Just Because I Can

I Killed My Blog....Again

2011-12-11T08:07:00.000-08:00

I already told you I was horrible at blogging. I'm getting better. Rome wasn't built in a day.

So... The last time I was on here I was trying to read 100 books..*sigh* Didn't quite work out that way BUT I definitely read a lot more books than I would normally and I got introduced to some lovely authors, read genre's I wouldn't usually pick up and gained some knowledge on some really interesting stuff.

So now the year is coming to an end..it's been a really interesting year I must say..I'll save it for another post *I'm gonna need it if I really want to revive this blog* I need to figure out what I'm gonna do next year....the 100 books is not gonna work again...

Any suggestions?!

My Happiness Project - Secrets to Adulthood.

2011-07-23T04:43:00.000-07:00

Hey!!

So it's been about 2 weeks since I started my Happiness Project and I'm loving it. I find myself checking myself very often 'be nice', 'did you really need to snap?' Makes me sound a little crazy but I find it works for me.

The Secrets of Adulthood are not essentially a huge part of making myself happy but they are lessons I've learned growing up and I've come (past 2 weeks) to embrace them so I'm not in denial. When I was coming up with these, which I also had fun with by the way, I realized that understanding and accepting these things have made me view situations differently. Some of them.

Secrets to Adulthood.

1. No one really cares!

2. Seriously, Its okay to say No

3. Don't expect too much from people.

4. Do good, feel good

5. It's important to be nice to everyone

6. If you can't find something, clean up

7. Not everyone is like you

8. Put yourself in other people's shoes

9. No one likes a selfish friend

10. Talk less about people

11. Cook more. It can make you happier

12. Lists work wonders

13. Your 20's are for experimenting!

14. Having a good support system is better than money. Sometimes

15. Exercise if an effective way to snap out of a funk

16. Great thoughts are conceived while walking

17. Never dress for him/her/them. Dress for you.

18. Junk attracts more junk. Spiritually, in friendships and in closets.

19. Do it now! Apply the one-minute rule. Anything that requires less than a minute, do it now

20. Sharing. Easier said than done.

21. Always have a pen

22. Everyone loves a little extra love/attention. Not just on birthdays.

Done with the lists! Now to move on to my resolutions!

My Happiness Project - My Commandments.

2011-07-19T16:55:00.000-07:00

Hey!!!

So after reading "The Happiness Project", I decided to start my own project and one of the first things I have to work on are the "CharlieCran Commandments" and my "Secrets to Adulthood"

The commandments help to identify the principles that you want to guide your actions and thoughts.

CharlieCran's Commandments

1. Pray! Worry less, pray more.

2. Be grateful always

3. It's never that serious, lighten up (I'm working on it)

4. Do it now

5. Be polite. To everyone

6. Learn to say NO

7. Be patient

8. Love more, Love Harder

9. Relax, Have fun

10. Be healthy

11. Plan!!!

12. Read more, Write More.

I had so much fun coming up with mine that I wanted to get more and more but I figured it might be too much. Lol. How does this tie in with the happiness project? Well, you have to pretty much understand the person you are and figure out what makes you act the way you act. It will all make sense soon.....

For Further Reading Check Out The Author's Blog Here

# 28 The Happiness Project

2011-07-18T11:39:00.000-07:00

Hey!!!

So I kinda took a break from reading but I'm back now and I'm determined to complete my 100 Books. (I'm so behind)

The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. The Happiness Project is the account of the year she spent test-driving studies and theories about how to be happier.

I Love this book. Its very easy to get distracted with day-to-day activities; jobs, kids, marriage, family and so many more that sometimes we forget to have fun and forget to realize what makes us happy...or happier. Some of us wait to have bad things to happen before we realize that we're not happy or we're focusing on the wrong things which is why I love this book. Gretchen isn't waiting for that. She sees that there is more she can and should be doing about her happiness and is working on that.

So am I! I've decided to take on my own version of the project. I'm going to copy a lot of ideas from her book but at the same time make it work to fit me.

