Say hello to goodbye

2014 started on a crazy note and sadly on a low note. So crazy that I was sure it was going to be my worst year ever!!! Boy was I in for a surprise. I wont lie, this year has been crazy hectic. I have had to make a lot of tough decisions, I have lost some friends, some due to tragedies but some due to misunderstandings.

My circle has grown tremendously slow in 2014 mainly because I have grown up. I have learnt that its better to have a small loyal circle than have a crowd full of hypocrites. The struggles I went through made me stronger and wiser, I have gained clarity and gotten perspective. If someone had told me last year on this day that my life would be like this now, I never would have believed them.

But thank God for He makes all things work together for those who love him. I can proudly say I have been blessed in all aspects of my life, emotionally, physically, psychologically. He turned my mourning into dancing, turned my ashes to beauty, filled my cup and its overflowing.

As the year draws to a close, everything comes into perspective, so I would like to take a moment to apologize to those who I have wronged, I'm sorry. Do bear with my imperfections as I continue to grow from my flaws. To those that stayed with me through the hardships, I'm humbled by your unconditional love. To those that contributed to my low moments, I forgive you because I understand that you were all part of  God's plan to get me to where I needed to be. To those that contributed to the realization of my dreams, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!! I celebrate you all, because I wouldn't be the person I am today, without all your input.
The year ahead makes me a bit scared, because I know that I have big shoes to fill, more responsibilities to take on and a world full of uncertainty to step into, But I know that whatever happens, I will be okay regardless, because In the end everything will work out as it should.
 Goodbye 2014... Hello 2015. I'M READY!!!!
XoXo

My Blessing in Disguise

A little over a year ago, I found myself between a rock and a hard place, 2013 was the most difficult and trying year of my life. So trying that when I look back I can't believe I made it through alive and into 2014 because there was a time when I just didn't want to deal with the world. The icing on the cake came when I got a transfer at work that I wasn't too excited about because I thought it was taking me away from my desired career path. I remember trying so hard to resist it, but after going back and forth about it, and talking to my parents, I decided to take the leap of faith and see what the waters had for me. 

Settling in, was difficult. I wont lie. Even with my determination to make lemonade with the "lemons" life had thrown at me, it was outright difficult. So, I prayed about it, and decided to give my every last bit of energy to this new career path and see what it has to offer. A year later: NO REGRETS!!!! I recently got promoted at work, about four days ago to be exact and i'll tell you that had I stayed, this promotion would've come in ten years, but God saw me make lemonade with my lemons and He decided to add some sugar to it.

 Sometimes life throws us off track and we feel like we just jumped off a cliff and have no idea what's gonna happen after, believe me I have been through all the "why mes?" the" this wasn't supposed to happen like this", and I have learnt that God's plan is definitely the way to go. Especially in times of uncertainty. And lets face it, life is full of uncertainties. But sometimes we forget that God promised to make all things work for the good of those who love the Lord. Yes, ALL THINGS!!!! even the nasty. I have grown so much in the one year I have been in this new environment and I'm more than honored to be given the new opportunity to grow and blossom. This new position comes with a lot of responsibility but "to whom much is given, much is expected" and so I'm a little scared because I honestly wasn't ready or prepared. I'm still trying to fit in this new chair, and adjust to working with all these highly qualified professionals. I'm sure its going to be an interesting journey as I have so much to learn, which means I have more room to grow and although I'm scared, I am not worried because I trust in the will of God. 

We have all heard the saying "The will of God will never take you to where the Grace of God can not keep you" Easier said than done. My prayer every morning since I got this position has been that God sends me His grace to keep me and wisdom to guide me. Forgive this post for being all over the place, I just wanted to say that sometimes life knocks you down, and throws lemons at you, but if you dust yourself, and get back up, make some lemonade with those lemons, God will bring you sugar for an added taste. So don't dwell too much on what's going wrong, focus on how you can make the wrong work for you. 

I haven't figured out life yet, but this year has been so good to me, and it has taught me that when you let go and let God, He really does come though in the end. His will is definitely the way to go!!! It's only a matter of time, so just be patient

XoXo

On a Solo date? Sorry!!

