Light - Camera - Action

Introducing our families . . .

The Naija Folks - Meet the Naija Folks
The Sienas - keeping up with the Sienas
The Jarus' - Mr & Mrs Jarus.

This show promises to be fun as these 3 families will take us on a ride into their world. We get to see the thrills, the excitement, the tears, the fights, the make-ups, the dates, the temptations, the lonely nights, the celebrations and all.


Programme Run-down (Naija time)

- Meet the Naija Folks #teamblue# - Mondays and Fridays, Between 5 and 6pm

- Keeping up with the Sienas #teampurple# - Tuesdays and Saturdays, between 5 and 6pm

- Mr & Mrs Jarus #teambrown# - Wednesday and Sundays, between 5 and 6pm.


* * * Watch this space * * *

More info, comments and questions . . .

https://www.nairaland.com/1110924/introducing-family-section-reality-show

Sneak peek . . .

MEET THE NAIJA FOLKS

Howdy folks, in the spirit of Nairaland big brother as requested by the able aproko moderator. Lemme introduce you to my family, 'the naijafolks'.

I am naijababe, happily married to naijaman. We have two kiddos, babette and baby - that's a girl and boy for those who don't know what that means.

Babette is five while Baby is two, he'll be three in January but talks like a 10 year old at times, I have been told a few times that he's an old man trapped in a baby's body and I tend to agree with that observation. He attends nursery full time and is the class clown and genius rolled into one (what can I say, naijaman and I have have smart genes).


https://www.nairaland.com/1083598/knowing-nairalanders-better-interviews#12750671

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KEEPING UP WITH THE SIENAS

Mr. and Mrs. Siena have been friends since they were little. They grew up together and practically lived in the same area. Their parents were also close friends. Siena was born in the UK but moved back to Nigeria when he was six years old. His wife was born 2 years after. We heard from the grapevine that Siena held Mrs. Siena in his arms when she was born. Funny isn’t.

Siena went back to the UK when he was 19 and lost touch with Mrs. Siena for like 20 years. They got back together through one of the social networks (Nairaland) and it’s been bliss since then.

They got married in Nigeria 2009 and also in the UK 2010, after which they welcomed a beautiful daughter into the family. They had another baby this year.

https://www.nairaland.com/1083598/knowing-nairalanders-better-interviews#12696533

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MR. & MRS. JARUS

Well, I don’t think I need much introduction here as you all know I’m one of most no-holds-barred posters here. I’m sure a lot of folks here already know I’m from Kwara state, I’m a Muslim, I attended Ife, work in Nigeria’s energy sector, write for newspapers, blog etc etc. So let’s move on to the show proper. And to be sure I got the organizers of this show well, the purpose is to share, as close to reality as possible, our experience as married Nairalanders – for both education and entertainment purpose. Trust, you will have a full dose.

.... Jarus

https://www.nairaland.com/1083598/knowing-nairalanders-better-interviews#12688699

LET THE SHOW BEGIN . . .

Episode 1

MEET THE NAIJA FOLKS

Howdy folks, in the spirit of Nairaland big brother as requested by the able aproko moderator. Lemme introduce you to my family, 'the naijafolks'.

I am naijababe, happily married to naijaman. We have two kiddos, babette and baby - that's a girl and boy for those who don't know what that means.

Babette is five while Baby is two, he'll be three in January but talks like a 10 year old at times, I have been told a few times that he's an old man trapped in a baby's body and I tend to agree with that observation. He attends nursery full time and is the class clown and genius rolled into one (what can I say, naijaman and I have have smart genes).

... Friday: 23:11:2012 ...

As I picked them up today, I got another dose of my son's cheekiness par usual. It's the birthday of one of the other kids, the customary thing the nursery does is bake a cake for the celebrant and have a lil' shindig.
My son in an attempt to steal the celebrant's thunder goes to one of the nursery assistants and asked if it's his birthday. She replied in the negative and my son apparently said to her with a mortified face to boot, 'Oh my God, it's not?! I can't believe it! That is ridiculous!!!'

I laughed as she regaled me with my son's exploit for the day but couldn't help wondering how a two year old comes up with some of the things he says. If he had not said ridiculous in my presence before I would have sworn she made it up.

……..Back to us sha..………………

Naijaman and I are both engineers, we met when we were in University. Studied engineering at a London University together, he joined my class as a direct entry student from naija in our second year.

I recall telling one of my friends/classmate at the beginning of our first year that our university was populated with geeks and nerds and there was no chance of me dating anyone on that campus given the available specimen. Suffice to say that I never lived that down and she teased me about it till we left uni.

For the best part of the first 2 months after he joined my class I could not stand his guts, he is one of those really quiet and reserved types that can come across as cocky. I can't stand cocky people, well except maybe Sagamu (Sagamite), but I know Sagamu is not cocky in real life, he just writes all sorts of cocky posts on NL to make himself interesting.

We've known each other for 12 years and have been married 9 yrs and counting. I like to refer to us as night and day, that's how glaring our differences can be at times but I guess we complement each well.


Until my next update, it's sayonara for me.

Pix courtesy: Babette.

For comments, questions, participation and advert placement . . .

https://www.nairaland.com/1110924/family-section-reality-show-keeping

Today’s episode is tagged “SPOTLIGHT”
Interviews:Hang outs:Photo shoOts

INTERVIEW
Interview was done via mail . . .

KEEPING UP WITH THE SIENAS

NLRS: How did you feel when you were invited for a reality show on Nairaland?

Siena…

Well, I guess I felt kind of honoured. I'm not a shy sort, so it wasn't really an issue deciding to go ahead with it. I also felt it would be great for the curious to know a bit about what makes me "tick", within reason, of course. And it will be a unique opportunity to be involved in a project that I can look back on in years to come. This is a milestone for a Nigerian forum.


Mrs. Siena

I felt honoured to be quite honest and delighted at the same time. As much as I want people to read about us, I also want to read something about others so that I can learn one or two things about their marriages as well. Thanks

NLRS: What does Mrs. Siena do that gets to you?

Hmmm... Let's see.

My interest in auto-mobile often causes strife, especially when I get calls late from Nigeria, whereby I try to offer remote assistance. Mrs. Siena feels I should be more business-like, and charge these guys for the privilege of getting help from me.

We do have compromises, like I'm Catholic, while my wife attends RCCG. There is no pressure on either side to go to the other's church.

NLRS: What does Mr. Siena do that gets to you?

Well, I wish I don’t have to share my kitchen with his work tools, even my worktop suffers it too arrrgggghhhhhhhhh!!!
I am very organized, I like keeping things neat and all that. Sometimes he says I got OCD (Obsessive, Compulsive Disorder) , but I do deny it even though I know he is right. And I am more patient than Mr. Siena is lol.

We do have compromises, as long as I get my bags, clothes e.t.c. and he gets his spare parts lolllll, I dont mind. Being in the same car with him when he races in an event scares me to bits, but I still do it as long as he is ready to walk to the shops with me.

