's love advances, even after urging him on for most parts of the guy's pursuit, and the guy's carefully laid plan for revenge and how that backfired too.
That is what it is supposed to be....
Don't be surprised though when you read Vendetta, all that will be familiar will be the title.
Anyways, I wrote for most of the day.
I was able to get some pictures across to my Sony contact person, pictures of some of the sites up. He should be happy now.
One of my colleagues in operation almost made me lose my handle, and right before oga too (departmental oga this time). The guy is fond of interjecting in departmental discussions with him. Because he was padi padi with oga does not give him the license, and I made him know that today. I was cryptically brutal with my attack. I called him a snout-nosed rat - elenu-eku and right in front of oga too. That will teach the snout-nosed (actually he is snout-mouthed, but that won't fit the description) poke noser.
************************************************************************************
Wednesday July 18
Finally, I was able to go to Shoprite today.
My mistake? I went with my female colleague. Women and shopping, grrrrrrrrr!
I was supposed to just go in and pick a gift item for my Ovaltine contact who celebrated his birthday on Monday. A quick dash in and out operation. But, she told me she also wanted to buy water dispenser and asked if she could come along.
I acted the good sport.
My error.
Guys, when you want to shop for small something, make sure you go alone or if you must, with another guy. Never with a woman o!
I should have known better sef, judging by what Kinky makes me go through every time she succeeds in dragging me along for shopping.
My eyes saw pepper.
We had separated at the ATM machine, because there was some sort of queue, and there was really no need for me to hang around for her since she is going to another section for her dispenser. We agreed to meet at the car in forty-five minutes tops.
I had bought my stuff in recod time - Under one hour; it was a washing machine and I was given a big bag of Ariel detergent soap to go along with it. I had two guys help me with the whole stuff to the car in hope that my colleague also would have been done with her shopping. But she wasn't and after waiting some ten minutes and several unanswered calls after, I went looking for her for another thirty minutes before giving up and coming back to wait in the car. I was there in the car waiting for another hour and a half, before she emerged from the entrance near the city mall wing.
If she had come out lugging a water dispensing machine, I wouldn't have minded.
She came strutting out empty-handed!!!
That's not right - She had two overstuffed, white bags in her hands. Those clearly won't hold a water dispenser though, or could they?
Hell!
I just glued my eyes on her as she sauntered down to the car.
"They don't have dispensers jere," she announced as she stepped in.
"Ehen!"
There was nothing more I could say, unless I want to be angrier than I already was. Now I had to pay out six hundred naira at the exit.
Hmmmmmm.
We headed for NECA house on Hakeem Balogun, in central Alausa, to drop the package to the client.
Traffic back to the office was light and so we dashed quickly into Biggie Mart, on Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, where she eventually got her dispenser.
This time, in less than twenty minutes.
Women!!!
************************************************************************************
Thursday July 19
There is still some back and forth between oga and top dog on this my Kinetic contract. If I had handled this affair myself, I'd have resolved with the top dog since.
It was a simple matter of how much commission we should concede to the contact as the conduits for the business. They had asked for twenty percent on a contract worth over forty-five million. That was roughly nine million.
Even though there was no agreement between myself and the contact during our negotiations, I had asked her to get her MD to call top dog, to agree on a discount percentage.
It was a straight-forward matter, but oga had been on it for three days now and we still don't have a headway. I had suggested to him we propose a ten percent offer to the contacts, which he agreed to; but he wanted to "bounce it off" with (the head) of top dog.
I just shook my head inwardly.
This dude is not taking charge of his office as Head. Why ask for that permission? If he is earning what he is earning, he should be able to take some decisions. And ten percent is fair. We can't say those guys shouldn't earn anything (even if we perceive it is extra) on the business. Moreover, the sites had been offered at lucrative rates from the onset, so things balances out evenly for us in the final analysis.
Well, he bounced it off alright and was told we "can only offer" five percent. I knew that was going to be the feedback he will get, especially as he had sent a mail and not a personal discussion.
So, I had to grudgingly do a mail stating the five percent offer. It was insulting to the contact organization really.
Hence, I wasn't surprised when I received their response :
Hi Shanu,
How is work.. Am quite sure you are aware of the client we are dealing with. They are an agency and are asking for even more than the industry 15percent.
Your offer of 5percent will definitely not work for any of the party. We have been on this for a long time and will not like to delay more.
Kindly get back to us so we can push for the payment.
Thanks in anticipation of your positive response.
We are pissing these guys off.
That was the first thought when I read that on my galaxy tab screen.
And I was less surprised when a couple of minutes after, oga as is usual, burst into my office.
"Did you see those guy's response?" He asked
I nodded, placing my tab on the table and reaching for my cup of water.
"What do we do now? The tone of that mail is somehow, abi? Like She is angry...," I just kept looking at him. Why won't they be angry?
"Should we go back to ** and tell him? Maybe we should just settle for fifteen percent and get the order fast before they give it to someone else."
"Really, the deal is even good for twenty percent off. If we take into consideration that the sites were significantly marked up when it was proposed to the client. We should still be in very green fields. However, fifteen is not bad. I know those guys are playing smart. But, our own bottom line has been taken care of and that is what should be more important." I finished off. I took out my calculator and did some calculations for him and we were both agreeable to fifteen percent.
"Okay, so I will let ** know that fifteen is okay. Present this is a document and attach to this mail, print out so I can discuss with him." He turned and left.
I shook my head again.
Some forty minutes or so after, my intercom buzzed.
"Hello,"
"Shanu, please come."
I shook my head for the third time. It was oga.
"** has responded," he announced to me as I entered his office.
"Okay," I replied.
"He replied the mail I sent him, he asked ...." he stopped and clicked a few buttons on his Toshiba laptop. "Let me read his response."
I wondered to myself how come we were talking about mail messages, when we agreed he was to see ** about the matter and get a resolution. I cursed him in my mind. We have been on this matter for almost a week.
Just agreement on discount!!!
" Thank you for the mail and update. I would think fifteen percent is rather high, but if you recommend that it is fair, I'll accept the position. I am only here to guide and will hope that you will take better charge of the responsibilities of your office...." He stopped.
I grinned inwardly - BINGO!!!
"Well, so I will just communicate fifteen percent to those guys and it is left to them to take it or leave it. I confirmed from Wole, you know him now?" he asked and I nodded - Wole is the finance with the contact company and a personal friend to oga, "he confirmed that those guys just want extra cut on the business. So fifteen percent is enough."
I shuddered. So, this chap knew this and he still went round a thousand miles and eons to arrive at a decision - albeit one slapped on his head by **.
"OK." I muttered, got up and left.
Some people sef.
Choi!
************************************************************************************
Friday July 20ube, and demanded to speak with my contact.
"Sorry to butt in on your discussion," he said turning to address me also. He stopped then, looked quizzically at me, "this face is familiar."
I shook my head, "Well, we might have met. I don't know and am bad with faces and names."
"Ojere, " He quizzed.
"Oh! That will be it then." I was taken me by surprise. People have done that before, still I get surprised. How can't I recall them but they do me? And I wouldn't say I was the most popular in my department back in school, not to talk of the entire school. But, this chap knew me. But, I didn't want to encourage him. So, I turned slightly away.
He was forced to return to the main object of his intrusion, "I don't know why Chika has refused to give me the remittance advice for the payment I picked up. My finance people will ask for that advice,but she is refusing to give me a copy." He rushed this and was almost stuttering at the end.
"But, why would she not want to give you your cheque?" My contact asked. "No, I have the cheque, it is the remittance advice I want now," the fellow responded.
"What is remittance advice?"
"That paper that I sign on that I received payment."
"Oooooh! Okay, did she say she won't give you? Wait I coming," my contact turned away from him in a gesture of dismissal.
"Okay," the fellow left. "Nice to see you." He offered to me.
I nodded and smiled, finding it hard to believe I just saw a man as dark as the ube fruit.
"All this people sef; too much wahala."
We talked some more and he mentioned something oga said to him the last time we were there. I was shocked. Some people might no dey close. My oga own na basket!
Soon, I made to leave after learning that next week looks mostly likely when payment will be made for the other site the client has with us.
On our way out, I decided to say hello to another friend. I had spied he was around from the look-through dividing glass that demarcated his office.
So, we had gone in and there was the fellow that had come earlier.
Gosh!!!
I said my hellos, but could hear the minor drama that was playing out between the fellow, my contact and the female Client Service rep. My ears ehn!
"...but you have to give me the remittance to indicate what the payment is for," I could hear the fellow say.
"But, I have already written the percentage the chheque represents on the photocopy for you. You can take the photocopy, but these ones are our own internal documents. One for my file and one for finance." The CS rep was waving the papers. She seemed at her wits end.
"But, why can't you make a photocopy for him," asked my contact.
"Oho..." Chimed in ube
"I have written it on a copy of the cheque." It was obvious the CS rep was in no good mood.
"Oga," my contact turned to ube "you can use calculator to determine the percentage that was paid now. And the cheque will also validate that figure in the overall invoiced value."