Its an interesting read so if you need a book to read, go ahead and pick one up!

Lagos Readers **The Bargain Wordsmith can hook you up!!!**

Back To Reality

2011-06-14T16:09:00.001-07:00

Hola!!!

So... Back from my 2weeks vacation which I LOVED. One of my good friends/Older sister got married in Atlanta, Georgia and I had the honor of being a bridesmaid. It was so great going back 'home' after a year and a half. I thought things would feel different/weird but from the moment I stepped out of Hartsfield Jackson, I felt like I was truly back home. Of course, being me, I lost my purse in the airport... barely an hour and I'm already loosing things. Thank goodness I found it!

The wedding was a blast, got to see some of my old friends, did a little shopping and I truly did not want to come back...just yet, but I had to.

So here I am...Back. Still looking for a job which isn't going quite as smooth as I would have liked it to but I guess that's life. Trying to figure out what I'm going to do with my one and precious life.

I'll keep you posted! *mwah*

# 16 Purple Hibiscus. Finally

2011-05-19T03:08:00.000-07:00

Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

I think everyone that saw me reading this book said to me ''You're JUST reading this?'' always emphasizing the 'just'... yes yes I know, I'm like years late. I'd heard about the book and I always had it in mind to read it until my friend dropped it on my desk one morning at work. Thanks Mr. SMH.

Synopsis.

Fifteen-year-old Kambili's world is circumscribed by the high walls and frangipani trees of her fathers compound. Her wealthy Catholic Father, under whose shadow Kambili lives, while generous and politically active in the community, is repressive and fanatically religious at home.

When Nigeria begins to fall apart under a military coup, Kambili's father sends her and her brother away to stay with their aunt, a University professor, whose house is noisy and full of laughter. There, Kambili and her brother discover a life and love beyond the confines of their father's authority. The visit will life the silence from their world and, in time, give rise to devotion and defiance that reveal themselves in profound and unexpected ways. This is a book about the promise of freedom; about the blurred lines between childhood and adulthood; between love and hatred, between the old gods and the new.

Yup. Definitely another must-read. I really enjoyed it. Parts of the book were painful for me to read because I tried to put myself in those positions and sometimes, I couldn't imagine myself going through such hardships or as an outspoken person, not being able to respond the way I usually would. Kambili, being fifteen, wants nothing more than her fathers approval and love and would go to any lengths to make sure that this happens which sometimes might not always be the best (in my opinion, of course).

I don't know how to really share how I feel about the book and my views without spilling so I'll leave it at this. If you haven't read it, You should.

Moving On

2011-05-10T12:24:00.000-07:00

My birthday went well!!! I did freak out a couple of times before we got to the venue cause we were running late but after we got there... it was smooth sailing from then on! I had a fantastic time!!

So...in other news, I have 3 more days with the Bank..(NYSC) year is pretty much over and I think I need to move on. Its been a great learning opportunity but I'm not sure if thats where I want to stay. I don't have another job lined up, unfortunately but I'm patient and I have faith that God will work it out for me.

It's THAT Time Again!

2011-05-05T09:28:00.000-07:00

It's my birthday in a couple of hours and I am majorly excited! I get like this every year even though I never make plans or do anything special.. it always ends up being just a regular day but that doesn't stop me from getting crazy excited! I guess it's just knowing you only really get 1 (one) special day a year... Yea yea everyday is special but its not as special as your BIRTH Day! That's major!!!

I made a Birthday wish list (Like I do for every major holiday, #dontjudge) but the only thing I REALLY want from it is an iPad 2!!! Every time I see one I go gaga! I'm not really techno savvy but I figured it can't be that hard to use...right?

Anyways, I have to head home to look for a birthday outfit., The Mr and my sissies are taking me out for drinks tomorrow, we've invited a couple of friends to join us so hopefully I'll end up having a really good day after all!

Happy Birthday, Bex! Here's to another twentysomething years!!!