So, the other day, I was having lunch at Tamarai by myself, well because it was a working day I was unable to find a "date" on short notice. I had been ill all week and when I finally got out of Hospital and smelt the fresh breeze i decided to give myself a treat and because I love the teas at Tamarai, It was the perfect place for me to chill on this hot Friday afternoon. As I was enjoying my delicious hot and spicy chicken wings, I saw a familiar face walk by, he stopped to say hello and asked if I was meeting someone there. To his surprise, I wasn't. But that's not the point of this post, when he found out that I was having lunch by my self, his response was "Bambi". Loosely translated as "oh dear" or "poor you". I gave him a warm smile and simple laugh and continued to indulge in this delicacy.

 As he walked away, I started to wonder, why do people think its pitiful if you go on a solo date? Does he think that I live a lonely and unhappy life because I choose to sit here and eat by myself? I have to admit, I was a bit offended, and here's why:
I live a very fulfilling life, probably more fulfilling than his. So much so that I don't really need people around me all the time to rectify my existence. I love me some me time, and anybody close to me will testify to how much I love my space. It has always puzzled my friends  how it is that I can go to a restaurant, by myself, order food, eat by my self, and live. But here's the thing, I like food, scratch that I LOVE FOOD!!!! So much so that I don't need a date to enjoy my meal. Sometimes I just want a good meal, and my friends aren't available or don't feel like eating because they are watching their weight, a problem I don't have. 

Sometimes I just cant even be bothered to call them because its an instant craving so I just drive out to whatever place I feel like eating, order my food, eat it in peace, without having someone poke at it, or try to taste it, instead of ordering their own, Yes I'm selfish like that. Actually that has to be my biggest pet peeve. People poking at my food, I would rather get you a whole new plate, than have you poke at my food. I rather find that much as I love company, I also like to enjoy my meals in peace. So my eating alone, or being on a "solo date" doesn't warrant your sympathy. It just simply means I wanted to eat alone.

Makes me wonder how many people out there are afraid of eating alone, because they don't want to feel alone. Just because you are surrounded by people doesn't mean you aren't lonely, just like being alone doesn't make you lonely. I've had the loneliest moments while surrounded by crowds of people and questioned my goals or purpose in life or purpose for being in the presence of these people, and I've had life changing decisions made while sitting by myself, because my mind was finally cleared of clutter and could now reason clearly. My point being, don't judge people based on what it looks like. There is nothing sorry about my life. I'm happier than I have been in years, and sitting by myself at a restaurant will not change that. Actually, sitting alone is what makes me happy. That I can afford that meal, is even a blessing on its own. So, the next time you see my sitting alone, just smile and wave, and wish me a Bon apetit, don't feel sorry for me, or that other person by themselves in the restaurant.
With Love
XoXo

Hello Food; for the glutton in me

If you know me, then you know I love my food, In fact, my food is about the only thing I don't share, no matter how much love I have for you, my food is off limits. If I wasn't naturally small, this would be a problem because my love for food is directly proportional  to my laziness. Bad habit I know, but old habits die hard. With all my love for food, and equal amount of Laziness,  you can imagine my excitement for this new app called "Hello Food"  where you can order your favorite dish online and have it delivered right to your doorstep. Kudos to you guys by the way, Because this has to be the coolest innovation ever!!! Not forgetting how much Kla is growing digitally.

 I am so impressed and proud that Uganda is actually having some positive innovations. People are finally thinking outside the box, becoming more creative and innovations like Hello Food are being born. Being an I.T professional this gives me encouragement knowing that All hope is not Lost. So if you are hungry and can't be bothered to drive to that Chinese restaurant, or simply can't decide on what to eat, just log on to Hello Food, or better yet download the app on your mobile , browse the options available, place your order and have it delivered in a few minutes. How cool is that? Say goodbye to starvation because your favorite restaurant is too far from your home/office and say Hello to healthier diets.
You'll thank me later so you're welcome in advance.
XoXo

Sometimes...

Sometimes we push people away and then be mad that they left, because you so desire to be abandoned, because you feel so alone, that you push away anything that looks like love, or healing, because you've been broken over, and over and over again. sometimes you have to stay loyal to people who don't want you to be loyal to them because your loyalty can inspire them but, you have to understand that you may not necessarily reap the benefits of your loyalty the next day and so you have to be patient and let your inner light shine anyway.