"That is not enough for my finance people. They usually insist on this remittance. So, they can track payment."
"Okay o. Shanu come let's go. This man is not ready. Which is more important tne cheque or the remittance? Come jere."
I couldn't help but smile, remembering my numbers lover in the office.
Ube also has another numbers lover breathing down his neck in his office.
Small world!
Have a nice weekend people.
Cheerios!
Monday, July 16, 2012
LASSA FEVER
It's been more than a week I had been here.
Yeah, I know. I have reneged on my promise, once again.
It hasn't been easy I tell you. Not with the fact that a colleague has left the office for other sojourns. Now, work done by three of us is left to only two. And soon, that work might only be left for yours truly. I haven't seen any activity to suggest that a new hand is coming in soon.
This coupled with a number of other things have ensured that I have little time for anything else. Well, almost...some things you just have got to do still.
I will give you a condensed rundown of things and happenings between Monday July 8 and Sunday July 15. It won't be very pretty like the usual, but it will be something, right?
Ok, let's do this.
Monday's status meeting was really short. Shorter than most. Partly because the 'top dog' wasn't around, but mostly because people didn't have much to say. Maybe a result of the morning rains. So, the business of the day was crisp and done with in record time. There was a minor drama though between the head of the electrical unit and the finance controller. As always, the issue was over delays in release of funds to execute jobs. These things ehn....
Tuesday though was a bombshell!
The Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA), pulled down the display material of the company's premium client on our marquee site at Dolphin. The site is one of the biggest in West Africa and the said client is paying huge fees to occupy that space. Now, I wonder why the guys at LASAA will act so Machiavellian in this matter.
First, the demand for upfront payment for the full year is absurd. Even clients that occupy our out-of-home advertising spaces don't pay one year's rental in advance. Where does the agency then expect OOH companies to get monies (running into hundreds of millions) from to offset their bills? Go to the banks? And incur additional costs in interest charges? It is unfair, and what is more pathetic is that the practitioners seem helpless. ADVAN, OOAN and all the other stakeholders seem to have laid their heads down on the chopping block. So, I only half blame LASAA for going for the kill.
(So, the material came down and now we are left to patch the damage done. I can imagine how the meeting with the client would have gone. )
Makes me remember the white lies and half-truths I had told another client of mine last week when two of the boards three of of my big clients occupy, were asked to be removed by same LASAA. Yea, I know - those guys again!!!
I had felt horrible saying those things to the client, but I didn't have a choice. It was a necessity. Now, even Kinky has started to make jests of me.
"Shai, your company have turned you into a really good liar." She would laugh, but in play you hear the real thoughts of the heart.
I swear I don't lie to her often; only essential lies (don't scrunch up your face).
We all lie!
No?
Yes!!!
Suffice to say the company's top dogs have begun to "engage" authorities at LASAA to try and untangle the royal mess they have put us in with the client.
One hundred and fifty million is no joke! Plus said client has also issued a four hundred and twenty million, two year contract for the conversion of the same site into a digital board. Hmmmmpf, LASAA! No pour sand sand for Garri na!!!
Wednesday was slightly better. Personally that is.
I entered into the final lap of negotiations with my Pronmoworld contact for our "Landmark" site at NEPA Building. Yea, you know it? The one along Eko bridge...yes, that one.
One hundred and fifty smackers for that one. From the body language I can read from across the table, it's going to be a windfall soon (Yes, plus the MTN contract it is looking like it). There is a big client, the biggest in the I.T. business (name withheld) looking to make a strong entry into the Nigerian market.
Fingers crossed on that one and I am not counting my chickens yet.
The regular Thursday "marketing team" seem to have been temporarily forgotten. Not with all of the drama going on.
Since I resumed, we have only had one meeting. And at this rate, the next meeting will probably have me and "oga" sitting across each other in the conference room. We would be the only ones in the department by then. I guess he did his job well!
Wait.
But, the whip has turned round on him too.
I heard same day, from reliable sources, that he was issued a memo. In it, he was told in no uncertain terms, that if the company doesn't hit it's projected half-year sales target by August, "necessary action" will be taken against him.
Hmmmm.
And the said "expected sales target" is two billion.
We told the murda-fucker when he was drawing up the sales target that it was not possible, but he didn't listen. Now, those figures are being used to whack him on the head.
As at June ending, we are close to seven hundred million. Good or bad? I wait to see the magic wand o!
On Friday, I received a letter from my Promoworld contact. Not what I was expecting. But, can I complain?
I had been expecting a contract. But, I got a "statement of intention" letter shortlisting three sites the international I.T. company was interested in occupying, with the pro-rated rates for the remaining months of the year. The sticking point though is the fact that my contact wants to claim some discount, which we never discussed in our negotiations.
Nigerians!!!
I am damned sure that the rates to the said I.T. company would have been much higher than the rates I proposed to my local contact. However, as everything in this country they still want to make something extra on the side. That is not bad, but twenty percent off the total figures?
Haba!
I didn't waste time doing her a mail and making my reservations known.
Let's just say we were able to reach some kind of agreement.
A fifty million contract for three sites varying from three to five months' occupancy can't be bad?
Well, I hope the Top Dog and Oga don't scupper this one for me.
So, I await the contract proper.
It rained on and off all weekend....so, I just curled up on the bed or the sofa finishing my Ludlum (Holcroft Covenant) or watching a succession of Indie Movies. My top pick of those, I am Khan!
Yes, and Kish had his older cuz around - Tofarasin.
The house was a hell of a lot noisier!
Be seeing you around.
Cheerios.
Yeah, I know. I have reneged on my promise, once again.
It hasn't been easy I tell you. Not with the fact that a colleague has left the office for other sojourns. Now, work done by three of us is left to only two. And soon, that work might only be left for yours truly. I haven't seen any activity to suggest that a new hand is coming in soon.
This coupled with a number of other things have ensured that I have little time for anything else. Well, almost...some things you just have got to do still.
I will give you a condensed rundown of things and happenings between Monday July 8 and Sunday July 15. It won't be very pretty like the usual, but it will be something, right?
Ok, let's do this.
Monday's status meeting was really short. Shorter than most. Partly because the 'top dog' wasn't around, but mostly because people didn't have much to say. Maybe a result of the morning rains. So, the business of the day was crisp and done with in record time. There was a minor drama though between the head of the electrical unit and the finance controller. As always, the issue was over delays in release of funds to execute jobs. These things ehn....
Tuesday though was a bombshell!
The Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA), pulled down the display material of the company's premium client on our marquee site at Dolphin. The site is one of the biggest in West Africa and the said client is paying huge fees to occupy that space. Now, I wonder why the guys at LASAA will act so Machiavellian in this matter.
First, the demand for upfront payment for the full year is absurd. Even clients that occupy our out-of-home advertising spaces don't pay one year's rental in advance. Where does the agency then expect OOH companies to get monies (running into hundreds of millions) from to offset their bills? Go to the banks? And incur additional costs in interest charges? It is unfair, and what is more pathetic is that the practitioners seem helpless. ADVAN, OOAN and all the other stakeholders seem to have laid their heads down on the chopping block. So, I only half blame LASAA for going for the kill.
(So, the material came down and now we are left to patch the damage done. I can imagine how the meeting with the client would have gone. )
Makes me remember the white lies and half-truths I had told another client of mine last week when two of the boards three of of my big clients occupy, were asked to be removed by same LASAA. Yea, I know - those guys again!!!
I had felt horrible saying those things to the client, but I didn't have a choice. It was a necessity. Now, even Kinky has started to make jests of me.
"Shai, your company have turned you into a really good liar." She would laugh, but in play you hear the real thoughts of the heart.
I swear I don't lie to her often; only essential lies (don't scrunch up your face).
We all lie!
No?
Yes!!!
Suffice to say the company's top dogs have begun to "engage" authorities at LASAA to try and untangle the royal mess they have put us in with the client.
One hundred and fifty million is no joke! Plus said client has also issued a four hundred and twenty million, two year contract for the conversion of the same site into a digital board. Hmmmmpf, LASAA! No pour sand sand for Garri na!!!
Wednesday was slightly better. Personally that is.
I entered into the final lap of negotiations with my Pronmoworld contact for our "Landmark" site at NEPA Building. Yea, you know it? The one along Eko bridge...yes, that one.
One hundred and fifty smackers for that one. From the body language I can read from across the table, it's going to be a windfall soon (Yes, plus the MTN contract it is looking like it). There is a big client, the biggest in the I.T. business (name withheld) looking to make a strong entry into the Nigerian market.
Fingers crossed on that one and I am not counting my chickens yet.
The regular Thursday "marketing team" seem to have been temporarily forgotten. Not with all of the drama going on.
Since I resumed, we have only had one meeting. And at this rate, the next meeting will probably have me and "oga" sitting across each other in the conference room. We would be the only ones in the department by then. I guess he did his job well!
Wait.
But, the whip has turned round on him too.
I heard same day, from reliable sources, that he was issued a memo. In it, he was told in no uncertain terms, that if the company doesn't hit it's projected half-year sales target by August, "necessary action" will be taken against him.