#7 - Handle With Care

2011-05-01T11:49:00.000-07:00

Handle With Care (Jodi Picoult) is Book #7 on my '100 Books to Read This Year' *see previous post* I absolutely LOVE this book and would encourage anyone to read it.

Synopsis
Charlotte O'Keefe's beautiful, much-longed-for, adored daughter Willow is born with osteogenesis imperfecta - a very severe form of brittle bone disease. if she slips on a crisp packet she could break both her legs, and spend six months in a half body cast. After years of caring for Willow, her family faces financial disaster. Then Charlotte is offered a lifeline. she could sue her obstetrician for wrongful birth - for not having diagnosed Willow's condition early enough in the pregnancy to be able to abort the child. The payout could secure Willow's future. But to get it would mean Charlotte suing her best friend. and standing up in court to declare that if she would have preferred that Willow had never been born.

I'll try not to ruin it for anyone but this book is a must-read. Before this book, I had never heard about Osteogenesis imperfecta (something learned) I cannot imagine what a mother with a child with OI has to deal with. It is tasking and it requires so much attention, it also can take its toll on the other members of the family. You never know the hand you're dealt and this book shows the love and dedication from a mother to her child despite all the challenges that come her way!

100 Books Challenge

2011-04-30T08:01:00.000-07:00

So I recently started a "100 Books to Read This Year" Challenge... I love reading and learning stuff from them so I figured, instead of wasting my life away watching 'Kim and Kourtney take New York' even though I LOVE the Kardashians, why not pick up a book to read... that's how it started.

I love that I can learn a lot from books, whether its just a word I'd never seen before or an illness or something about slavery, it makes me more interested and makes me want to get another book to read! Reading and Learning is great.

Thanks to my good friend who owns the company 'The Bargain Wordsmith' I get to borrow tons of books for low prices and I even get bestsellers... This is where half my salary goes! http://thebargainwordsmith.wordpress.com/

I'm currently on book #17. Some of the books I've read are; The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (Steig Larsson), One Hundred Years of Solitude (Gabriel Garcia Marquez), Room (Emma Donoghue), and one of my personal favorites till date; Handle with Care (Jodi Picoult).

I'll try to blog about some of the really good ones I've read and some of the ones I'm hoping to read!

TGIF

2010-12-10T08:46:00.000-08:00

This seemed like the slowest week ever! Thank goodness it's over. It's christmas time which means tons of family and friends are coming home for the holidays. Can't wait to see the BF and the rest of the girlies. I really wanna host a holiday party... any ideas/suggestions for me??

~CharlieCran~

31 Days To Reset My Life

2010-12-01T03:50:00.000-08:00

It seems like every couple of months I have a not-so-nervous breakdown where I re-evaluate my life (or at least try to); what I'm doing, what I should be doing, what's in my savings account blah..blah..blah.. and I always end up with the same results: Nothing!!! I feel like someone on a carousel and I desperately wanna get off.

Ms Pearl told me about this '31 Days to Reset Your Life Challenge' and i signed up for it. For the next 30 days, I'll be involved in some exercises to help rediscover my passion and purpose in life (which i desperately need), get clearer goals for the new year, create a map for my ideal life and try new things outside my comfort zone (eer?)

My Mantra for this exercise was initially a line from John Legend's song ''If You're Out There'' which says * The future started yesterday and we're already late* But I've changed it. Now its * Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?*

I can't wait to find out.

~CharlieCran~

Vacation Time!

2010-11-30T13:26:00.000-08:00

I love taking time out to spend with myself, this is something I've been doing for a couple of years and i love it. I get to reflect, learn some more about myself and be quiet cause sometimes, you just gotta be quiet.

Anyways, I had the opportunity of spending some alone time for a week....in Dubai!!!! It was awesome and a well needed vacation. I was there for a week but I wish I could have stayed longer. Dubai is such a gorgeous city I can't wait to go with my girls.

I really enjoyed being a tourist and exploring the city completely on my own. Like my friend; Ms. Pearl did during our U.K vacay earlier this year, I took some notes.