Don't let your bitterness cloud your light. Sometimes  you have to be broken over and over and over again so that you can never go back to who you used to be, that no matter how uncertain the road ahead seems, you know that it's better than going back to what it used to be. Whatever happens to you, don't let bitterness become your truth, because bitterness will steal your hope. 

Sometimes God can't send any warmth your way until you are willing to admit that you're freezing. That everyone has a season of struggle and sometimes it's okay to say I'm not okay. Most times we get so caught up busy pretending that we are not phased by the chills of life, yet all we really are doing is building bitterness and killing our souls. 

The moment you are willing to admit that you are feeling a little phased, or bitter, is the moment that God with come and give you beauty for ashes, and peace for despair.

Sometimes God will expose you to winter, to accelerate your harvest and so you don't have to let bitterness become your name but instead let your hope take the lead in your life. Winter is never meant to freeze your hope, it's meant to strengthen your roots. 

You can't let winter become your home, instead you have to let your roots grow, learn from it so you can blossom in the spring and embrace the beauty of seasons.

Stay Blessed

XOXO

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The simple life: As it should be

I recently took some time off, to reflect and also go on a mini vacay to Mt. Gahinga seeing as things had gotten a little hectic in my life. This vacay couldn't have come at a better time seeing as I was in a transition process in my life. I have been working on a few projects which I will be sure to let you in on as they unfold. So that explains why I have been quiet for a while... There I go again, rumbling.

Now on to the real reason for this post. My holiday was such a humbling experience, and here's why: I met the Batwa people. For those who don't know the Batwa, Here is a brief history:

Batwa Heritage Experience at Gahinga

"The Batwa of Uganda were forest dwellers who lived by gathering and hunting as the main source of food. They are believed to have lived in the Bwindi Impenetrable and Mgahinga National parks that border Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda living mainly in areas bordering other Bantu Tribes.

In 1992, the lives of the Batwa pygmies changed forever. The Bwindi Impenetrable Forest became a national park and World Heritage Site to protect the 350 endangered mountain gorillas within its boundaries. The Batwa were evicted from the park. Since they had no title to land, they were given no compensation. The Batwa became conservation refugees in an unfamiliar, unforested world. Through the Batwa Experience, more can be known about the Batwa of Uganda.

They now live in communities where they have been resettled by NGOs in Uganda." (excerpt from Wikipedia) 

My life changed the day I met these people and here's why. These people used to live in the forest, but were displaced by Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) because they were trying to preserve the forest and the Mountain Gorilla in it's natural Habitat. Stephen, A mutwa we met expressed his disappointment with this displacement as he said they had no issues cohabiting with the animals in the forest. They had now been displaced and were being forced to adapt a new lifestyle that is considered by us to be more "normal". Except to the Batwa there is nothing normal about going to school, working to get paid so you can buy food. All of this is quite foreign to them seeing as the life they know is about going out to hunt, gather some fruits in the forest and that's all they need to be happy. When I spoke to Stephen on whether he would be happier going back to live in the forest as opposed to the new lifestyle they had been provided by the NGO's he replied with a strong YES! And so I thought to myself, "this man is crazy". Why would anyone want to live in the forest, with no internet, no phones, no fancy clothes or restaurants, Just really live on the basics of life.

The Batwa Entertaining us through dance at Gahinga

Then it hit me, I had it all wrong this whole time. The simple things are all one needs to be happy, but so often we look to the material things, the fancy things and think they will give us happiness, but no happiness from having the latest gadget can compare to the happiness that lit up Stephen's eyes at the mere thought of going back to the simple life. He just wasn't about that fancy life. He just wanted to be in the forest, make a fire using sticks, go hunting, and gather some herbs, come home to his wife and children and have some bonding time over dancing and singing. They did entertain us, and i must admit they are quite enjoyable people to live around. They are very warm and welcoming, despite their troubles, they smiled for us all the time, and didn't get tired of answering all the questions we had about their lifestyle. It was such a surreal moment, as I felt like I had been taken back in time, and living the history I always read about in the books. Oh the simple life. But not us, we are not like the Batwa. 