Hmmmm.
And the said "expected sales target" is two billion.
We told the murda-fucker when he was drawing up the sales target that it was not possible, but he didn't listen. Now, those figures are being used to whack him on the head.
As at June ending, we are close to seven hundred million. Good or bad? I wait to see the magic wand o!
On Friday, I received a letter from my Promoworld contact. Not what I was expecting. But, can I complain?
I had been expecting a contract. But, I got a "statement of intention" letter shortlisting three sites the international I.T. company was interested in occupying, with the pro-rated rates for the remaining months of the year. The sticking point though is the fact that my contact wants to claim some discount, which we never discussed in our negotiations.
Nigerians!!!
I am damned sure that the rates to the said I.T. company would have been much higher than the rates I proposed to my local contact. However, as everything in this country they still want to make something extra on the side. That is not bad, but twenty percent off the total figures?
Haba!
I didn't waste time doing her a mail and making my reservations known.
Let's just say we were able to reach some kind of agreement.
A fifty million contract for three sites varying from three to five months' occupancy can't be bad?
Well, I hope the Top Dog and Oga don't scupper this one for me.
So, I await the contract proper.
It rained on and off all weekend....so, I just curled up on the bed or the sofa finishing my Ludlum (Holcroft Covenant) or watching a succession of Indie Movies. My top pick of those, I am Khan!
Yes, and Kish had his older cuz around - Tofarasin.
The house was a hell of a lot noisier!
Be seeing you around.
Cheerios.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
HURRICANE A-COMING
July 4, 2012 
It has been a bit crazy around here for the past three or four days.
Just like the rains have decided to make it a point to fall every day, so also it seems another kind of rain has decided to fall every other day at work. This time though, only in my office.
In the past two weeks, there has been two resignations and both in a department of just four. A key department to boot.
Now, not that resignation is a bad idea or a bad thing. What is bad is that the organization has driven people to take drastic actions. Action they might actually not have taken if the management was listening.
But, even now am not sure the management is listening or ready to listen. So, I foresee more rains to come. You know what I mean by that, right? In other news, the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency has decided to be a real pain in the arse.
This is becoming too much. More outdoor businesses will fold under this pressure. The strain is too much. And the seams seem to be coming off at the edges. It is only a matter of time before the whole thing bursts in everyone's faces.
Just yesterday, the regulatory body asked us to remove two more spectacular boards along the ever busy Apapa-Oshodi expressway. Now, how can a responsible government desirous of economic empowerment and development ask corporate organizations to remove their assets without giving ample window of relocation or any form of compensation? To add salt to the injury, an ultimatum was issued for the removal of the boards failure upon which the affected boards will be forcefully removed and the defaulting firm fined #750,000.
Needless to say these are million naira investments; plus there are clients with campaigns running on these sites. Unfortunately, my major clients are resident on the two structures. Now, I have to placate my Nestle, Seven Up and SBC Johnson contacts.
Naturally, it is one of those days when I want to just throw up my hands and say "Fuck IT".
It has been a bit crazy around here for the past three or four days.
Just like the rains have decided to make it a point to fall every day, so also it seems another kind of rain has decided to fall every other day at work. This time though, only in my office.
In the past two weeks, there has been two resignations and both in a department of just four. A key department to boot.
Now, not that resignation is a bad idea or a bad thing. What is bad is that the organization has driven people to take drastic actions. Action they might actually not have taken if the management was listening.
But, even now am not sure the management is listening or ready to listen. So, I foresee more rains to come. You know what I mean by that, right? In other news, the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency has decided to be a real pain in the arse.
This is becoming too much. More outdoor businesses will fold under this pressure. The strain is too much. And the seams seem to be coming off at the edges. It is only a matter of time before the whole thing bursts in everyone's faces.
Just yesterday, the regulatory body asked us to remove two more spectacular boards along the ever busy Apapa-Oshodi expressway. Now, how can a responsible government desirous of economic empowerment and development ask corporate organizations to remove their assets without giving ample window of relocation or any form of compensation? To add salt to the injury, an ultimatum was issued for the removal of the boards failure upon which the affected boards will be forcefully removed and the defaulting firm fined #750,000.
Needless to say these are million naira investments; plus there are clients with campaigns running on these sites. Unfortunately, my major clients are resident on the two structures. Now, I have to placate my Nestle, Seven Up and SBC Johnson contacts.
Naturally, it is one of those days when I want to just throw up my hands and say "Fuck IT".
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
WHEN IT RAINS....
Monday July 2, 2012
It rained today ehn!
Rained like it was going to go out of fashion. This particular rain more noticeable to me because it was a Monday, and Mondays in Lagos are usually hellish. This one, particularly more hellish than the others I have had to endure.
I woke up pretty late. Later than my usual of 4.30 - 5.00. As soon as I opened my eyes, I knew it was going to be one of those mornings. I felt weary to the bones.... Anyways, I still made it out of the house in good time. But then it started raining and everything went crazy from there. First, the roads were badly flooded (as is often the case around my part of town when it rains), then when I thought I had escaped without serious delays due to the engine stalling or getting stuck in the flood I encountered this 'killer' traffic on Ikorodu road. This is the last of what I need this early in the day!!!
As if that was not enough, it began to rain.... Heavy downpour.
Suffice to say when you combine early morning rain with Monday morning traffic in Lagos what you get is sheer madness.
So, we all went mad...hehehe. Eventually, I made it to the office around 10.30am. Effectively missing the Monday morning status meeting. From what I heard, I was 'looked' for twice. The meeting was still on when I arrived, but what the heck. I don't need anyone else getting on my nerves this early...and on the first day at work in a new month too. So, I skipped the meeting all together and ignored the message that the MD had asked for me twice- let him ask.
It was a rotten morning. However, we still got work to do. I actually had to smoothen out a few ruffled feathers. No thanks to my colleagues selling off one of my client's sites. This internal competition sef, it gets so infuriating.
Well, thankfully I was able to smoothen the client out. It was not easy. Had to do a bit of cajoling, a bit of begging and some cheap blackmail. Hanging our long-term friendship on the client's neck. Anything and everything comes into play when it comes to matters like this. I don't like it, but what can you do? Everyone does it. The other client, was a bit problematic though. I might have to shoot her dead someday. She won't pay up and would expect the best of what I got on offer. One day my patience will finally wear thin (Hoped you would smile there). Getting to work was hell, getting back home.... Either way, I got to my destination.
Tomorrow is another day.
P.S: Oga boss is beginning to see the light!!!
I can't laugh. Being perceptive, and knowing how to look beyond what is presented at face value should be a skill everyone cultivates. This dude missed it, and I hope it is not too late in the game for him to 'step change' his game.
It rained today ehn!
Rained like it was going to go out of fashion. This particular rain more noticeable to me because it was a Monday, and Mondays in Lagos are usually hellish. This one, particularly more hellish than the others I have had to endure.
I woke up pretty late. Later than my usual of 4.30 - 5.00. As soon as I opened my eyes, I knew it was going to be one of those mornings. I felt weary to the bones.... Anyways, I still made it out of the house in good time. But then it started raining and everything went crazy from there. First, the roads were badly flooded (as is often the case around my part of town when it rains), then when I thought I had escaped without serious delays due to the engine stalling or getting stuck in the flood I encountered this 'killer' traffic on Ikorodu road. This is the last of what I need this early in the day!!!
As if that was not enough, it began to rain.... Heavy downpour.
Suffice to say when you combine early morning rain with Monday morning traffic in Lagos what you get is sheer madness.
So, we all went mad...hehehe. Eventually, I made it to the office around 10.30am. Effectively missing the Monday morning status meeting. From what I heard, I was 'looked' for twice. The meeting was still on when I arrived, but what the heck. I don't need anyone else getting on my nerves this early...and on the first day at work in a new month too. So, I skipped the meeting all together and ignored the message that the MD had asked for me twice- let him ask.
It was a rotten morning. However, we still got work to do. I actually had to smoothen out a few ruffled feathers. No thanks to my colleagues selling off one of my client's sites. This internal competition sef, it gets so infuriating.
Well, thankfully I was able to smoothen the client out. It was not easy. Had to do a bit of cajoling, a bit of begging and some cheap blackmail. Hanging our long-term friendship on the client's neck. Anything and everything comes into play when it comes to matters like this. I don't like it, but what can you do? Everyone does it. The other client, was a bit problematic though. I might have to shoot her dead someday. She won't pay up and would expect the best of what I got on offer. One day my patience will finally wear thin (Hoped you would smile there). Getting to work was hell, getting back home.... Either way, I got to my destination.
Tomorrow is another day.
P.S: Oga boss is beginning to see the light!!!
I can't laugh. Being perceptive, and knowing how to look beyond what is presented at face value should be a skill everyone cultivates. This dude missed it, and I hope it is not too late in the game for him to 'step change' his game.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Me, a Bully?