1. I noticed not a lot of women worked... (their hubby's must be rich)

2. Shoes? Who wears those? Everyone wore sandals or slippers. Being the shoe addict that I am, best believe I noticed that.

3. They really take the ''for ladies and children only'' seriously. On the buses and trains, there are sections for just ladies and children. I witnessed a man (tourist, of course) standing in 'our' section, some lady called him out so fast I was embarrassed for him. I wonder how the youths socialize. Hmmm

4. Unlike Lagos, Nigeria or Atlanta, Ga..Cobb County to be exact, where were the policemen? Non-existent!!! I saw some security guards but they ain't real police (JK!!!) Then again, Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world so maybe that's why?!

5. If you think the ladies in SATC2 that were wearing the fabulous clothes underneath their hijab were just for the movie, you're so wrong! These Arabs are too fly!!! From their raybans to Louis Vuitton purses to Louboutins, these women definitely had it going on.

Before I knew it my one week was over and I was on the plane home. If you need a place to visit, you definitely want to discover Dubai.

Here are some pictures from my trip.

This is the Burj Khalifa. The tallest building in the world. I got to get up to the 124th floor which is the highest they will let tourists.

Welcome To My World

2010-03-04T05:58:00.000-08:00

As I rummage through the heap of my clothes on the bed in the dark and the heat, I silently curse the day I decided that moving back to Lagos was a good idea. This doesn't make any sense. There is no reason as to why I'm sweating buckets literally seconds after getting outta the shower. *sigh* It's only 6:15a.m....I shouldn't start the day complaining.

I recently moved to Lagos after living out of the country for a few years. 70 days to be precise. I've been out of my comfort zone for 70days. When the option of moving back to Lagos was brought to me, I was very excited cause I was fed up of being homesick and broke and moving back home to me meant: No skipping of meals..unless I wanted to and a constant inflow of money from the parents. (So naive) I refused to think about the lack of electricity, water, security, good roads, laws, peace of mind...I can go on...

I was told I moved back at the wrong time (This is from a 'lagosian' apparently, there are particular seasons to move back home) I moved back when everyone was home for the holidays so all we were concerned about was partying, going out, weddings, beach days and all the fun stuff you do while you're on vacation. The only difference was, I wasn't on vacation..my mind was.

So January comes around which means the holiday is over for everyone. Out-of-towner's start to head back to their countries and lagosians start to head back to work. Where does that leave me? Home alone with no light and no life. How did this happen?

Fast forward to a couple of weeks later to Corporate Nigeria CharlieCran! *Yay* So now I have a job working in a bank.(I have tonsss of stories about that too) Treasury Dept $$$$ and that's pretty much the only thing I currently love about being here...BUT..I'm willing and prepared to have an open mind and try to make the best of my hopefully limited time here... I've had some good times and some bad times but I'm hoping and praying it gets better.

~CharlieCran~

I'm Back!!

2010-03-04T05:55:00.000-08:00

Hey Bloggers,

Wow...I've been gone a while!!! So much has happened in the past couple of months. I moved back home... home being Nigeria. I moved in December and it's been a real adventure since. So...I decided to share my new life with you. Hopefully I can keep this up!!!

Success!!!

2009-11-11T11:13:00.000-08:00

Hey Bloggers,

Hope all is well! It's been a pretty hectic week and I haven't had time to breathe...until now so I thought I should let you know how the drive went and do I have a story!!!

So here comes Sunday A.K.A D-Day. Unfortunately, we couldn't get the man power we needed for it to work out like planned so we had to change plans. So Plan B is to find a shelter and hope that they let us hand out the donations. Okay so seems like we have a plan. I set out to Wal-Mart cause I had received money to buy more blankets and pillows which I get done in record time (And for Wal-Mart, that's accomplishment I'm proud of). After stopping to get 'cheaper' gas I head to (Shay) our photographer's house to pick her up. We unload the car so we can take pictures and then we reload the car. At this time, I'm excited that we're about to be on our way so we jump into the car, seat belts...Check! Camera... Check! And I proceed to start my car.