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MEET THE NAIJAFOLKS

NLRS: How did you feel when you were invited for a reality show on Nairaland?

Naijababe

When I saw the op nominate my moniker, for a minute I thought about the amount of typing that I'd have to do. I hate typing/texting. Why can't we all just say what we wanna say verbally? Madam moderator assured me that there was not going to be much typing, it was after I got suckered into it that I figured that she'd gotten one over me.
Anyway sha, I thought it would be fun to do especially during the day when there's only the likes of Jeremy Kyle ( a UK Jeremy Springer wannabe) that's on TV, something else to keep me occupied and stop me causing wahala where not needed.

NLRS: What are the things you love doing and what is it you don’t like about naijaman?

My likes include; reading, cooking and hanging out with friends. I am quite laid back but naijaman is even more laid back than I am and I don't like it.

Naijaman is a very quiet man and very very laid back and sometimes I really hate it especially when I am introducing him to someone for the first time, I always have to keep making excuses for him cos he comes across as being disinterested I really wish he'd come out of his shell a bit. I recall the first time he went to see my parents; he'd gone with his best friend. My dad later asked me if I was sure I wanted to marry him because he apparently only said two sentences while his friend conversed with him like he'd known him all his life.

We finally get to meet naijaman.

Hello all, I’m naijaman.

I am an engineer based in the UK but doing expatriate work in Africa. I was born in Naija but moved to the UK some years ago. I am generally very quiet and reserved but people usually mistake my quiet for arrogance - honestly this perception could not be farther from the truth as I generally just prefer listening to talking, unless I have to do the latter myself.

Anyway as naijababe said earlier, we met at the university some 12 years ago (Wow, that long already!). I have to say I have absolutely no regrets since I hooked up with her and I sometimes wonder how I would have turned out if I hadn’t met her. I guess the best thing about our relationship is that we started when we were both penniless and gradually progressed up the ladder financially (lesson for all the young guys and dolls out there…patience really does pay).
I speak Yoruba as a first language but I’m also fluent in English (as I’m sure most of you are). I’m currently learning to speak Portuguese as well.

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Mr. and Mrs. Jarus

NLRS: How did you feel when you were invited for a reality show on Nairaland?

Jarus...

I consider it an opportunity to share my experience for the purpose of education and entertainment, especially on Nairaland, which I consider my online family.


Mrs Jarus

Hubby told me about it and after hesitation, I Okayed it. Nice experience so far.


NLRS: What is it you like and dislike about your hubby?

Jarus is a great husband, although he has his buts.

Hmmnnn, I like that he is a good Muslim, he stays by me during difficult period and he is very protective. Although it took me almost a year into our wedding before I could understand him.

I don’t like that he pays too much attention to Nairaland, Social Media generally. It can be annoying that he is always with his phone all the time. He can also be temperamental, but I now understand him better in that regard. He also spends too much money on avoidable things.

NLRS: What is it you like and dislike about your wifey?

Mrs. Jarus is a wonderful woman and what she said about me is true.

She is very caring and she is a great cook. Before I got married, I wasn't particular about food, but having her as a wife has made me choosy.

It took her too long to understand me though, which lead to a couple of misunderstandings in our early days of marriage. But things are better now. Unlike what it used to be, our quarrel don’t longer get to 3rd party.

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That's it for today . . . tune in next week for another exciting time on spotlight.

Certain things in life are inexplicable and the union of naijaman and I is one of them. I have finally given up on psychoanalysing our relationship. Every relationship has a song that aptly captures its essence, ours is Keyshia Cole’s ‘This is Us’. It's her only song that I have on my ipod and other devices as I am not exactly a fan (good RnB died patapata in 2003 as far as I am concerned, although I am a tad partial to Jennifer Hudson).


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuvZrBVC0LY

EPISODE 2

Another cold Saturday in paradise
Saturday: 24:11:2012

‘Mummy, can we go downstairs and feed me rice pudding?’ Baby’s voice roused me from my sleep, he’s usually the first to wake up at weekends. The little munchkin has put paid to any thought I might have entertained of having a lie in this fine cold morning. They both sleep in my bed now since naijaman’s career exploits has taken him to sunny Luanda while I am stuck in freezing and grey Granite City. They usually go to bed at 8.30pm but one of them would wake up around 2am (usually baby) and crawl into my bed; he’d be asleep within minutes of playing with one of my boobs (I guess the male fascination with boobs does not start in adolescence , other mothers have told me their boys did and do same).

Babette will be in tow within an hour or two, she’d wake me up and ask if she can sleep in my bed, I’d nod as I can’t be arsed to argue at 3am in the morning. Both would cuddle up to me so tightly that I’d wonder sometimes if they wanna get back in the oven. We'd all be back to sleep soon enough until my alarm or baby wakes me up depending on which day of the week it is.

‘Mummeeeeeee!!!’ I pretended like I was still sleeping as he called me more louder than before (I dunno why I played the game as he won always but I did anyway). Not getting his desired response, he climbed over me and pried my right eyelid open with his index finger and repeated his request for rice pudding. Game over!
I got out of bed with babette also woken up by her brother and we all headed downstairs. I walked into our living room and was immediately confronted by a sight that looked like a bomb had exploded. Goodness gracious me! How can two children make so much mess? Honestly, I should rechristen baby, ‘mess factory or grubby fingers’. Baby completely forgot about rice pudding when I put a bowl of Weetabix in front of them each while I proceeded to clean up their mess from last night. After I finished cleaning, I made some oats for myself and settled in front of my computer to do my analysis for the week ahead. Santa rally is about to begin, I must ‘chop’ my portion of it.

Two hours later, analysis completed, I announced to my brood that it was time to have their bath as we had a birthday party to attend and the usual argument of who got to go first started with maximum fuss. I ignored them and picked baby up first, he cried for all of ten seconds before finding one of my ‘oyant’( his attempt at saying Oyan, the Yoruba word for boobs)and asked with the cheekiest of smiles, ‘Mummy, is this your oyant?!’ I laughed back at him and replied ‘No, it is baby’s oyant’. We were ready in a little over an hour and I felt like going back to bed. Gosh! I have a new level of respect for single parents.

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EPISODE 2


THREE NAIRALANDERS AND TWO BABIES (Contd.)
25:11:2012, later in the evening...

It's 20:06, and Sachi's asleep. Sienna, on the other hand, is very much awake. One of the issues I and Mrs. Siena have words over. I've always said Sienna should be in bed by 20:00 at weekends, and 20:30 at the very latest on weekdays. This gives me time to spend quality time with her when I return from work. Mrs. Siena abides by this for a couple of days, then it's back to the same old grind - with Sienna running around till well after midnight. Arrrrgh…

Meal times are a chore, where Sienna's concerned, and two slices of toast can take her up to two hours to finish. The problem being, she can see the TV from her vantage point in her high chair, and gets distracted. I've got a system devised though - I open the door to the lounge, and it shields the screen from view. She still plays with her food, and I've got to be tough on her. Mrs. Siena feels I should let her be, but I know better. No concession here. Tomorrow is the start of the week, and I've got so much to get through.