Saturday June 29, 2012
It is another environmental sanitation day. You wouldn't know it was if you live in the part of Lagos that I live in.
Anyway, did the best I could do around the house.
I once again absented myself from the monthly CDA meeting where I am (was unwillingly elected) the secretary. Am not much of a person for that BS. Sitting around for two hours shooting Breeze! Not my style.
After the sanitation, which was abruptly brought to an end in any case by the downpour I sat back to enjoy some other entertainment.
Entertainment for me is music, movies and books. I did the book this time- Ludlum's The Holcroft Covenant. A good read so far.
Chatted some on my bb with a few pals. It was later on I heard one of the most shocking news I have heard in a while.
You see, I like to write and belong to a number of online platforms where I can pursue this past time.
So, when one of the writers on one of the platforms complained that his work had been tampered with, the said tampering having to do with the title and some of the characters and plots altered, I was miffed.
I do know that such sites put up terms and conditions that ultimately gives them supreme control over any works published there, however I had thought that this particular platform, being one promoting local content and local authors will at least be more refined. All it would have taken was to bring the said author on board and make him feel a part of the decision making. Afterall, it's his work.
Well, said author complained. Complaint was brushed aside. Then another author complained, she was equally brushed aside. Then the whole thing snowballed.
I made a few jocular comments.
Hopefully, everything will be resolved. The way I see it though, the guys running the site are well within legal limits to do what they have done.
************************************************************************************
Sunday July 1, 2012
Once again, no church service today.
I know someday I will find my way back to church - Someday.
I was appalled to learn that my jocular remarks on the site where I write was taken exception to. I felt sick to my stomach when I read in fine print that I had been labelled a "bully". Me of all Things? A bully.... I didn't find it funny and gave as good as I got. The rest of the day was spent in relative peace.
Kish up to his regular tricks....
It is another environmental sanitation day. You wouldn't know it was if you live in the part of Lagos that I live in.
Anyway, did the best I could do around the house.
I once again absented myself from the monthly CDA meeting where I am (was unwillingly elected) the secretary. Am not much of a person for that BS. Sitting around for two hours shooting Breeze! Not my style.
After the sanitation, which was abruptly brought to an end in any case by the downpour I sat back to enjoy some other entertainment.
Entertainment for me is music, movies and books. I did the book this time- Ludlum's The Holcroft Covenant. A good read so far.
Chatted some on my bb with a few pals. It was later on I heard one of the most shocking news I have heard in a while.
You see, I like to write and belong to a number of online platforms where I can pursue this past time.
So, when one of the writers on one of the platforms complained that his work had been tampered with, the said tampering having to do with the title and some of the characters and plots altered, I was miffed.
I do know that such sites put up terms and conditions that ultimately gives them supreme control over any works published there, however I had thought that this particular platform, being one promoting local content and local authors will at least be more refined. All it would have taken was to bring the said author on board and make him feel a part of the decision making. Afterall, it's his work.
Well, said author complained. Complaint was brushed aside. Then another author complained, she was equally brushed aside. Then the whole thing snowballed.
I made a few jocular comments.
Hopefully, everything will be resolved. The way I see it though, the guys running the site are well within legal limits to do what they have done.
************************************************************************************
Sunday July 1, 2012
Once again, no church service today.
I know someday I will find my way back to church - Someday.
I was appalled to learn that my jocular remarks on the site where I write was taken exception to. I felt sick to my stomach when I read in fine print that I had been labelled a "bully". Me of all Things? A bully.... I didn't find it funny and gave as good as I got. The rest of the day was spent in relative peace.
Kish up to his regular tricks....
Thursday, June 28, 2012
AM I BACK HERE?
I have recently found myself in an unusual place. A place I thought I have gotten out of for good. A place where I have been many times before; and gotten out of worse off than I was before getting in. A place where I had told myself I won't like to return to. No matter what.
But, I found myself there. How? I have no freaking idea. It just happened and next thing I know, I am way deep into the abyss again. It was like I was yanked away from my safe zone and placed right in the middle of this 'place'. All my attempts at resistance, at finding my way back to my comfort zone swept aside with minimal flourish.
So, here I am. I feel so naked. So vulnerable. So afraid.
Afraid at what is in store for me in this 'place' I have been thrust into.
Vulnerable because I am at the mercy of another. Another whose existence is far off, but whose presence with me in this 'place' is undeniable. The presence is a constant feel....I can really feel it. The presence, the mind....like I can almost reach into it and understand. But, that is only as far as I can go.
I stand, in the middle of this 'place', my vulnerability so obvious and begging to be manipulated- if that is the inclination of this other person.
I am naked. Yes, naked to the other presence in the room. Not in the mundane human way-No.
But, in the deepest emotional way possible. Just like I can almost reach into the mind of the other, so can mine also be accessed. We are like two computers trying to access each other's IP addresses. All we miss are just a few details. But, the connect is definitely there....if not seamless.
I look straight ahead, right at the spot where the other presence stands and wish I can take those last few steps and touch. However, that is not a decision I can take. It is not even my action to take. I have been thrust here....So, I like to believe.
I am at the utter mercy of fate....which hand do I get dealt this time?
Thursday, March 15, 2012
March 16, 2012
March 10.
Today is Seun Ademokun's wedding. She is now a Mrs. Omoniyi. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful wedding. Brought back memories of when I got married three years ago. So much fun memories.
Left the wedding event early. Kinky had to go to school and so I had gone alone. I had to link up with them (Kinky and Kish) so we could head home together. Plus, it was raining later on.
It was however a wonderful experience to witness a dear friend get married and all that. Knowing how tough life was and could be and all the challenges the institution poses. It was also great for personal reflection and re-dedication to my own personal promises.
It was perfect.
********************************************************************************
March 11
Daddy day-care day.
Kish and I had the day to ourselves. This has been the arrangement weekends when she goes to school. So, we spent a quiet day together watching barney and some other cartoons.
I had taken some work home, the one oga wanted me to do from home. I can't be bothered though and did not boot my lappie (except to download some pics to my phone or from my camera).
Later in the evening Gmama came to take Kish to a kiddies party. He woke up just in time to make it dressed up in his new kit.
********************************************************************************
March 12
Another Monday.
Finished the Oracle proposal I didn't touch at home over the weekend and sent to my oga. He then asked us to do a press release. That brief he gave to me and my colleague.
He later called me to make inputs into the Oracle proposal and to add some more details.
I made sure I pulled up some draft for the press release to share with my colleague, so she could also contribute her builds before we send to oga. Unfortunately, she didn't come back early. So, the draft couldn't be sent today like I would have liked it to.
Anyways, tomorrow is another day.
*******************************************************************************
March 13
I had another rough time with my oga today. How any of us is going to survive through to the end of the year I do not know. There is so much animosity from his part towards the rest of the team. To much drama and shenanigans for me to care to write about.
He called me liar today. Something I take exception to. Thankfully, Dele Fatusin (Lagos region Manager) was in his office when he said it and was also a witness and actor in an earlier conversation we had had. He was the one who stepped in and made my case for me. That didn't make my oga stop and apologize. But, I don't give a flying fuck anymore. Way I see it....I won't give a shit.
I don't believe in chasing shadows and won't allow anyone give me one to chase.
That is that. Won't dwell more on that.
Was at PZ Cussons with the Lagos SBU team later in the day. My role was to support and give marketing angle to the discussions. We had a really brief session with Mr. Funsho Jacob, the Marketing Services Manager.
In all, we are to get back to him with sitelists of available boards in specific regions.
The office closed early and I left as soon as it closed. Had to get back home for Kish. He was in the hospital today....I need to make that decision about his school fast.
He has fallen ill more times in two months than he ever did in all his over one year existence.
*********************************************************************************
March 14
Another promotion exercise at the office and I don't get promoted. That is three times in five years!
I and Kayode Alade are the only ones left from my set yet to be promoted. I wonder why (not really I know why= My oga+evolution project).
Worse, a colleague was asked to go.
Not good and I better start to look at my options. Seems the company has got me in their sight because of my pivotal role in the *project evolution*. Sad to me though that most of our recommendations are now what is being implemented by the company.
I am at a loss.
Today is Seun Ademokun's wedding. She is now a Mrs. Omoniyi. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful wedding. Brought back memories of when I got married three years ago. So much fun memories.
 |
| Mr n Mrs Ayo Omoniyi |
 |
| Me n Kinky in 2009 |
It was however a wonderful experience to witness a dear friend get married and all that. Knowing how tough life was and could be and all the challenges the institution poses. It was also great for personal reflection and re-dedication to my own personal promises.
It was perfect.
********************************************************************************
March 11
Daddy day-care day.
Kish and I had the day to ourselves. This has been the arrangement weekends when she goes to school. So, we spent a quiet day together watching barney and some other cartoons.
I had taken some work home, the one oga wanted me to do from home. I can't be bothered though and did not boot my lappie (except to download some pics to my phone or from my camera).
Later in the evening Gmama came to take Kish to a kiddies party. He woke up just in time to make it dressed up in his new kit.
March 12
Another Monday.