A twa woman in her natural Habitat ( straw house)

We don't want the simple life. We spend our days doing everything we can to make the most money we can, and then spend all of it on things that eventually don't even bring us the happiness we were looking for. We need to go back to the basics. Appreciate the simple things about life. I have never felt more loved and welcome, yet I was living among strangers. We live in a city that's overly populated, and yet we rarely come into contact with the people we know. Something happens in your neighbors house and you find out about it on The 9:00 O'clock news because his gate is so high up, and he has five security dogs, whatever happened to our culture of sitting around the fire, telling stories, and bonding with our peers and elders. It's no wonder the world has gone kukus today, with children lacking morals, knowing nothing about their history and culture and thinking it's the cool thing to do. I wept for my unborn children, for the confused world they will be born into. Will they ever know the simple life? I wonder... I do hope though that when the time comes, I will have enough time for them, to tell them about who they are, where they come from so that they not only become a part of their heritage, but also know that they belong and be proud.

Till Next time

Xo

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I am Beautiful

So Lupita Nyong'o Was named Most beautiful Woman in the world by people Magazine, and the world went into a frenzy. The other day as I was driving to work, listening to the radio and Fatboy was enraged that Lupita was named Most beautiful. Reason for his outrage? He doesn't think shes's beautiful let alone the most beautiful, and so people were calling in and giving their reactions and much to my amazement even some women were calling in to agree with fatboy that Lupita isn't beautiful and that the only reason she was on that cover is because of some conspiracy theory of sorts.......

Think on that for a moment.....

I am APPALLED that a woman would want to bring another woman down. This is what is wrong with the world today. I had this conversation with a few guys and some of the opinions shared sent me into an even bigger frenzy. When I asked one why he didn't think Lupita was beautiful he answered "she's too skinny" and when I asked him if he thought Angelina Jolie was beautiful he said "of course!!!". And then I said "but she's skinny too" to which he replied "that's different." I asked him why the same criticism that he applied to Lupita suddenly changed when I asked about Jolie and he's response was "because Lupita has a regular look"

SO... Here is my question: What is wrong with having a regular look?  Since when does being regular mean am not beautiful??

To another friend when asked why he didn't think Lupita was beautiful, he said "maybe if she had long hair" so I figured he's into long hair so I asked him if he thought Amber Rose was beautiful and to my surprise he said yes. When I asked why he thought she was beautiful with short hair and Lupita wasn't he said "she's different." Am I the only one seeing this double standard the world has for what is beautiful and what's not? Like I must be skinny, or light, or blonde or have long hair or whatever other scales have been put up to measure beauty. This is why there are too many young girls struggling with anorexia, too many women having unnecessary plastic surgeries to make themselves look more beautiful because the world says your nose must look a certain way, or your hips shouldn't be wide and whatever other conditions we have put to beauty.

I think Lupita is very beautiful and every girl is beautiful.

When I was in my early teens I was very skinny and I was always criticized for being too skinny. Then Puberty hit and I gained a few pounds and I was criticized for having a huge behind. When I went to college the stress of studying caught up with me and I lost weight and again people criticized me for loosing weight and they thought I was becoming a health hazard to myself. My point here is you can never win this battle with the world. There will always be someone prettier, skinnier, taller, have longer hair, have wider hips. But just because someone else is prettier doesn't mean you are not beautiful. Hence the saying, beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. There is nothing more beautiful than a woman who knows her flaws, accepts them and loves them. I have a very tiny waistline and some people call me a wasp. But I embrace it. I believe it makes me all the more beautiful. So what If you are different? that is what makes you beautiful, and so what if you are "regular" you are still beautiful.

 The best way to overcome all these pressures is to Love yourself first. Every girl is beautiful. Regular or not.

Being feminine alone is beautiful, so I say be comfortable in your own skin, Love your nose, small waistline, and wide hips. Love your short hair, and long legs, what matters is how you see yourself, If you think you are beautiful one day the world will come to see what you see in yourself and set the standard. Just wait, soon there will be a Lupita inspired look. Alek Wek beat the odds, and now Lupita has followed suit. Don't ever let anyone tell you, you are not beautiful enough and you take their opinion. After all, its just that, an opinion. Not a fact. So embrace your beauty and Love yourself.