23:43: Mrs. Siena wants to put Sachi to sleep, and suggests I come up too; I'm working too hard, and need my rest. Sachi won't sleep in her crib these days; she's almost outgrown it, and so sleeps with us. I can't wait till the 6-month milestone goes past, whereby she can sleep in a full-size cot, in Sienna's room, and I can have my wife back. A man's got to have his oats, and that ain't happening with a baby sharing sleep space. Grrrr…

I look at the time. I've been looking into setting up an amateur Motorsport team, for keen young Nigerians, looking to break into the racing scene. I've named it Sachi Motorsport, and have been creating a Page and promoting it.

“Sweetie, I'll be up in a bit, still doing some editing."

Mrs. Siena sighs, and rolls her eyes.

"You've been doing that for a while, you need to rest."

I give her a hard stare.

"You got some sugar for your Deltan King?"

Mrs. Siena laughs cheekily.

"There's only one way to find out, no promising Sachi will remain asleep, but I'm sure we can find a way."

I look back at my work, and where I'm at. I shut down my laptop, and slap it shut. What the heck, there's always tomorrow...

***************

26:11:2012...

06:00: My trusty alarm goes off (is it morning already??). As is my customary habit, I reach out and hit the snooze button. I'm quite relaxed, and not in any particular rush to get up. I'm not sleepy though. Being self employed has its merits.

My alarm goes off for the last time at 06:25. I don't wish to wake Mrs. Siena and Sachi, so I tiptoe out of the room, taking my mobiles with me. The house is quiet, though I can hear our guest stirring in her room. I head downstairs to the kitchen, to get a drink. I'm not really a breakfast person, though Mrs. Sienna's gradually changing that. While I was a bachelor, breakfast was an extremely rare occurrence. It's good though, as mealtimes are periods the whole family is together, and I and Mrs. Siena can discuss the day's activities.

I have a fairly early start, so by 08:20, Mrs. Siena is downstairs, and Sachi has had her bath. I take Sienna up; give her a bath while breakfast is being prepared. Sienna's at the stage where she doesn't like the shower running directly over her head, and gets really grumpy. I get around this by shielding her face with my left hand, so her face isn't directly getting watered. She needs to get used to it though, and this is where Mrs. Sienna scores. She pours the water right onto her head, without shielding her face. She struggles, but she's getting better.

By 08:55 I'm out of the house. I have a couple of vehicles to work on, and a third to give a diagnosis and quotation for. I'm a bit miffed though - the quotation is for a Nigerian guy that attends my wife's church. His name's Tobias. I leave my car on his driveway, and then take his own car to the workshop. 2 hours later, I return the car, and of course, Tobias says he'll think about it. Sure, no worries, I say. That'll be £25 for the diagnostics and report.

Tobias gives me a blank stare:

"Ah-ha! That’s too much now!"

I struggle to keep my cool. £25 too much for two hours spent on his car?? What was he expecting to pay?

"That's my standard charge. If you look at my terms and conditions as printed on my flyer, you'll see that's pretty average. Most garages will charge a lot more, and won't offer a collection and delivery service either."

Tobias still looks stubborn.

"Pls, reduce small."

I look at my watch. I've got a couple of other jobs that need toning, and time's running out, I don't have time to argue. I excuse myself, and go over to my car to make a call. I value Mrs. Siena's opinion, and could do with it now. She answers the phone on the third ring.

"Sweetie, what's up?"

I get straight to the point.

"Tobias is messing me around, and I don't have time to waste. You know what that means?"

Mrs. Siena knows what that means alright.

"Sweetie, let it go, next time you'll know how to deal with him."

I stared blankly at a rather large lady struggling to get the boot of her car shut. I wondered vaguely what it was stuffed with. I gave a cruel grin.

"Next time? Hon, there won't be one. I'm dealing with this quickly, and moving onto my next job. I'm not being messed about."

Mrs. Siena sighed.

"Just be careful sweetie."

I laughed.

"Aren't I always?"

And before Mrs. Siena could respond, I broke the connection.

I get out of the car, opened my boot, take out some tools then walk back up Tobias' driveway to his car. There is only one way to get this guy to pay up. I pop the bonnet, and proceed to remove the ECU and crank sensor. Tobias comes rushing out of his house, his eyes wide with alarm.

"My brother, what are you doing with my car? What are you pulling off?"

I don't pause in my task.

"What does it look like? I'm just making sure this car won't run for a while."

Tobias splutters.

"If you remove anything, I will call police."

I laugh with genuine amusement. This guy is a joker.

"Please do so. This is a civil matter. And count yourself lucky. The last guy that messed me around, I removed his engine, and even after he paid up, I didn't fit the engine back for another two weeks. And of course, he had to pay for the labour."

And before he can respond, I am done. I make my way to my car, and drive off to my other two appointments. It is 17:40 by the time I am done, and I 'm looking forward to seeing my family.

Pulling up to my driveway, there is a game I share with Sienna. Of course, I have my own key, but I love ringing the bell, seeing her come to the window to check who it is, before opening the door, and running into my arms. Today is no different. I swing her up, and she squeals with delight. I tickle her, and she goes off into fits of laughter. She wriggles to be put down, looking behind me for her treat bag.

"Daddy, penwin!"

I laugh. She loves Penguin bars, and I haven't let her down. I go back to the car, and raise a previously hidden Tesco bag into view. Sienna squeals, and runs beside me to the kitchen. She's not interested in the rest of the contents, only the pack of 9 Penguin bars. I give her one, just as Mrs. Siena appears at the bottom of the stairs.

"Hi sweetie, how was your day? What happened with Tobias?"

I laugh. Mrs. Siena knows her Deltan King too well to think I would leave without a bit of leverage against a non-paying client.

"Nothing for you to worry your pretty head about hon. Let's just say Tobias will be using a Bus Pass for a while."

I chuckle.

Mrs. Siena searches my face, but my expression is bland, and she can't read anything from it.

"What does that mean? Isn't the car working?"

I shrug.

"It was, but it's lost its spark. But never mind that, how has your day been? And how have the girls been? Where's Ruky (Nairalander)?

Mrs. Siena laughs.

"Go on, change the subject. Sachi's been good, Sienna's been her usual naughty self, and she hasn't slept all day. Ruky's upstairs, I think she's on her laptop.

I chuckle.

"So, just a regular day then. What's for dinner? I'm starving!"

By 19:00 myself and Mrs. Siena settle down to watch Emmerdale; we're keen soap fans, and don't miss Emmerdale, Coronation or Eastenders. We also keep up with the Australian Home and Away by the 7 Network. Nothing heavy, just family chill out time. Ordinarily Sienna can watch her cartoons on the TV upstairs in our bedroom, but at the expense of the room being wrecked. She loves nothing better than to trash her mom's cosmetic table; she's poured face powder onto her head in the past, and rubbed all sorts of concoctions all over herself. So upstairs on her own is a no go area. If she's quiet, she's up to no good!