Finished the Oracle proposal I didn't touch at home over the weekend and sent to my oga. He then asked us to do a press release. That brief he gave to me and my colleague.
He later called me to make inputs into the Oracle proposal and to add some more details.
I made sure I pulled up some draft for the press release to share with my colleague, so she could also contribute her builds before we send to oga. Unfortunately, she didn't come back early. So, the draft couldn't be sent today like I would have liked it to.
Anyways, tomorrow is another day.
*******************************************************************************
March 13
I had another rough time with my oga today. How any of us is going to survive through to the end of the year I do not know. There is so much animosity from his part towards the rest of the team. To much drama and shenanigans for me to care to write about.
He called me liar today. Something I take exception to. Thankfully, Dele Fatusin (Lagos region Manager) was in his office when he said it and was also a witness and actor in an earlier conversation we had had. He was the one who stepped in and made my case for me. That didn't make my oga stop and apologize. But, I don't give a flying fuck anymore. Way I see it....I won't give a shit.
I don't believe in chasing shadows and won't allow anyone give me one to chase.
That is that. Won't dwell more on that.
Was at PZ Cussons with the Lagos SBU team later in the day. My role was to support and give marketing angle to the discussions. We had a really brief session with Mr. Funsho Jacob, the Marketing Services Manager.
In all, we are to get back to him with sitelists of available boards in specific regions.
The office closed early and I left as soon as it closed. Had to get back home for Kish. He was in the hospital today....I need to make that decision about his school fast.
He has fallen ill more times in two months than he ever did in all his over one year existence.
*********************************************************************************
March 14
Another promotion exercise at the office and I don't get promoted. That is three times in five years!
I and Kayode Alade are the only ones left from my set yet to be promoted. I wonder why (not really I know why= My oga+evolution project).
Worse, a colleague was asked to go.
Not good and I better start to look at my options. Seems the company has got me in their sight because of my pivotal role in the *project evolution*. Sad to me though that most of our recommendations are now what is being implemented by the company.
I am at a loss.
Friday, March 9, 2012
March 9, 2012
Thursday March 8, 2012
Today was a bit of a roll. Not too much doing. So, I enjoyed my day until about 5.21pm when my oga came and told me he had a brief for me. Gosh....just about eight minutes before we close shop for the day!
I pulled as many photos from online as I could that will help me. Can't stay in the office to do this shit. No way!!! Off I went at my usual time. No holding me back men! Made sure I packed my lappie though. Will grind out that work at home.
Kish has a recurring outbreak of measles again! Gawwwwwwwwwwwwwwd! That school.
Fortunately, I was able to knock out the bare bones of the proposal before sleeping at around 2.30a.m.
March 9, 2012
Friday!!!
It is Dipo Otunuga's birthday. He is probably celebrating it somewhere with someone special. Since we all left Mapoly, Ojere it has been difficult being together again. Everybody don fondagbe!
Woke up late. Not surprising considering how late I slept. Did not even have my bathe. No time for that luxury...I got to beat that mad traffic on Ikorodu road and be in the office early to be able to put the proposal in shape before my 10 a.m deadline for submission. Who will give that kind of deadline anyways, only my oga will. A sinking feeling in my belly at that prospect.
I guess I was smart enough to quickly show him the draft I had before I had done any shaping out on the proposal. He made his inputs, thakfully minimal, and I was able to finish up the proposal before the 10 a.m deadline.
Unfortunately, my test was not over.
At about 3.30 p.m I was given another brief to be submitted before the close of work!!! Na wa o!!!
This time it was on Oracle. But, I was wondering to myself why wait so late?
Anyways, I finished it up before the deadline too....one for ya money.
Got weddings on my mind men...no way I will be held up o.
Tomorrow is Seun's wedding. Will be there no doubt. My cloth is ready; no shaking.
Will see ya on MoNdAy!!!
Today was a bit of a roll. Not too much doing. So, I enjoyed my day until about 5.21pm when my oga came and told me he had a brief for me. Gosh....just about eight minutes before we close shop for the day!
I pulled as many photos from online as I could that will help me. Can't stay in the office to do this shit. No way!!! Off I went at my usual time. No holding me back men! Made sure I packed my lappie though. Will grind out that work at home.
Kish has a recurring outbreak of measles again! Gawwwwwwwwwwwwwwd! That school.
Fortunately, I was able to knock out the bare bones of the proposal before sleeping at around 2.30a.m.
March 9, 2012
Friday!!!
It is Dipo Otunuga's birthday. He is probably celebrating it somewhere with someone special. Since we all left Mapoly, Ojere it has been difficult being together again. Everybody don fondagbe!
Woke up late. Not surprising considering how late I slept. Did not even have my bathe. No time for that luxury...I got to beat that mad traffic on Ikorodu road and be in the office early to be able to put the proposal in shape before my 10 a.m deadline for submission. Who will give that kind of deadline anyways, only my oga will. A sinking feeling in my belly at that prospect.
I guess I was smart enough to quickly show him the draft I had before I had done any shaping out on the proposal. He made his inputs, thakfully minimal, and I was able to finish up the proposal before the 10 a.m deadline.
Unfortunately, my test was not over.
At about 3.30 p.m I was given another brief to be submitted before the close of work!!! Na wa o!!!
This time it was on Oracle. But, I was wondering to myself why wait so late?
Anyways, I finished it up before the deadline too....one for ya money.
Got weddings on my mind men...no way I will be held up o.
Tomorrow is Seun's wedding. Will be there no doubt. My cloth is ready; no shaking.
Will see ya on MoNdAy!!!
Thursday, March 8, 2012
March 7, 2012
A special friend celebrated her birthday today.
Happy birthday to you Aisha Alii-Balogun. God will take you to higher places. Alright?
After all the shenanigans of yesterday at the office, I had expected a pretty cold reception from my oga. I was not disappointed. But, we still have a job to do- Right!
So, I went in to see him this morning to make my report from yesterday and also get his clarification on way forward for the 'tainted' contract from MS.
I endured all the gruff treatment, and when it got too much I had to put the issue back on the table.
'I see you are still angry from what happened yesterday,' I ventured.
'No, I am not. We have a business to run here so let's do our jobs. I don't appreciate it when people give me attitudes and bragado. You met me in this world, so....in any case, I am not angry. Let's do our jobs. It's okay,' he finished. I just stood looking at him for a few seconds. Knowing what that kind of mindset was going to have later repercussions, so I did what I wouldn't do under other circumstances.
I appealed to his emotive side and was able to get him back (in a manner).
The film still dey go.
*********************************************************************************
Happy birthday to you Aisha Alii-Balogun. God will take you to higher places. Alright?
After all the shenanigans of yesterday at the office, I had expected a pretty cold reception from my oga. I was not disappointed. But, we still have a job to do- Right!
So, I went in to see him this morning to make my report from yesterday and also get his clarification on way forward for the 'tainted' contract from MS.
I endured all the gruff treatment, and when it got too much I had to put the issue back on the table.
'I see you are still angry from what happened yesterday,' I ventured.
'No, I am not. We have a business to run here so let's do our jobs. I don't appreciate it when people give me attitudes and bragado. You met me in this world, so....in any case, I am not angry. Let's do our jobs. It's okay,' he finished. I just stood looking at him for a few seconds. Knowing what that kind of mindset was going to have later repercussions, so I did what I wouldn't do under other circumstances.
I appealed to his emotive side and was able to get him back (in a manner).
The film still dey go.
*********************************************************************************
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
March 6, 2012
It was a bright day, yea.
I was looking sharp and all that so naturally I was feeling a bit up and up. Hahaha.
Never mind.
So, it is client meet and site inspection afterwards. I like how that is shaping out. Gradually rounding off all the loose ends on this Nestle account. It could have been messier, but the client and the agency had been pretty co-operative and all. Part of the problem was there doing anyway. But, the feeling you get for knowing you are able to proffer sound solutions is euphoric.
There was a lot that came in fast this morning, there was an early morning text from my Coca Cola account contact at UM; Wanted new invoices submitted before 1 p.m. Ha! These clients sef. This is regardless that I had turned in an invoice for Q1 2012 much earlier. This na double work....and on a day I had my mind set on closing another deal that is time bound.
Then, my oga wanted me to pick up a P.O from MS that we have been knocking front and back since sometime last week.
I had gone into his office to let him know my itinerary, I still don't know how I feel in that office. He had looked and sounded his usual gruff way (getting used to that and learning to pick his real mood from his fake outward mood)- will really like to understand and be on point with my reactions to his ways.
'Yes, ' he asked in his gruff voice.
I twitched about a bit. But determined to keep my composure I braved it and spoke up.
'I wanted to let you know I will be out for the site inspection and client meet I spoke about yesterday. That is why I brought the pool car form for you to sign,' I said handing him the form.
He scanned the paper through the top of his glasses, then asked 'What is happening at MR?'
'Meeting on illumination. Then the MS is the site inspection for Maggi replacement site,' I replied.
'Okay. So, what do you want me to do?'