ZIP!

My baby won't start! I try again...Nothing! And again...Still nothing. "Okay. Don't panic B..Don't panic" I tell myself and because I'm smart (and my parents told me to) I have jumper cables in my trunk. Perfect! So I'm just gonna get it jumped and we'll be out soon. Just a minor setback..
So we unload the pillows again..*sigh* Hook it up...ZIP! Nothing. Maybe we hooked it up wont..Try again..Zip! Nothing! This is ridiculous because I've never had a problem with my battery. (Took it to the mechanic days later..it wasn't the battery)

I refuse to be bothered by this, so we unload the stuff for the 3rd time and load it up into her truck. Now off to pick my friends Lucy and Vanessa. Interesting way to start the night.

We head out to the first Shelter and of course we got lost. Unfortunately for us, we miss the curfew so we have to leave. Off to another shelter! We find another one; Atlanta Union Mission and across the street are some people sleeping outside. Jackpot. This is exactly what we wanted.

To cut the long story short, the event was a success. We ended up heading to another shelter and dropping off some stuff there as well. Everyone was so grateful and that made us happy.

We ended up at Waffle House and had a wonderful night!

*sigh* Of course you know I had to edit this a little right? :)

~CharlieCran~

Vacation Time!

2009-10-31T21:12:00.000-07:00

Hey Bloggers,

How’s the weekend going? Very excited about tomorrow but I’m taking a break from thinking about it so I don’t give myself an anxiety attack! Lol.

So I went to Orlando this summer to spend some time with my sister who was working there for a couple months. It was tons of fun. I had a very hectic 8weeks prior to that and I needed that week off. Just thought I'd share some pictures...

This is me being a tourist! I love waterfalls... I wish I could have one in my house. My sister was so against me being a tourist, apparently I was embarrassing her! Lol.

My sister the travel guide!

My sister the clown! This was at Disney's Animal Kingdom and for some strange reason it was unbelievably hot! My sis told me it was the hottest park but I didn't believe her, then we got to the park and I was dripping with sweat. This is a fan with water...I have no clue how that worked but it was awesome! I thought it was a funny sight and she stood there for a couple of minutes! Silly! Lol.

I'm really big on scenery and I thought this was really cute. I wish I had a camera with better quality *Working on it* but this is the best my pink 7.2megapixel camera could take!

My sister is gonna hate me for doing this! I was really excited about going to the park and of course she was not so much! Can you tell from her face that she didn't want to take the picture? Lol. Love her!

OKay, last one before I bore you all. Trying to find our way through the streets of Morocco!

Anyways, we went to a couple of countries but there are way too many pictures for me to upload.
Can't wait for another vacation. Till then, I'm on my grind!!!

~CharlieCran~

New Look

2009-10-30T11:13:00.001-07:00

Hey Bloggers,

Its Friday!!! It's amazing how time is flying past. I remember my birthday like it was yesterday and all of a sudden it's November! Scary!

If you didn't notice, my blog has a new look! I'm so excited about it. It took me looking through 85 pages of templates, asking friends for me to decide on one! I like this 'cause its simple and a little colorful which I think defines me. Found someone to work on my website and she's amazing! I tweeted about this (Follow me @CharlieCran) she's awesome, she listens and she's creative. Its so refreshing to see things are getting done. She's also helping me with my business cards...Can't wait to see those!

2 days away from the Blanket/Pillow Drive and I'm getting really anxious! I hope all goes well..being the person I am, I've already starting getting antsy but I'm gonna let go and let God and pray that all goes well!

Till then,

~CharlieCran~

Blankets and Pillows Drive

2009-10-18T09:02:00.000-07:00

Hey Bloggers,

Still waiting on the pictures from my event so I can share them with you but in the main time, I have something else I'm working on. Its a "Blankets and Pillows" Drive.

Atlanta has been known to experience frigid times during the winter and this year is no exception. While sitting in my car on one of these nights, I complained about the malfunctioning of my vehicle's heater, I then noticed a lady sleeping at the bus stop and wondered what she may be going through. I could visualize her discomfort as she slept in an upright position against a wall.