21:20: I and Mrs. Siena are cosied up on the sofa, Ruky's watching something on TV, and both girls are wide awake. I ruffle Sienna's hair.

"I think we should leave Sienna's hair to grow into dreads. It's pretty tough, just like mine, and will be pretty much unmanageable as she grows older."

Mrs. Siena stares at me.

"Dreadlocks? No, I don't think so."

I regard her steadily.

"Why not?"

Mrs. Sienna shakes her head.

"I just don't think we should let her grow locks."

I laugh.

"But you haven't given a reason. Besides, I had dreads."

Mrs. Siena remains adamant.

"She can make the choice when she gets older."

I prick my ears up at the word 'choice.' This is going to be interesting.

"Choice? Like we gave Sienna a choice when she had her ears pierced at 4-months-old?"

Mrs. Siena's expression remains stubborn.

"That's different."

I laugh.

"Really? How?"

Mrs. Siena hesitates for a moment.

"It just is."

I shrug.

"That's not an argument. If she doesn't like dreads as she grows older, she can always cut the hair. She can't unpierce her ears. Sure, she can leave the earrings out and the holes will kind of close, but the indent will remain."

I regard Ruky.

"What's your take on letting Sienna's hair grow into dreads?"

Ruky gives Sienna a critical look.

"I think it will suit her well."

I laugh.

"Sweetie, see? Nothing wrong with dreads!"

***************

To be continued ;-) ;-)

KEEPING UP WITH THE SIENAS

Episode 3


THREE NAIRALANDERS AND TWO BABIES
26:11:2012

It’s the morning after, and Mrs. Siena has orders to process, and is expecting deliveries.

I've got work to do on my own project today, as well as a client’ car that's spilled onto my driveway, from the shop. Mrs. Siena doesn't like the car being here, and she's not too keen on the owner either. The sooner it gets finished, the better. I've got most of the work done on it, just waiting on the owner to make some decisions, and the rest can commence.

I've got to take the girls into town, and leave them there. I'm just hanging around, till they're ready.

At 08:10, I give Sienna her breakfast – we are going out, so don't want any log-drawn out drama. I give her two slices of white bread, with butter. Anything else will take well over two hours for her to eat, and we don't have that time.

By 09:00 (longer than I would have liked) Mrs. Sienna, Sachi and Ruky are ready. Incidentally, Sachi's middle name is also Ruky, she was named after Ruky Ivy (AKA Chinesedoll of Nairaland).

Mrs. Siena examines herself critically in the mirror in the hallway.

"What do you think sweetie?"

I give her a blank stare.

"Huh? You look great."

Mrs. Siena gives me a reproachful look.

"I bet you don't even know what I'm referring to. You didn't notice my new dress, did you?"

I laugh easily.

"You got me there hon. You know I don't really notice such things. You always look good anyway, so what's the beef?"

Mrs. Siena shakes her head.

"Typical!"

I laugh again. Sienna comes running up to her mom, chanting "Cute! Cute!! Cute!!!"

She always does that when she spots her mom in a new outfit, she's very sharp for her age. Sachi gurgles away happily, waving her chubby arms for attention. I pick her up, and put her into her car carrier. She wriggles as I strap her in, she doesn't like feeling hemmed in, and she squirms, making it difficult to get the straps secure. The straps feel tight, so I adjust their length, she's growing pretty fast.

Out we go, but not before Mrs. Sienna decide to pose for the obligatory photo session. I sigh with exasperation.

"I thought you were in a hurry to get into town?"

Ruky laughs.

"Not that much of a hurry, we need our pictures!"

I shrug.

"Okay, okay, let me get Sachi strapped into the car. She's heavier than you think, my arm's killing me."

It's always the same - me trying to get away, and the girls holding me back with their photo session. We're soon done, and Sienna runs ahead to the car, chanting as she does so, and pointing to the grey Audi RS6 on the driveway.

"Audi, Audi, Audi, Audi!"

We all laugh - she recognises the Audi rings anywhere, and never fails to point them out whenever she sees them. She's probably going to be a petrol head like her daddy. She already knows the word "axle." But not referring to anything on a car, hehehe.

We're soon on the way, it is 10:05am (do photo sessions take so long??) and my phone rings. I haven't got my hands free, so I let it ring. I notice the number though - it's Tobias. The same guy that messed me round the day before.

Mrs. Siena see's my set expression.

"Who's ringing?"

I shrug

"Who else but Tobias?" I retort grimly. "Let him stew for a while. I'll answer him when I'm good and ready."

Mrs. Siena Shrugs. I can see her mind's wandered onto other things - shopping.

10:17: We're in town, and Mrs. Siena wants me to drop her as close as possible to a shop, owned by a good friend of ours. It's a one-way street to get that close. I think it would make more sense to briefly stop on the high street, and let them out.

"I can stop you by Barclays Bank. You can all walk through Waterstones book store, and you'll be on the little road leading to the shop."

Mrs. Siena looks round, and shakes her head.

"I don't remember the way through Waterstones, I think you should drop us where you usually pick us up."

I contain myself with an effort.

"Honestly hon, it's easier this way. Once you come out of Waterstones, you'll remember where you are."

Mrs. Siena's adamant. She wants to be set down at her usual pick-up point.

"Okay, I get it. I'm sure you know EXACTLY how to get there from Waterstones, you're just not willing to walk a couple of minutes more."

I send the car shooting down the High Street. Traffic's fairly light, and we come to the one-way curve into the narrow road leading to Mrs. Siena's pick-up point. The turning leading off to the Square is pretty hidden and tight; if you drive a bit too fast, or you blink, you could miss it, and that's exactly what I did do. I swore softly under my breath.

"Hon, we've gone past the turning. This was why I said it would have been loads easier, if you'd gotten down outside Barclays Bank, on the High Street! Now I'm going to have to go full circle, to get back round!"

Mrs. Siena's silent. She's knows I'm annoyed.

Traffic's dense here, and it takes me a further 15 minutes to complete the circuit, and this doesn't improve my mood. Tobias rings again, and I ignore him. I don't trust myself to be remotely civil if I answer right now.

Mrs. Siena senses I'm peeved.

"Sweetie, just drop us off outside Barclays."

I turn round to give her a bleak stare.

"The same Barclays you won't be able to find your way from, to Judith's shop?"

Mrs. Siena looks sheepish.

"I'll find my way."

I don't want to let this one drop.

"Are you sure? I wouldn't want you guys to get lost," I retort, my voice laden with sarcasm.

I pull up outside Barclays, and everyone gets out. Mrs. Siena lifts Sachi out with her carrier, and gets her buggy out of the trunk. I wait till they're all set.

"Ping me when you're done, and I'll pick you guys up from this same point."

Mrs. Siena nods.

"Will do." She leans into my window, and I kiss her. Sienna hops up and down on the kerb, waving at me. I wave back, and pull away, watching them in my rearview mirror as I do so.