'I want you to sign the form sir,' I replied.
So, he signed.
'Did you send the CD to Clive at FMNplc.?' He asked as he handed me back the form.
'Oh yes, I did. I sent it with a hard copy of the contact report as agreed. You know I collected the revised proposal from you on a flash?'
He looked at me funny, then somehow maybe remembered what I was talking about, 'Yeah. Yeah. Did you check it?'
'Yes, I did,' I replied. I wanted to be on with other things. But, obviously there was more.
'On your way, please collect the order for the Oshodi board from Gbenga at MS.'
I waited for further briefs.
'It's =N= 7.9m abi?'
'Yes,' I replied. 'I am going to MS actually to pick my client for the inspection.' I finished.
'Oh, how many of you are going?'
'I believe just me and the client. She didn't tell me someone is coming from Nestle.'
'Okay, collect the order. It's non-illuminated abi?'
'Yes.'
'Okay. Well done.'
So, I was out of there like a bolt. I needed to call on Shali's favor with the Coke invoice to ensure that it gets to UM before 1 p.m and I was running behind schedule for my 9 a.m appointment with my MS client.
Was able to get Shali's assurance that the invoice will be ready. We work well together that way.
At about 9 a.m I was out of the office. Late already. But what can one do?
Made it to MS about fifteen minutes later, but the fella I was to pick the order from was not yet at the office. So, off I was with my client on the original assignment.
Traffic on Lagos roads is hell. But we were able to be done with our inspection of the Mile 2 board on time and she finally settle for the board Facing the traffic from the Ojo/Festac/Badagry end of the Lagos-Badagry expressway.
Our journey back was not very eventful. And all went smoothly. Done deal. I called the MD on the way back to find out if he has submitted his inputs in the SBC Plc digital proposal I was preparing. He hasn't but promised to look at it as soon as he was free. Good news.
Called up Segun at MR to set up a time for our appointment. We agreed on 1.30 p.m. That meeting is going to be a bit more problematic.
I also called my immediate Super (since my office mate is yet to resume), to solicit for his assistance in ensuring that the UM invoice for coke had been treated. He was able to confirm it had been processed and sent.
Shali is a dream.
Had to drop my client off back at her office before heading for my 1.30 p.m appointment at MR at Maryland.
Back at MS, I was able to finally see the fella to give me the order for my oga. My thought just a simple 'pick- n-drop' assignment on this one.
'Hello, I am Shanu from OE. I am here due to the discussions you had with my colleague on the Oshodi Board.'
'Yes, but the rate....I understand that there is a rate structure you use with us. What is the rate?'
'It is =N=7.9m for that site. I believe you and my colleague had discussed extensively on this before now,' I replied.
'It is the board facing the traffic from the airport, right?' He asked.
'Yes it is,' I replied.
'Please give me a minute.'
He stood up and left the office for several minutes. When he came back, he was holding a piece of paper.
'Yes, I just spoke to my people. I understand the rate you use with us on that site is =N= 7.5m. So, that is what it is.' He was standing by the door.
'That may be true, but my understanding was you have concluding with him. I will need to clarify with him.
Unfortunately, my phone battery was down and I did not have my oga's number on my other phone.
Eventually, the fella had to call him and I also spoke with him.
It all went down hill from there.
Long and short, my oga felt let down I had fed him wrong information and made him look stupid before the client and our MD.
However, I couldn't have know if he had been able to secure an agreement or not with the fella other than what me and him had agreed earlier in the office. So, when he had said =N=7.9m earlier in the morning at the office I had simply taken that was the rate he agreed with the fella.
Unfortunately, my oga has a 'way' with dealing with things- not the best way I must say.
Well, I picked the order for =N=7.5m but it felt like I was holding a ticking time bomb in my hands.
Guys at MS were joking that I am to hard to bargain with and all that. I couldn't enjoy the joke, but my client on Maggi rose to my defense. Good to have a friend in-house.
Went off to my 1.30 p.m meet at MR. Got there about ten minutes late. But the meeting went smoother than I thought. Though we didn't reach an immediate agreement, both camps were actually clear on their stands. The agency standing behind their client (because they have no choice) and I staunchly stating my company's position. Way I see it, we may have to just drop the chain on that account if it seems to want to drown us. I put that to the agency reps best way I could.
Worked a bit on the new business I am chasing with MR. Don't feel the vibe the lady rep is giving me. But, I am confident I can bring her around to reality.
It was back at the office that the fireworks started.
It was a screaming match and if there is something I hate it is for someone to be screaming at me. So, I raised my voice a notch too....I don't care much when I lose my top. So, I keep a tight lid on it as much as I can.
We were at it for a while, then settled it somehow. Maybe it ended the way it should end between gentlemen, only time will tell.
I was looking sharp and all that so naturally I was feeling a bit up and up. Hahaha.
Never mind.
So, it is client meet and site inspection afterwards. I like how that is shaping out. Gradually rounding off all the loose ends on this Nestle account. It could have been messier, but the client and the agency had been pretty co-operative and all. Part of the problem was there doing anyway. But, the feeling you get for knowing you are able to proffer sound solutions is euphoric.
There was a lot that came in fast this morning, there was an early morning text from my Coca Cola account contact at UM; Wanted new invoices submitted before 1 p.m. Ha! These clients sef. This is regardless that I had turned in an invoice for Q1 2012 much earlier. This na double work....and on a day I had my mind set on closing another deal that is time bound.
Then, my oga wanted me to pick up a P.O from MS that we have been knocking front and back since sometime last week.
I had gone into his office to let him know my itinerary, I still don't know how I feel in that office. He had looked and sounded his usual gruff way (getting used to that and learning to pick his real mood from his fake outward mood)- will really like to understand and be on point with my reactions to his ways.
'Yes, ' he asked in his gruff voice.
I twitched about a bit. But determined to keep my composure I braved it and spoke up.
'I wanted to let you know I will be out for the site inspection and client meet I spoke about yesterday. That is why I brought the pool car form for you to sign,' I said handing him the form.
He scanned the paper through the top of his glasses, then asked 'What is happening at MR?'
'Meeting on illumination. Then the MS is the site inspection for Maggi replacement site,' I replied.
'Okay. So, what do you want me to do?'
'I want you to sign the form sir,' I replied.
So, he signed.
'Did you send the CD to Clive at FMNplc.?' He asked as he handed me back the form.
'Oh yes, I did. I sent it with a hard copy of the contact report as agreed. You know I collected the revised proposal from you on a flash?'
He looked at me funny, then somehow maybe remembered what I was talking about, 'Yeah. Yeah. Did you check it?'
'Yes, I did,' I replied. I wanted to be on with other things. But, obviously there was more.
'On your way, please collect the order for the Oshodi board from Gbenga at MS.'
I waited for further briefs.
'It's =N= 7.9m abi?'
'Yes,' I replied. 'I am going to MS actually to pick my client for the inspection.' I finished.
'Oh, how many of you are going?'
'I believe just me and the client. She didn't tell me someone is coming from Nestle.'
'Okay, collect the order. It's non-illuminated abi?'
'Yes.'
'Okay. Well done.'
So, I was out of there like a bolt. I needed to call on Shali's favor with the Coke invoice to ensure that it gets to UM before 1 p.m and I was running behind schedule for my 9 a.m appointment with my MS client.
Was able to get Shali's assurance that the invoice will be ready. We work well together that way.
At about 9 a.m I was out of the office. Late already. But what can one do?
Made it to MS about fifteen minutes later, but the fella I was to pick the order from was not yet at the office. So, off I was with my client on the original assignment.
Traffic on Lagos roads is hell. But we were able to be done with our inspection of the Mile 2 board on time and she finally settle for the board Facing the traffic from the Ojo/Festac/Badagry end of the Lagos-Badagry expressway.
Our journey back was not very eventful. And all went smoothly. Done deal. I called the MD on the way back to find out if he has submitted his inputs in the SBC Plc digital proposal I was preparing. He hasn't but promised to look at it as soon as he was free. Good news.
Called up Segun at MR to set up a time for our appointment. We agreed on 1.30 p.m. That meeting is going to be a bit more problematic.
I also called my immediate Super (since my office mate is yet to resume), to solicit for his assistance in ensuring that the UM invoice for coke had been treated. He was able to confirm it had been processed and sent.
Shali is a dream.
Had to drop my client off back at her office before heading for my 1.30 p.m appointment at MR at Maryland.
Back at MS, I was able to finally see the fella to give me the order for my oga. My thought just a simple 'pick- n-drop' assignment on this one.
'Hello, I am Shanu from OE. I am here due to the discussions you had with my colleague on the Oshodi Board.'
'Yes, but the rate....I understand that there is a rate structure you use with us. What is the rate?'
'It is =N=7.9m for that site. I believe you and my colleague had discussed extensively on this before now,' I replied.
'It is the board facing the traffic from the airport, right?' He asked.
'Yes it is,' I replied.
'Please give me a minute.'
He stood up and left the office for several minutes. When he came back, he was holding a piece of paper.
