Tuesday, June 12, 2012

#20: Diaper bags.

Does having a girl always have to be associated with pink and having a boy, blue? Do "moms" have to look a certain way? So mini skirts might need to be a little less mini, and high heels may need to be a little less high but being a mommy of one, two..three or however many kids should not take away our ability to be stylish, keep up with trends, even when it comes to baby bags! It's bad enough that we carry around every possible item one might need to battle minor or major meltdowns, explosions and more, so why must we do so in a container plastered with Dora, Thomas, Micky, Mini and friends...? I don't know! So many moms have broken from this pattern and have set out to find well designed baby bags and so have I.

A few years ago, when I was having my first baby, I bought two diaper bags, one that the dude could carry and one that I could carry (Mia Bossi Maria Diaper Bag in Tangerine Orange). Although they have both been great, I have become tired of mine because its actually really big and hard to carry around with one kid a so I expect it to be even harder with a baby and a toddler (plus stroller and whatever else). So as I invest in another bag which I will carry around daily for at least two years, I am considering size, durability, design and of course aesthetic; these come with a price tag ranging from $150 to $1000.
  1. Kate Diaper bag by Storksak - $210.00
  2. Sophia Diaper Bag by Storksak in Tan Leather-$398.00
  3. Burberry Carolina Extra Large Baby Bag - $1036.00
  4. Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Pretty Nylon Eliz-A-Baby' Diaper Bag - $298.00
  5. Timi & Leslie Designer Diaper Bag Charlie in Pewter - $159





#21: Swollen Feet


Its no secret that I hate feet..most peoples feet even my own bother me especially if they look like hands you know? Anyway, my feet are quite swollen and like most other parts of myself right now are showing the wear from me being rather pregnant. So today, I will be more appreciative of my feet regardless of my prejudices towards this gangly body part, they are still able to move me and my extra passenger around pretty efficiently.

Monday, June 11, 2012

#22: Life

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/05/world/africa/engine-trouble-reported-in-nigerian-crash.html

Although this incident seems far from home to some, it is at home for me. I live in New York and have created a life here over many years but I am from Nigeria and often wonder what life would have been like if I hadn't stayed in the US and instead returned home after college. Our country isn't perfect but we have struggled and persevered through many hard times, we are resilient people with good hearts and strong will. I appreciate the safety we have here in the US but we cannot forget how fleeting life really is; while my heart goes out to those who have perished in this disaster remember this could have happened anywhere and been anyone, but today we are spared and get to continue our lives. RIP


Sunday, June 10, 2012

#23: Fire Snake


http://www.chinesezodiac.com/snake.php
A few months ago my husband sent me this link to my Chinese Zodiac and after reading I thought how poignant the description was (and him as well, the horse) so as I continue the 40 in 40 series, I searched for this again in order to start off my week with self reflection. Who I am really, what drives my personality? Its an interesting take on ones character and can be revealing even to oneself.

Personality
Occupying the 6th position in the Chinese Zodiac, the Snake symbolizes such character traits as intelligence, gracefulness and materialism. When it comes to decision-making, Snakes are extremely analytical and as a result, they don’t jump into situations. They are effective at getting the things they want, even if it means they have to scheme and plot along the way.
Snakes are very materialistic creatures, preferring to surround themselves with the finest that life has to offer. This is especially evident in the home, where luxurious furnishings and surroundings help Snakes seek the peace they need in order to thrive.
Health
Snakes prefer living a life of calmness, preferring quietness over noise and a manageable workload rather than a schedule that’s overly-booked. Snakes become easily stressed when their lives aren’t peaceful or in order. Too much of this way of life can shorten a snake’s life!
Career
Snakes do work very hard, but they have a tendency to be job-hoppers as they become easily bored. Their somewhat laid-back attitude causes them to be mistakenly categorized as slackers, but nothing could be further from the truth! Snakes are very creative and extremely diligent. They’re excellent problem-solvers and thrive under tight deadlines. Good career choices for Snakes include: scientist, analyst, investigator, painter, potter, jeweler, astrologer, magician, dietician, and sociologist.
Relationships
Snakes are excellent seducers so they never have trouble attracting others. However, they’ll be the ones to decide when a relationship has potential and when it does not. Once they’ve chosen a partner, a Snake’s insecure side will begin to show through. Snakes guards their chosen partners much like a prized possessions, becoming jealous and even obsessive. Snakes prefer to keep their feelings to themselves. It’s important to never betray a Snake’s trust as a betrayed snake will make it a goal to get even some day!

Snakes and the 5 elements 

Metal Snake – Years 1941 and 2001
Incredibly goal-oriented, Metal Snakes will stop at nothing to get that which they believe they deserve. Failure is not in their vocabularies. With their money, they’re continually acquiring more and more possessions – for themselves.
Water Snake – Years 1953 and 2013
Influential, motivated, insightful, and highly intellectual are words that best characterize Water Snakes. These Snakes work well with others and enjoy being recognized and rewarded. They’ll reveal feelings to those closest to them, but no one else.
Wood Snake – Years 1905 and 1965
Kind and genuine, these Snakes enjoy building a solid foundation of friends and family whom they love deeply and whose company they enjoy immensely. But even with all this support, Wood Snakes rarely seek the advice of others.
Fire Snake – Years 1917 and 1977
Fire Snakes are more extroverted, forever offering opinions and telling others what’s on their minds. Even so, others enjoy listening to Fire Snakes. They’re very persuasive and are especially good at convincing others that their ways are best.
Earth Snakes – Years 1929 and 1989
Earth Snakes always seem to be calm and content. They’re friendly and approachable and believe that they’ll reap great rewards by working hard and relying on common sense.

Compatibility
The Snake is compatible with a Rooster and an Ox and incompatible with a Pig and a Monkey.