It's well past noon when I arrive home, and I wonder where all the time's gone.



>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

13:53: I'm done with my DTM Race Car, and my client's car. Tobias has been pretty persistent calling, and my hands are now clean enough to pick up the phone when it rings once more. I listen to the angry rambling the other end of the line. He's so mad; I can't understand a word he's saying. I allow him to carry on, he's working himself up into a fit, and I grin sourly. I give him a minute more, before he realises I haven't said a word.

"Siena, are you there?"

At last, I can understand him.

"Of course.”

"But you haven't answered me now, or said anything."

I settle myself comfortably in my chair.

"What do you want me to say? Besides, it would have been rude to interrupt you."

There is a long pause. Finally, he breaks the silence.

"I got a mechanic to come look at my car; he said it will cost £1,500 to replace my ECU and sensor. What are you going to do? When are you going to replace the parts, and fix the original fault?"

I stare blankly at the opposite wall.

"When do you want your car sorted?"

"You can come now."

I laugh. This guy is unreal.

"Not possible today. It's a bit short notice."

His voice rises with alarm.

"What do you mean? Okay, just come and fit my ECU and sensor back. You don't have to bother with -"

I decide it's time to stop him in his tracks.

"Listen Tobias, you messed me around yesterday. I'm still charging you £25 diagnostics, and £150 for the removal AND re installation of your ECU and crank sensor. And just so you know, this will be on Wednesday. If this doesn't go down well with you, and you defer (or dispute) the appointment, and my terms, this will rise to £200, and won't be till Friday. Do you understand me?"

Tobias splutters with rage, and I hold the receiver away from my ear, till he's calmed down.

"I have no idea what you said, Tobias. But I have just one question - yes or no?"

Tobias mutters something in a language I don't understand. I don't care, ignorance is bliss, and besides, I hold the 4 Aces against his King.

"Well?"

Tobias mutters something else.

"Okay. I will not recommend you to anyone, and I will not use your services in future."

I laugh.

"Now you're really scaring me, I'm going to starve. So Wednesday then, 09:30."

I hang up before he can respond. Suddenly, today doesn't seem a total wreck after all.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It's 17:20 when Mrs. Siena pinged me, and I decide to stop off at Tescos to pick up a bottle of Baileys and a bag of ice cubes. The girls are in high spirits when I pick them up. Sienna scrambles in, giving me a hug. Sachi's awake in her carrier, and playing with her soft toys.

I look around, expecting to see a load of bags.

"What did you buy?"

Mrs. Siena laughs.

"We didn't buy anything in the end. Ruky didn't find the wig she was after."

I stare at her in disbelief.

"Wow. You guys just walked around for 5 hours plus, and buy nothing? I'd be bored rigid!"

Mrs. Siena and Ruky laugh.

It's 18:11 when we arrive home. Sachi's asleep by now, though it won't be for long. Sienna's very much awake. I wonder vaguely what we're having for lunch (supper?) and ask Mrs. Siena.

Mrs. Siena looks in the fridge.

"Fried rice okay?"

"Fried rice sounds great. Got a nice bottle of Baileys that needs caning."


To be continued.

THE LAST TWO WEEKS IN JARUS' HOUSE

Baby Jarus (who has been nicknamed Jarusat by my friends in the Social Media, especially Facebook) keeps growing by the hour. A lot of people say she's too big for a less-than-3 months old baby. We recently changed hospital for her, moved her from a VI hospital to another one in Lekki, that is said to be specialized in kids. But I'm not impressed with their service so far and I'm considering moving her back to the VI hospital.

With my mum back to our home town, it means Mrs Jarus is the only one left to take care of the baby, although her little sister has been offering a helping hand. It's not been easy sha.

As an 8-5 worker (plus traffic time), I don't usually want anything to disturb my 11pm to 5:30am sleep, but that has not been achievable in recent times, with Jarusat always waking up in the midnight. lol. It's not easy to be a father at all.

I took 5 days off work last week to rest and spend more time with the Jarus', but my Ajah-Festac trip (with all the traffic and hours on the road) for 2 out of the 5 days meant I didn't have enough rest. I needed to replace my damaged international passport as well as get for the new arrival in the family and the Festac office of Immigration was said to be faster at it than the Ikoyi office which is nearer to us. I got result though.

Mrs Jarus is also trying to up her business in anticipation of the Christmas sales. Hmmnnn, that meant more kishi dropping from Mr Jarus' pocket. Well, it's an investment sha. Trust me, I go collect double. LOL

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Oh, she said I can be troublesome?

Ok, was there any quarrel in the last 2 weeks? You're wrong. There was none. lol

And, before I go, we received a piece of news which wasn't palatable for us last week. Our electrician and neighbour by about 1km, had died since September and we didn't even know. We just heard about Chris' death last week. Chris was a great guy, very respectful. In our former place(we moved out of there to another not-so-distant current apartment in February this year), Chris used to be our electrician. He was a nice guy. He was also one of those that taught my wife how to drive, because as an 8-5 person I had no time to teach her( I engaged a driver for her later but disengaged him later, she drives herself now). Any time we had issues with NEPA Chris was also our link guy. It was a sad news, we mourned him in our household.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

MEET THE NAIJAFOLKS

Episode 5

WINTER BLUES
29:11:2012

The day started rather slowly; the temperature had dropped overnight and I could feel the cold in my bones. I looked out of our bedroom window and saw everything from cars to lawns covered in a blanket of snow. Yep! Winter is finally here for real. The kids were very excited to see the snow, I wasn’t.
“Can we go and play in the snow after school?” Babette asked.
“It will be too dark by the time we get back home” I responded.
"Ooohh!!! I never get to have any fun’’

I ignored her as my mind was now focused on what would be treacherous driving conditions and Aberdeen’s horrible drivers.

I had loaded the dishwasher the night before as I didn’t feel like doing any manual dishwashing. When I opened it to get cereal bowls for the kids, the dishes were wet. At first, I thought Baby had switched it off as he would do sometimes. The ignition button was however still depressed, I pressed and depressed it a few times and checked that I had not accidentally switched it off from the mains. No joy, damn machine was damaged. I didn’t know what annoyed me most; the damage itself or that I had to wash by hand the entire dish load.

While the kids ate, I went to dig out their snow boots, didn’t want to risk either of them falling down especially Babette who always thought that walking carelessly in the snow was fun. I had warned her many times but she’d always say‘’ I promise you Mummy, I won’t fall’’. That comment always annoys me to high heavens because she never listens no matter what I say and I really didn’t want to be proven right, the cost of her finding out the hard way might just be too great. So I always take all due precautions while she’d never cease to point out that I was wrong of course.