'Yes, I just spoke to my people. I understand the rate you use with us on that site is =N= 7.5m. So, that is what it is.' He was standing by the door.
'That may be true, but my understanding was you have concluding with him. I will need to clarify with him.
Unfortunately, my phone battery was down and I did not have my oga's number on my other phone.
Eventually, the fella had to call him and I also spoke with him.
It all went down hill from there.
Long and short, my oga felt let down I had fed him wrong information and made him look stupid before the client and our MD.
However, I couldn't have know if he had been able to secure an agreement or not with the fella other than what me and him had agreed earlier in the office. So, when he had said =N=7.9m earlier in the morning at the office I had simply taken that was the rate he agreed with the fella.
Unfortunately, my oga has a 'way' with dealing with things- not the best way I must say.
Well, I picked the order for =N=7.5m but it felt like I was holding a ticking time bomb in my hands.
Guys at MS were joking that I am to hard to bargain with and all that. I couldn't enjoy the joke, but my client on Maggi rose to my defense. Good to have a friend in-house.
Went off to my 1.30 p.m meet at MR. Got there about ten minutes late. But the meeting went smoother than I thought. Though we didn't reach an immediate agreement, both camps were actually clear on their stands. The agency standing behind their client (because they have no choice) and I staunchly stating my company's position. Way I see it, we may have to just drop the chain on that account if it seems to want to drown us. I put that to the agency reps best way I could.
Worked a bit on the new business I am chasing with MR. Don't feel the vibe the lady rep is giving me. But, I am confident I can bring her around to reality.
It was back at the office that the fireworks started.
It was a screaming match and if there is something I hate it is for someone to be screaming at me. So, I raised my voice a notch too....I don't care much when I lose my top. So, I keep a tight lid on it as much as I can.
We were at it for a while, then settled it somehow. Maybe it ended the way it should end between gentlemen, only time will tell.
March 5, 2012
Monday!
I can't decide whether or not I hate Mondays. I hate it for the traffic. I love it for the long meetings....time for a junior exec like myself to engage in other stuffs. Hahaha....productive stuffs o!
Anyways, it is the usual-traffic in the morning. The difference was when I got to the office and saw colleagues from the regional business units. That was odd. Later realized they were in town for the quarterly regional meetings. Well, this year's is a bit early was what I thought to myself.
My colleague's daughter not feeling well, so she took off. I have the entire office to myself. Hmm, as if that will change anything.
I was having a blast with my 'free-time' catching up on some reading when I was called in for the afternoon session- strange things gets getting stranger.
Well, we were half-way through the afternoon jaw-jawing when the number 2 man in the group's executive board walked into the conference room.
OMG!!!
Did I say strange things got stranger?!
Now, stranger things just got strangest (sic) - pardon me. That is unprecedented really. Don't see that fella around, except for the annual AGM and quarterly board meetings.
Hmm.
What next?
We had a pep-talk from him, and he kept referring to everyone in the room as senior managers. And I kept looking at myself and a couple of other junior execs in the room- For where? Our eyes seem to be telling our inner thoughts.
'Me i be ordinary can-carrier for here o, you nko', we seem to be telling ourselves.
In any case, we had the pep-talk and the Big Fella left.
We were left to our mundane deliberations, at which point most in the room had lost all interest.
I wasn't surprised when the meeting limped to a slumbering end a few minutes later.
It was almost 6 p.m. and people had started contemplating braving the mad Lagos traffic.
I took off as soon as it was safe to.
I can't decide whether or not I hate Mondays. I hate it for the traffic. I love it for the long meetings....time for a junior exec like myself to engage in other stuffs. Hahaha....productive stuffs o!
Anyways, it is the usual-traffic in the morning. The difference was when I got to the office and saw colleagues from the regional business units. That was odd. Later realized they were in town for the quarterly regional meetings. Well, this year's is a bit early was what I thought to myself.
My colleague's daughter not feeling well, so she took off. I have the entire office to myself. Hmm, as if that will change anything.
I was having a blast with my 'free-time' catching up on some reading when I was called in for the afternoon session- strange things gets getting stranger.
Well, we were half-way through the afternoon jaw-jawing when the number 2 man in the group's executive board walked into the conference room.
OMG!!!
Did I say strange things got stranger?!
Now, stranger things just got strangest (sic) - pardon me. That is unprecedented really. Don't see that fella around, except for the annual AGM and quarterly board meetings.
Hmm.
What next?
We had a pep-talk from him, and he kept referring to everyone in the room as senior managers. And I kept looking at myself and a couple of other junior execs in the room- For where? Our eyes seem to be telling our inner thoughts.
'Me i be ordinary can-carrier for here o, you nko', we seem to be telling ourselves.
In any case, we had the pep-talk and the Big Fella left.
We were left to our mundane deliberations, at which point most in the room had lost all interest.
I wasn't surprised when the meeting limped to a slumbering end a few minutes later.
It was almost 6 p.m. and people had started contemplating braving the mad Lagos traffic.
I took off as soon as it was safe to.
Monday, March 5, 2012
March 3, 2012
Saturday!
Beautiful morning. I love weekends and this one I liked better. Why? We were going out! No, not out as in OUT. I had promised Kinky we would do some shopping. I had put it off for a while, but no more. She won't let me rest until the deed is done.
We dropped Kish off at Gmama's...we had to do some James Bond dodging to extricate ourselves. Kinky leaving through one door, while I sneaked through another. Sure there will be more sneaking to do as time comes along and he gets smarter #thinkwhatyouwant.
Well, so off we were to downtown Lagos for some real shopping. Being a while I did this but it was fun. We combed the whole of downtown Lagos for close to four hours. Buying everything from beads to Super Yogo!!! Believe me those things still high up there with me. FAN don make money from my pocket.
If you know anything about downtown Lagos, you will know that shopping there is serious business. So many people, so much on display and thieves every corner looking for something to nick off you.
We survived though. And before heading home, I treated Kinky to a surprise. We ate a special treat of fried fish and shrimps at a local shack - I will call it 'Fish Shack'. No particular address, but it was fun and it was delicious.
So, all-in-all it was a great day and Kish was very delighted when we got back - saw it in his eyes and the way he rushed into my arms.
It is wonderful to have a kid like Kish.
Sunday!
We were woken up by Kish beating away on his drum. If not for him we might have slept till late morning.
No church today. Too tired. Not after all that walking and lugging yesterday.
So, it was indoor things for the family. We used the time to catch up on some movies. My favorite for the day was 'Mother and Child'- it was really cool. I almost cried. Touched on abortion, the faulty adoption system and the scourge of teenage pregnancies.
It was a really nice movie.
Also watched an indie movie- Prince. Tacky flick...too much effects and glitz. It did well for passing away the time though.
All in all, the weekend was great and fulfilling.
Work begins tomorrow.
See ya.
Beautiful morning. I love weekends and this one I liked better. Why? We were going out! No, not out as in OUT. I had promised Kinky we would do some shopping. I had put it off for a while, but no more. She won't let me rest until the deed is done.
We dropped Kish off at Gmama's...we had to do some James Bond dodging to extricate ourselves. Kinky leaving through one door, while I sneaked through another. Sure there will be more sneaking to do as time comes along and he gets smarter #thinkwhatyouwant.
Well, so off we were to downtown Lagos for some real shopping. Being a while I did this but it was fun. We combed the whole of downtown Lagos for close to four hours. Buying everything from beads to Super Yogo!!! Believe me those things still high up there with me. FAN don make money from my pocket.
If you know anything about downtown Lagos, you will know that shopping there is serious business. So many people, so much on display and thieves every corner looking for something to nick off you.
So, all-in-all it was a great day and Kish was very delighted when we got back - saw it in his eyes and the way he rushed into my arms.
It is wonderful to have a kid like Kish.
Sunday!
We were woken up by Kish beating away on his drum. If not for him we might have slept till late morning.
No church today. Too tired. Not after all that walking and lugging yesterday.
So, it was indoor things for the family. We used the time to catch up on some movies. My favorite for the day was 'Mother and Child'- it was really cool. I almost cried. Touched on abortion, the faulty adoption system and the scourge of teenage pregnancies.
It was a really nice movie.
Also watched an indie movie- Prince. Tacky flick...too much effects and glitz. It did well for passing away the time though.
All in all, the weekend was great and fulfilling.
Work begins tomorrow.
See ya.
Friday, March 2, 2012
March 2, 2012
It's a Friday baby!
Have you ever had that feeling, where you are in a room with someone and all you can think of is how to get out of the room as fast as you can?
It is that I get when I walk into a particular office at work. Damn so uncomfortable and you don't know what you will say that will get you into hot water.
I have tried to feel as comfortable as I can be, but it isn't just working. Maybe things will change or a miracle will happen!!!
The week has been really good. Everything on the up and up. Contracts keep coming and at the end of February am already clocking almost N200m. Of course, I don't even see 0.01 % of that money but I work with the believe. If I can make that for some business, some day I might be able to make that and more for mine.
Pray it gets better.