During Homeless Awareness Week at my school, Kennesaw State University, I participated in sleeping outside for an evening. Due to the freezing temperatures, I gave in during the night and went back to the comforts on my own bed. I could not even make it through the night as a homeless person. I was, and still am, so used to always having a roof over my head, warmth of a duvet and socks! But unfortunately, many people are not afforded this same reassurance.I could go on and on but my point is, even if we cannot eliminate homelessness in America, we can make their situation a little better.I am having a "Blankets and Pillows" Drive and would love for all of you kind-hearted friends to participate. All you have to do is donate either a pillow or a blanket, or both, if you so desire.(Feel free to throw in a pair of socks) It is not much but I am confident that the little things we do for others will be greatly appreciated.

Feel free to inform your friends.

For donations please call Bekky Sowemimo at 678 431 4169 (c) or email at bekkeso@gmail.com

Acts 20:35 (NIV)
"In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "

So yea.. Thats what I'm working on right now. Hopefully our team will take pictures and I can post them for you all to see.

Stay warm!
~CharlieCran~

*If you're Out there - John Legend*

Almost there

2009-09-30T11:33:00.001-07:00

Hey Bloggers,

So I finally planned my first Event!(2 actually) I'm so excited! I pray to God everyday that this is what I'm really meant to do 'cause I derive so much pleasure from it! They both went very well and my clients seemed to be really satisfied.

Just wanted to update you..Pictures coming soon!!

~CharlieCran~

What to do with my Life

2009-09-24T10:33:00.000-07:00

So for the past couple of months, my mom's favorite thing to say to me, "Get your life together Becks" The first couple of times, I rolled my eyes (of course, she didn't see this) and just grunted like "There she goes again" But the more she said it, the more it began to resonate. I'm not a child anymore and I really do need to get my life in order. So I took her advice and decided to do that. I'm nowhere near where I want to be but I think I'm going in the right direction. I still don't know what I want to do career wise...not because I don't know what I like but because there are a LOT of things that I have a passion for but not sure if I can do all of it. I like to think of myself as a "Jill of All Trades" if it's doable...teach me and I'll do it. So far the career paths I want to go down are Events planning, (which I have started), Charity work (which is in the works), Real Estate... (Probably after graduation) I REALLY want my own fashion line...(Not sure when..but someday...I pray) I want to finish a book...(So far, I have 3...but never finished)...There are still many more... I can't wait to start my life and fulfill my destiny and glorify God!!

~CharlieCran~

*Song of the Day* "This Gift" - Deborah Cox

Atlanta Flood

2009-09-24T10:03:00.000-07:00

Hey Bloggers!

How's everyone doing? I don't know anyone that was personally affected by the Atlanta Flood but I pray for everyone that was. Even though it might seem or some people might say this is God's way of punishing people, I don't agree. This is just a way of Him trying to teach you to let go of material items and get closer to him.

If you can help, please do. It doesn't have to be monetary....it can just be you volunteering your time and your prayers.

~CharlieCran~

*Psalm of the day* : Psalm 46:10

Blogger Virgin...Again!

2009-08-25T08:22:00.000-07:00

Hello World! So this is my 3rd attempt to keep a blog...hopefully I can keep up! I like to write and I've been writing since I was 10 but I hardly publish anything...This will change *fingers crossed* A little about myself.. I'm Nigerian..born in Nigeria raised in the U.K, shipped off to the U.S for College and can't wait to see where life will take me next. I try to do the right thing and it's getting easier...sometimes I do tend to backslide. I may seem like I'm not the friendliest person but I'm very loyal once you get to know me. I'm very blunt which is why I feel like I don't have too many female friends. Life is not a fairytale and I will tell it like it is..if you can't handle it...oh well! That's just a little about me...you'll get to know more with each post!

*Song of the Day* "Quickly" - John Legend Ft Brandy.

~CharlieCran~