When we got to school there was a red box which had been cut in front like a post-box for the kids to post their letters to Santa.
“Mummy, can I write my list when we get home?”
“Yes”
“And can I help Baby write his list too?”
“Yes if he wants you to’’
“Baby, do you want me to help you write your list because I know how to write and you don’t?’’ she asked her brother. A shrug of his shoulders was his response.
On my return home, I finished off my half washed dishes and did my usual grind on the stock market. I got another call from the pestering recruitment consultant to inform me that his client was Talisman Energy – a Canadian Independent company and they wanted to see me on Tuesday at 10am. He followed the call with a confirmation email which I duly forwarded to naijaman.
“Are you sure you want to go back to work?’’ Naijaman asked me on Skype as we chatted.
“I haven’t decided yet, I’ll think it through during the holidays’’ I typed back.
“You don’t want to quit after a few months, that can you give a reputation in a little town like Aberdeen where everyone talks to everyone especially if God forbid you find yourself in a situation where you really need the job’’ he typed back.
“How much are they offering?’’ he asked
“Don’t know, I didn’t really ask because I initially agreed because I wanted the guy off my back ni jare”
“Ok, gotta go now. We go yarn later’’ he typed and signed off.

I had been thinking long and hard about the job even though it had not been offered to me, I liked what I did but my last employer was hell bent on making me sweat blood and do nothing but work even when at home. I finally got sick of their crazy demands and quit to everybody’s surprise. Early retirement (as I called) has it perks but I am bored out of mind and I haven’t really found anything I could do with all my free time. I’ll think it through during the holidays I repeated to myself.

The excitement in the air was palpable at the kiddos school when I went to pick them up, the next day was their Xmas fair, both staff and children were very excited even if the fair was not for the next 40hours or so.
I generally do not cook on Fridays and this was no different, when naijaman is at home, we either order a nice takeout or go out to dinner when he’s not playing football. I was in no mood to go to a restaurant on my own with the kids so I opted for takeout. They wanted pizza and chicken wings while I preferred Chinese. As soon as we got in, Babette remembered her cupcakes.
“Mummy, there’s no school tomorrow and no homework, can we make the cupcakes now?’’
“But I am going to order your pizza now’’
“But you don’t need a long time for that and I can open the door when the pizza comes ‘’
“Well, we will be too full to eat the cupcakes after eating ‘’
‘’I won’t, I promise’’
‘’Oh well, I will and so will be Baby and I don’t think it will be fun if you are the only one who can eat the cupcakes’’.
‘’Ooohhh, aaalright’’ She agreed grudgingly.
Thank you God! I muttered silently.

After eating our respective dinners, I remembered that they had both been invited to a birthday party and I had not bought a present. We all trooped off to ASDA to get the present.
“Are you going to get me a Barbie toy too?’’ Babette asked on the way.
“Well I haven’t got any money’’
“Oooohhhh! When are going to buy the money to buy me a Barbie toy?’’
“When Daddy comes, he’ll have lots of money, you can ask him to buy you a Barbie toy’’ I said to her and laughing as I replied her.

Sometimes, I wish I didn’t have to go out and buy toys……..after walking round the toy aisles about three times, I finally gave up and called T’s mother to ask what she thought T might like for her birthday, she didn’t answer. I walked round one more time and picked something with colouring pencils and paint in it (what 4yr old does not like to play with paint, right?) I am sure T’s mother would have a fit, serves her right for not answering her phone. Cleaning paint around her house was a just punishment.

MR. & MRS. CLAUS
30:11:2012

It was 6.30am when Babette woke me up to tell me that we needed to get up to get ready for the Xmas fair or we’d be late.
“Babette, it is 6.30am now, the fair does not start until 11am.’’ I muttered groggily.
She was too excited to go back to sleep and I saw her poking Baby to wake him up; she knew that I’d have no choice but to get up once Baby woke up.
“Don’t wake him, it is 6.30am just now’’ I said to her.
“Aaalright’’ she drawled.

About an hour later, Babette roused me from sleep again to ask if they could go and watch T.V. Both were now awake and I was silently elated that they weren’t asking for breakfast I could snooze for a little bit longer.
“Odabo (goodbye)’’ I said.

I got up at 830am, gave them breakfast and went to have my bath while they ate. When it was their turn to have their baths, the usual fuss was absent. It had been replaced by the excitement of going to the Xmas fair, I was very grateful for the fair, if only every morning could be this blissful.

The school gates were still shut at 10.30am when we arrived; we met some other parents waiting with their wards. There hadn’t been anymore snow but it was too cold to be standing outside, not that the kids paid any mind to the freezing cold. I spotted a friend from afar, walked up to her, (she has three children, one of whom was Babette’s very good friend) and we decided to go to a nearby restaurant for coffee until the gates opened. All five kids ran around the restaurant, my friend and I pretended like they weren’t ours while we waited for our coffees and chatted. We were still waiting for our coffees at five minutes to eleven and finally decided to cancel the orders at eleven and made our way to the school gate.

The school gate was crowded when we got there; all were waiting for the arrival of Father Christmas, Mrs. Claus and the elves. They usually arrive in a carriage but this year was different as their choice of transport was a BMW convertible with the top down. The kids were just as excited but I think we (parents) were a tad disappointed not to see the carriage.

Babette spotted one of her classmates and wondered off with him and his mother; she told me from afar that she’d keep an eye on them both. I had no complaints, running after Baby was enough to keep me busy. Babette got her face and fingers painted and also managed to get a picture with the Santa family. Baby on the other hand was fascinated by the magician on hand to entertain because he had a rabbit with him. After the show, he insisted on wanting to pet the rabbit, the magician didn’t seem to mind only Baby smacked the rabbit rather than petting it. The magician thankfully saw the funny side of it and let him hold his magic wand also. As the fair drew to a close, Baby told me that he wanted to paint his fingers too.
“But you are a boy’’ I said.
I heard one of my friends who was within earshot tell me to let the boy live. Off we went to the painting studio get his fingers painted as he wanted, even the ladies there laughed at him for a bit but he was adamant on having his fingers painted green which he did.

The fair finished at 1pm promptly and we went back home to rest for a bit and to get T’s birthday present. As I was wrapping the present with Babette helping of course (I would not hear the last of it for the rest of the day if she didn’t get to help me with wrapping the present). Baby began to tug at my shirt.
“I need to do a poo, Mummy’’
Off we went to the guest toilet which is about 10yards from where I stood wrapping the present; I got his throne on the toilet seat and put him on the toilet seat.
As I turned my back to finish wrapping the present, I wagged a finger at him and yelled.

“Don’t touch the tissue and call me when you finish’’

He has in the past tried to clean himself after finishing his business, only the entire tissue roll ends up in the toilet and I always have to do agbepo things ( literally scooping out the wet tissue and putting them back in bits so they’d flush) to remove the tissue and stop the toilet from being blocked. I should have known I was kidding myself when I told him not to touch the tissue because that’s exactly what he did. He ran into the lounge feeling proud of himself as he screamed at me ‘’ Mummy, I did it all by myself’’. I walked into the toilet to find the entire toilet roll unrolled and in the toilet, he‘d also put his pant and trouser back on.
I took him back to the toilet, cleaned him and gave him a smack on his bare bottom with two fingers followed by a stern warning not to touch the tissue again. A fresh pant and one fully wrapped present later, we headed for Wynford Farm the venue of the party.