Was in a weird convo with someone I met randomly on BBM today. Really strange. Sometimes, I wonder what goes on in the minds of most Nigerian ladies. Every guy they meet must always (without exception) want to get into their pants. Still baffles me where that notion came from though. This particular convo just reinforced that theory for me. Plus the fact that most Nigerians are also not really smart. Street smart maybe, but smart smart, NO!
Well, I hooked up with this lady on BBM (using an app most don't even know could be used for that purpose-Picstory) and it was going well, until she popped a most unexpected question.
Excerpt:
Shai: Hello
Moe: Hi
Moe: How did you get my PIN?
Shai: Oh, My bad. Actually, I saw your pic profile on pictstory and decided to make random friends.
Moe: Really?
Shai: Yea
Moe: Lieing*sic
Shai: That is an unfair statement to make. You can actually make new friends using the app as it is a BBM connected app. Unfortunately, most do not know.
Moe: Really? Okay.
Moe: Hmmmmm.
Shai: Yea
Moe: U re a cracker!
Shai: Ha, lol.
Moe: So, tell me what do you want?
Shai: Huh?
Moe: What do you want?
Shai: Nothing. Just looking to make some new friends.
Moe: For what purpose?
Shai: Friends is all we've got. Plus you never know what potential biz benefit you can tap from making friends.
Moe: Really?
SHai: Sure
Moe: U r a liar and a Jack!
Shai: Huh? That is not fair....I guess it was my mistake.
Moe:Yea right, a cracker and a jack. And the earlier you get that into your head the better.
Shai: That is rude.
Moe: Fuck You!!!
Shai: Hmm, sorry abt this. Not ur fault. My mistake.....
Hilarious as it seemed to me then, it showed up some pretty simple facts about how this particular lady was thinking. Her notion about the motive behind my interest. Babes think that most guys only think about sex. Maybe that is true, but still not enough reason to assume and put your foot in a man's face. What if that was what was on his mind? Why not let him hook himself with his rope? I know smart ladies. Pretty smart once who can smell a rat from miles away. But Moe doesn't belong to that group.
*********************************************************************************
Kish started school last week. And in one week of starting he has contact measles and other infections!!!
Seriously thinking of withdrawing him and setting him up somewhere else. Or revert back to our original plan. Keep him home until about three when he is likely to be able to take better care of himself. Kinky and I are still looking up the options.
*********************************************************************************
Oh, forgot from my entry yesterday!
Was involved in a minor double-car accident on Wednesday. Another car bashed our vehicle from behind. Was with a senior colleague at the office when it happened.
Was speaking to Kinky on the phone when I felt the jolt of the impact from behind.
On getting down from the vehicle, I was knocked sideways on seeing the culprit - young chap not more than 20, all tattooed and spotting ear studs on both ears. It was irritating. For the first time in a long time, I judged someone by just looking at them and not after I have heard them speak.
Young chap (Kola was his name I believe) redeemed himself. He behaved gentlemanly and although he couldn't solve the situation himself, he was calm and controlled all through while we waited for his mom.
After all was said and done, we settled (in a fashion) and everyone went their separate ways as friends (or potential friends- His widowed mom and my senior colleague I mean, ahem!).
********************************************************************************
It is a weekend, so see you on Monday.
Ciao.
Have you ever had that feeling, where you are in a room with someone and all you can think of is how to get out of the room as fast as you can?
It is that I get when I walk into a particular office at work. Damn so uncomfortable and you don't know what you will say that will get you into hot water.
I have tried to feel as comfortable as I can be, but it isn't just working. Maybe things will change or a miracle will happen!!!
The week has been really good. Everything on the up and up. Contracts keep coming and at the end of February am already clocking almost N200m. Of course, I don't even see 0.01 % of that money but I work with the believe. If I can make that for some business, some day I might be able to make that and more for mine.
Pray it gets better.
Was in a weird convo with someone I met randomly on BBM today. Really strange. Sometimes, I wonder what goes on in the minds of most Nigerian ladies. Every guy they meet must always (without exception) want to get into their pants. Still baffles me where that notion came from though. This particular convo just reinforced that theory for me. Plus the fact that most Nigerians are also not really smart. Street smart maybe, but smart smart, NO!
Well, I hooked up with this lady on BBM (using an app most don't even know could be used for that purpose-Picstory) and it was going well, until she popped a most unexpected question.
Excerpt:
Shai: Hello
Moe: Hi
Moe: How did you get my PIN?
Shai: Oh, My bad. Actually, I saw your pic profile on pictstory and decided to make random friends.
Moe: Really?
Shai: Yea
Moe: Lieing*sic
Shai: That is an unfair statement to make. You can actually make new friends using the app as it is a BBM connected app. Unfortunately, most do not know.
Moe: Really? Okay.
Moe: Hmmmmm.
Shai: Yea
Moe: U re a cracker!
Shai: Ha, lol.
Moe: So, tell me what do you want?
Shai: Huh?
Moe: What do you want?
Shai: Nothing. Just looking to make some new friends.
Moe: For what purpose?
Shai: Friends is all we've got. Plus you never know what potential biz benefit you can tap from making friends.
Moe: Really?
SHai: Sure
Moe: U r a liar and a Jack!
Shai: Huh? That is not fair....I guess it was my mistake.
Moe:Yea right, a cracker and a jack. And the earlier you get that into your head the better.
Shai: That is rude.
Moe: Fuck You!!!
Shai: Hmm, sorry abt this. Not ur fault. My mistake.....
Hilarious as it seemed to me then, it showed up some pretty simple facts about how this particular lady was thinking. Her notion about the motive behind my interest. Babes think that most guys only think about sex. Maybe that is true, but still not enough reason to assume and put your foot in a man's face. What if that was what was on his mind? Why not let him hook himself with his rope? I know smart ladies. Pretty smart once who can smell a rat from miles away. But Moe doesn't belong to that group.
*********************************************************************************
Kish started school last week. And in one week of starting he has contact measles and other infections!!!
Seriously thinking of withdrawing him and setting him up somewhere else. Or revert back to our original plan. Keep him home until about three when he is likely to be able to take better care of himself. Kinky and I are still looking up the options.
*********************************************************************************
Oh, forgot from my entry yesterday!
Was involved in a minor double-car accident on Wednesday. Another car bashed our vehicle from behind. Was with a senior colleague at the office when it happened.
Was speaking to Kinky on the phone when I felt the jolt of the impact from behind.
On getting down from the vehicle, I was knocked sideways on seeing the culprit - young chap not more than 20, all tattooed and spotting ear studs on both ears. It was irritating. For the first time in a long time, I judged someone by just looking at them and not after I have heard them speak.
Young chap (Kola was his name I believe) redeemed himself. He behaved gentlemanly and although he couldn't solve the situation himself, he was calm and controlled all through while we waited for his mom.
After all was said and done, we settled (in a fashion) and everyone went their separate ways as friends (or potential friends- His widowed mom and my senior colleague I mean, ahem!).
********************************************************************************
It is a weekend, so see you on Monday.
Ciao.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
IT BEGINS AGAIN
So, it is a new year? Yeah! It is and new things are happening. Shame I have not touched base here as often as I would have liked.
I have a new boss...maybe better than the old one (who left in frustration anyways because management was not supportive enough and did not recognize his worth enough...still don't recognize the collective worth of the marketing team till now), maybe not. Only time will tell.
So, it is a new boss. A new system and a new way to learn. It is a two-way street sha, the way I see it. It's still WIP. We shall see.
My son, Kish (Ilerioluwakiishi) clocked one in December 2011. We are already counting down to 2. It was fun all round and some big boys were also around to share the fun with him
All that was last year, 2012 has started at rather breakneck speed. Even more than how it was last year. It is killing the schedule and the workload. But, we go survive. We must survive. It is a must to survive all the hassles of this life at work o, at home o...anywhere o! Na wetin me sign up for this year be that!!!
Last month, February 28 was my mom's 53rd birthday. Wow!!! She doesn't look one bit her 53yrs. That is a good thing, because when we walk on the streets people actually think we are brother/sister combo. Hahahaha.
Errr, I gotta go for now....hopefully, I can keep this going all through the year. See ya tomorrow.
I have a new boss...maybe better than the old one (who left in frustration anyways because management was not supportive enough and did not recognize his worth enough...still don't recognize the collective worth of the marketing team till now), maybe not. Only time will tell.
So, it is a new boss. A new system and a new way to learn. It is a two-way street sha, the way I see it. It's still WIP. We shall see.
All that was last year, 2012 has started at rather breakneck speed. Even more than how it was last year. It is killing the schedule and the workload. But, we go survive. We must survive. It is a must to survive all the hassles of this life at work o, at home o...anywhere o! Na wetin me sign up for this year be that!!!
Last month, February 28 was my mom's 53rd birthday. Wow!!! She doesn't look one bit her 53yrs. That is a good thing, because when we walk on the streets people actually think we are brother/sister combo. Hahahaha.
Errr, I gotta go for now....hopefully, I can keep this going all through the year. See ya tomorrow.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)