Here's to Lupita and every other woman who struggled with accepting their flaws, had insecurities, and still beat the odds because she understands that she's still beautiful.

Below is the video of Lupita meeting her Beauty Role model Alek Wek. Very inspirational. Enjoy:

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Proudly Ugandan

If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. ~ Maya Angelou

I love Maya Angelou, I love everything about her, but mostly I love her for this quote. You see they recently signed the anti-Pornography bill that among other things prohibits us from wearing minis. This kind of takes me back to when I was growing up and my mum told us stories of the Amin regime. HE also banned the mini skirt and they only wore maxis that they called "Amin nvaako" loosely translated as "Amin Leave me alone". I used to laugh at those stories as I tried to picture how ridiculously Idle that dude must have been, and now it has become my reality. You see, the other day a lady was brutally undressed because she was wearing a mini skirt, and no one came to her rescue. Not even the police that pledges to serve and protect. The president went to the bush and fought for our freedom, only for it to be recalled and taken away by the same people who claim to be reserving it. 

Another bill was passed. The Anti- Homosexuality bill. It has gotten so much uproar that I can't even dissect it any further.  My thing is this, all this talk and opinions about the bills, and yet again we fail to see the reality of our situation. We are bothered about the minis and yet we forget the children suffering at the mulago cancer ward, the millions of women suffering from domestic violence, the millions of people dying from HIV/ AIDS, the poor people in northern Uganda that are still struggling to get their lives back. When did we become this petty? All we know how to do is complain, and be sarcastic asking the government to help us "tusaba gavumenti etuyambe". When will we wake up and realize the government is not going to help us? The government is too busy buying Ipad's for the MP's and giving them allowances for training on how to use them. While you ramble and whine about the mini- skirt bill, the President is being endorsed for the 5th Term, and yet see where our priorities lie. 

How shallow are we as Ugandan's that we can't even see how deep the ramifications of our grumbling and doing nothing are affecting our society. All we know to do is make the loudest noise and then move along to the next scandal, and don't we just love Uganda? there is always the next scandal.  There are homeless street kids, pot holes everywhere you turn, dying mothers in labor because they had no transport to the nearest health center, and when they got to the health center, there was no doctor or there were no drugs and the list goes on and on, but we are bothered about wearing minis.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that USAID will not solve our problems any more than the government will. No one is going to solve those problems, for us but us. SO instead of complaining about what the government hasn't done, or is doing wrong, Get off your lazy self-centered asses and  do something about it. Ask yourself what have you done to help your neighborhood orphanage, or health center. Better yet, what is your role as a Ugandan to see that you make it the country you would love to live in. Instead of telling us how embarrassed you are to be Ugandan, Mind you being embarrassed wont make you American any more than it will make you white. Embarrassed or not, you are still African, Ugandan, and you cant change that the blood flowing through your veins is Ugandan, Your roots are Ugandan. If your idea of changing the world is saying "I am embarrassed to be Ugandan "then I weep for you, your children, and your children's children". Get up, do something about it, words without action are meaningless, If you are not going to do something about it then SHUT UP. Yes I said it. Instead of giving us your opinion of Uganda, tell us about what you have done or are doing to make Uganda/Africa better for your future children. I am proud to be Ugandan, regardless of all the flaws it has, it's the only place I call home.

P.S Shout out to +Kemiyondo Coutinho , +evelyn karungi , +Nina Ainembabazi  and the few youth that have tried to make a difference in society. They have expressed their opinions through actions that aim to change society for the better. Your work though small, goes a long way in showing that there is still hope. All is not lost.

For God and My country

Wondering what they have done? follow the links below

http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/kawuna-you-re-it

http://support.keepachildalive.org/site/TR?type=fr_tribute_fund&fr_id=1070&pxfid=1930&action=reply&parentid=7180&return=rlst&bpg=post&bpg=post&pg=fund

http://hugstronger.org/undergrad-doing-good-nina-ainembabazi/

Till next time,
Diane Kateeba