The road leading to Wynford is quite narrow and windy, so some careful driving was well in order although Baby kept screaming at me to go faster while Babette kept telling him that I could go to jail if the police saw me driving too fast (gist for another day).
It was snowing dogs and cats by the time the party finished. I was bloody freezing as I didn’t wear a proper jacket. Damn! I was almost certain parts of my blood were frozen, served me bloody right I guess. They both fell asleep in the car on the way home, it had been a pretty exerting day and I’d have been napping in the car if naijaman was here doing the driving.

I was putting the key through the keyhole when I remembered that I had promised a friend’s mother who was visiting a pot of egusi soup duly to be delivered the next day. I was completely tired but knew that if I didn’t cook it then I probably won’t bother and knowing myself I’d be well displeased with myself later for disappointing an old woman. (Let’s just say I have thing for old people sha).

I boiled some rice and fried some dodo as the egusi cooked, this would have been an ideal night for some wine or homemade shandy but I find that I am unable to drink on my own these days. After dinner, I was ready for bed and announced to my brood that it was time for us to call it a night.
“I am not ready for bed now’’ I heard Babette say.
“You can be rest assured that I will not come back to get you if you fall asleep down here’’
“I won’t, I promise"

Baby followed me immediately as I left Babette to her devices as I was too tired to argue or shout. She must have thought I was bluffing because she looked surprised to see me head for the bedroom. Her attempt at playing ‘big girl’ lasted no more than ten minutes as I was not even changed into my ‘PJs’ when I heard the TV go silent and the patter of her feet on the stairs.
“Were you scared of being down there on your own?’’ I asked as soon as she came into the bedroom.
“No, I just want to sleep now’’.
I think I was still laughing at her when I fell asleep.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

KEEPING UP WITH THE SIENAS

EPISODE 5

27:11:2012
Contd.

It's 11:18 by the time I arrive in Chelmsford. I'm taken round the operations that will be producing my parts. I'm impressed, though I keep my expression deadpan. We're still debating on price, and haven't sealed the deal yet. But these guys are fawning on me so much, I realise they need me more than I need them. They do everything bar bang their heads on the stone floor, and to be honest, they aren't far off doing that.

By noon, the deal has been sealed, and I leave, knowing I've got the upper hand. It's good to be in charge of your own destiny.

I arrive back in Colchester just before 12:52. During the drive, my work phone rings 9 times, but I don't answer. My BB has also PING'd more times than I can remember. I have a car being dropped off, so head to the workshop. There's a grey 2008 BMW 320d outside my unit, though no driver's in sight. I look at my missed calls - 4 from Tobias, 2 from the owner of the BMW and the rest unknown. The BMW keys have been posted through my letter slot, together with a report from the RAC, who'd recovered it here.

I've already assessed this BMW previously, so I know what it needs. I can order the parts from home. Before I leave, I check my BB messages, one from Mrs. Sienna, the rest from friends, as well as a few messages I can respond to later.

I stop at a family friend's African hair products shop, and pick up a jar of braiding wax for Sienna's dreads. By the time I get home, it's 15:00. As usual, I ring the door bell, and hear Sienna's excited shouts as she scuttles to the door to let me in.

"Daddy, daddy, daddy!"

I swing her up into my arms, it's moments like this, that she can do no wrong, and her naughtiness is all forgotten. Mrs. Siena is in the living room, feeding Sachi. She gives me a reproachful look, but says nothing. I walk past her into the kitchen, Sienna trailing behind me. Ruky comes downstairs, I'd forgotten all about her, as I hadn't seen her before I left in the morning. She greeted me in the way she usually does - but I don't like.

"Welcome sir."

I gave her a hard stare.

"Hi! How many times will I say, no sir?" We don't stand on ceremony here.!

She giggled.

"Okay, I will try to remember."

"You'll do more than remember, " I retort with mock seriousness. I show her the hair wax I bought for Sienna's hair. "What do you think?"

Ruky gapes at me.

"Has Esther agreed to let Sienna's hair grow into dreads?"

I laugh.

"I knew I'd get my way in the end - at a price though."

I wander back into the living room, and sit down, idling flicking through a magazine as I do so. Sienna comes over, and climbs onto my lap. Mrs. Siena looks up at me.

"So, what was that all about?"

I put the magazine down, and regard her.

"What was what about?"

Mrs. Siena sighs.

"You were so angry this morning, you didn't kiss me good bye. I know you were upset, but at least I've made the first move. I PING'd you several times while you were out, you just ignored me."

I hang my head. She is right, and I feel bad.

"I was driving when you PING'd, and I couldn't respond."

"Really?" She looks searchingly at me. "And I guess you've been driving since you left home?"

I shrug, and say nothing. Mrs. Siena looks away.

"You still don't get it, do you? I've always said, if we have an arguement, I never walk away. And if I don't say sorry, you'll be grumpy for days. It's not fair!"

She's right, of course. It's the way I've always been, long before we got married. It's just one of my flaws, and one I'm working on. I get up and walk over to Mrs. Siena, sitting beside her on the sofa, I hug her tight.

"I'm sorry hon, really, I am. I know you're right. I'll make more of an effort. Forgiven?"

She nestles her head on my shoulder. Sienna claps her hands in delight, she loves it when we get all smoochy. Mrs. Siena pushes me away, and gets to her feet.

"Of course you're forgiven. If I don't put up with you, who will?"

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It's 18:09, we've all eaten, even Sienna had her supper without fussing as she usually does. Ruky is getting bored with Sienna's cartoons on Nick Jr and CBeebies, and I can hardly blame her. There's only so much Peppa Pig, Balamory and Bubble Guppies I can stand. Mrs. Sienna is more tolerant of cartoons, sometimes I leave for work, and return to the same channel. Ruky is looking through her Iroko TV selection for new Nollywood movies. She feels Nollywood channel on Sky is too repetitive.

"Why does Nollywood repeat the same movies? Have we got any recorded ones we haven't watched?"

I pass her the remote. I'm not really in a Nollywood mood. Sachi's fallen asleep, and Sienna's quite happy to stay with Ruky. Mrs. Siena heads upstairs - she knows me too well. The best part of arguments is the making up. I head up the stairs behind my wife for some much deserved quality time. The stair gate will keep Sienna at bay for quite a while, not that she even notices we're gone, which suits us just fine....

28:11:2012:

...I wake up with a start - it takes me a while to realise myself and Mrs. Siena have fallen asleep on top of the duvet, and I'm freezing. The cold must have woken me up. I grope for one of my phones to look at the time, but my fingers find nothing. Then I remember - it's downstairs in the living room, we had an extremely early night.

I gently get out of bed, and carefully pull the duvet from under Mrs. Siena, and cover her with it. Sachi's not in our bed. I pull on a dressing gown and tiptoe to Sienna's room. She's fast asleep. I quietly go downstairs. There's no one there. I come back upstairs, and pause outside Ruky's bedroom door. There's absolute silence, however I can see a blue glow, that tells me she's dropped off to sleep with her laptop on. I'm not sure if Sachi's with her though. I head back to Sienna's room, and in the corner is the spare Moses basket, with Sachi fast asleep.

I lift her out, and back in our room, place her gently beside her mom. She nuzzles close, but doesn't wake up.

It's 08:33 when next I wake up. I'm the only one upstairs, so I shave and shower, before heading downstairs. Sienna hears me coming down, and comes running to meet me.

"Hallo daddy!"

I whoop, pick her up, and place her squarely on my shoulders. She squeals with delight. Mrs. Siena hears the commotion, and appears at the kitchen door.

"Mornin sweetie! I didn't want to wake you."

I grin at her. She's my Deltan Queen, the perfect wife and mother.

"Mornin hon. I think you should have doused me in cold water. Guess what's happening today?"

Mrs. Siena looks puzzled.

"Happening? I don't know what you mean."

I laugh.

"Just one word - Tobias!"

Mrs. Siena claps her hand to her mouth.

"Oh!"

I put Sienna down, and she runs into the living room to find Sachi and Ruky. I look at Mrs. Siena with a raised eyebrow.

"What have you done now?"

Mrs. Siena gives me her little-girl-lost look that would melt the hardest of hearts. It certainly works on me.

"Tobias called, I almost forgot to tell you. He wants to know when you'll be down to fix his car."

I put my arms around her, and give her a kiss.

"Never mind him, I'm off there after breakfast. That reminds me, what ARE we having?"

Mrs. Siena laughs.

"One track mind! That's all you ever think of - food."

I push her back, my eyes searching her face. I give her a leer.

"Well, food's important, amongst other things what else is there to think about?"

To be continued.

MEET THE NAIJAFOLKS

EPISODE 6

Why do kids never tire?
02:12:2012

I woke up on Sunday morning craving boiled yam and fried eggs, I had bought a tuber during the week and was therefore determined to satisfy my craving. The kids had gone downstairs and were watching Mr Tumbles. They like to watch CBeebies on Sundays, Baby really likes their shows and I think it is probably some sort of concession on Babette’s part although it has never been vocalised to anyone.

I went to the kitchen to start my first mission for the day which was to satisfy my craving after giving the kids’ breakfast. When I cut the lower part of the tuber, it was completely rotten all the way to three quarters of the entire tuber. I was so annoyed, I had forgotten to tell the Asian shopkeeper to cut the tuber like I had always done in the past. I thought about returning the rotten tuber but it would mean taking the kids with me which I was not keen on doing. I was only able to salvage four slices to my dismay. I really wanted to eat yam and egg, in the end the craving overwhelmed the loss of £7 that I paid for the yam.

I made Babette’s hair with her complaining and asking me how many were left before I finished (no change there). I had threatened to cut the hair many times but my threats are usually met with a quip from her
"Mummy, do you agree I am a princess?!"
"Yes, I agree"
"If you cut my hair, then I will no longer be a princess because princesses do not have short hair’’.

I usually have no answer to that quip other than "Just keep your head straight’’.

We went to B-town to deliver the egusi soup I made for Mama B, when we got there my friend was asleep so I was too happy to drop the soup and head back home. Babette wanted to stay but I was still very tired from the runs I did on Saturday, I told her we can have pizza when we get back home just so she won’t give me any drama. It worked and we were on our way back home within 15mins. There was only one thing left to do when we got back home, eat dinner and go to bed.


Another so so day.
03:12:12

It was another very cold morning, got the kids all set and headed for school. I was particularly looking forward to going back to bed; I honestly felt that one should do nothing on a day as cold as this. I got a call from the recruitment consultant reminding me of my interview at 10am the following day, as if one can forget a thing like that.

I went to pick Babette for Tennis and decided to leave Baby until after she finished (he’d always run around and won’t let Babette concentrate as she forgets she’s in a class and plays with him)
After Tennis, Babette told me she wanted noodles and egg for dinner on the ride home, I gave up the search for Indomie after checking in 4 asian shops and bought the Malaysian version instead.
"This noodles does not taste like noodles’’ Babette told me after a forkful
"Yeah, it’s yucky, Mummy. Can I have rice pudding?’’ Baby added.

I tried to force Babette to eat to at least give the noodles a chance but she’d have none of it, it was pointless to even suggest the same to Baby. I made chips and sausages for both of them and resigned myself to the fate of having to eat the entire box of noodles all by myself. I might push some of them on naijaman to take back with him to Luanda. I am not going to eat the noodles all by myself.

Bed time came with the usual fuss, Babette had adopted a new habit of brushing her teeth before going to bed and Baby always follows suit. I was more than happy for her to brush her teeth at night by self to get her started on brushing by herself. Letting Baby brush his teeth was solely for peace and quiet, I had to ensure that he got only a tiny amount of toothpaste though.

After listening to the news, I went to bed myself, my interview was on Tuesday and I’d have to get up earlier than usual.

Peace out.

We won't be airing the usual show today. We will be bringing you another episode of spotlight.

SPOTLIGHT - Interview with Mrs. Siena


NRFS: Hello Mrs. Siena

MS: Hi

NRFS: How has it been keeping up with the show?

MS: Well its been a wonderful experience I must say. Love every bit of it. Thanks

NRFS: Siena thinks you are soft when it comes to dealing with little Sienna. Why is keeping the bed time so difficult?

NRFS: Yes I am a softie, sometimes when she is naughty after scolding or
smacking her I do feel sorry for her and I still go ahead to say sorry
loll. Keeping bed time is difficult cos sometimes she sleeps during the day
and for a long time too.

NFRS: hmm... What made you give in to the dreadlocks? Suggestion?

MS: I kinda thought about it and felt it might suit her. Sienna is a
lil fashionista herself so why not.

NRFS: Cool then! So, how did you feel when Siena stomped out the other day?

MS: Trust me I was furious and very angry too. I know I am the patient
one and Siena likes things done here and now.

NRFS: Do you think he is too harsh on Sienna?

MS: Hmmmm I wont say harsh cos he has Sienna's best interest at heart. Both parents cant be the same when it comes to disciplining a child, but I
believe there should be a balance. We are still learning lol.

NRFS: How did you get that beautiful shape back after giving birth to Sachi?

MS: Well I did a bit, a lot of people tell me I quickly went back to
shape but I know I still have to work on some areas but at least I still
wear a size 8/10.

NRFS: Can your share one of your best moments with Siena with us?

MS: OK. *blushing* hmmm...
When he proposed to me, he went down on one knee and said my Deltan Princess I want to spend the rest of my life with you, would you marry me?

NRFS: Sweet! Siena must be very romantice.

MS: yes, he is. He is my Deltan prince.

NRFS: and what did u say?

MS: Oh boy i was thrilled!!! I said yes cos I knew we are meant to be together. He loves me to bits and so do I.

NRFS: me likey. Lol. Thanks for your time.

MS : it's always a pleasure


That's it for today. Regular updates continue as usual.