One, Two, 34

Confusion, pain, a bit of sadness and there I stood just wondering “how did we get here?” 

It felt inevitable but at the same time I didn’t expect this day to come so soon. I could feel a sinking feeling in my stomach. I really wanted answers so I looked even closer, staring at myself in the mirror.

Had it to come to this?

All alone in that room, I dug deeper, tilting my head to the right I bent, trying to find a sign that I was wrong, but I wasn’t. despite years of putting it off, it was time.

I officially discovered my first gray hair 11 days before my 34th birthday.

So with that hair 34 random things about me enjoy on the very first Sanmi Saturdays of 2025. Come back next Wednesday for my annual review of 2024. where I breakdown how my life was in key areas, professionally spiritually financially, emotionally and more.

But for now, happy birthday to me and here is my gift to all of the people that read and support my content. Enjoy and please leave me a comment if you like this. Talk soon.

1. I love Arlette’s Pop the Ballon or Find Love Show. Yes, I said it! I truly think it is one of the best social experiments out there just observing how people interact and choose partners. If you are already in a safe and loving relationship, hold your person o. Nothing day streets and everyone is mad. I mean someone popped one time because the person wore a color that their ex liked and that was their reason. I swear, just work it out. Lol.
2. I love a quiet evening indoors – a nice flavored gummy and watching a documentary. 
3. I love helping the people I care about, either to think through things or just sorting through ideas. 
4. I STILL struggle to talk about myself – sometimes I feel like it’s helpful, other times I feel like it just reawakens the things that stress you out and I feel strongly that not enough people truly care deeply enough to help change your life. 
5. If I am not flying business class or first, I need to be sitting in a C seat on a flight, so I can extend my leg j to the aisle during the flight. Although sometimes the drink carts run into my elbows while I am dead asleep on an flight.
6. The artists I’m currently obsessed with are Llona, Timmie, Syntax – The Creator, Serotonin and you know my gospel playlist has all my faves.
7. I think dinner and a movie is a stupid plan. I end up sleepy. Well I fall asleep at the movies anyway BUT we should watch the movie and then talk over dinner. That’s a more sensible plan to me.
8. Some people, friends and partners like to call me a “teddy bear” and I actually really hate that nickname. It makes me feel like I must be fat or too fluffy and I hate it but people do it so freely. 
9. A few years ago, I randomly started being really afraid of forgetting a metal item in the microwave and turning it on. It really scares me and makes me nervous about using the microwave but I keep praying that nothing ever happens. 
10. The most spontaneous thing I’ve ever done – I was in a long distance relationship and we were missing each other, we happened to be on Facetime and I said, “do you want to come and visit tomorrow through the weekend?”. She lived in another state at the time. Less than 24hrs later, we were watching a movie and cuddling in bed. 
11. Sink or Swim by Jacob Banks would probably be my life soundtrack. You have a choice when you are thrown in to sink or swim towards the greatness that lives within you. 
12. I think people misunderstand my approach to realism on certain issues. I don’t like lying to myself, I do it but I don’t like it and because of that, on some issues I just tell it like it is and sometimes people feel I’m being detached but it’s the truth.
    Now understand this, you can tell the truth and such without being a jerk or whatever but try to live your truth fully. 
13. A whiskey sour is probably the drink that describes me best – it’s sweet enough, tangy and tart plus it can take it there if you need it to and you know I’m about that life. 
14. One random day a few years ago, I wanted to order dominos and the offered me a deal, a free pizza with my food – I wanted the pasta bread bowl (look it up) and I also had to get the wings. BUT I didn’t want to eat wings alone, so I had to drink garri. Ultimately, it ended up being garri + wings, the pasta bread bowl and I had the pizza which I dipped in Strawberry yogurt because I don’t like ranch like that. So yeah, that happened and do not judge me. Yes, I have ordered that same combo a few more times since then. 
15. The visually most beautiful place I have ever visited has to be Cape Town or maybe the Sahara Desert but it was so hot, I am not sure I am going back anytime soon. The Grand Canyon definitely gets a good shout as well. 
16. I could literally eat spaghetti with my sauce and peppered turkey every single day and never get tired of it.
17. I turn almost anything into a song. Is it annoying sometimes? Yes. Will I stop? Nope!
18. Getting my MBA when I did changed my life. I remember at the time I was dating someone and she told me that I shouldn’t go back to school at that time. That it would be wrong to get my MBA then, I did it anyway. My life has never been the same.
    follow your heart. 
19. The best professional advice I ever received was “make sure you are running towards something and not away from something”. Unless they are abusing you at your current job, make sure you are running to a challenge that improves you and not because you think the grass is greener elsewhere. 
20. You would almost always catch me wearing a beanie. I just love them and how they can upgrade an outfit or something super casual plus they keep my head warm. 
21. Arguably the best meal I have ever had was Cinnamon Indian Tapas Bar in Portugal. The food was amazing and I think just having Indian Food in the randomest place and it banging was everything that I needed and more. 
22. I believe that a lot of people hide behind the word “feelings”. The moment people drop that, they expect that all accountability will be avoided and I cannot stand it. 
23. Once I put on a coat, I feel unstoppable! Like I am a hedge fund owner that flies private between New York and Basel. So classy. 
24. The most expensive (or ridiculous) thing I’ve ever bought – my bachelors degree. Fuck you, US Education system that saddles its citizens with debt to even make something of yourself. 
25. If I had to wear only one color for the rest of my life it would be black but I bet you already knew that. 
26. I don’t have a favorite movie anymore – it used to be the usual suspects but apparently Kevin Spacey is a weirdo, so I don’t like it anymore but it was such good movie. 
27. Honestly, I can’t think of one right now but the one for 2024 and beyond – Not Like Us. I CANNOT wait to watch Kendrick at the Super Bowl in a few weeks. Sorryyyy not sorry Drake fans. 
28. As much as I like Indomie, I don’t think I am good at making it. Well as good as I am making other things. And it’s annoying because I want to be good at it!
29. I almost always shop on sale and I like to shop during the off seasons of the outfits I want. I have enough clothes, I don’t need to be splurging on new fits. I would rather be in a different country wearing “old” clothes than having new clothes and being stuck at home. 
30. A song that no one can shame me for is Brown Sugar by Jide Chord. I love that song sooooo much! https://open.spotify.com/track/3JnxQ7tADrM6Oy0niayRlS?si=c1ec6757d894408e
31. The most ridiculous argument you’ve ever had – I had a woman once try to blame me for being with someone she knew (they are not friends) before her. I was just in awe because what???
32. My passport stays ready – If there’s a chance to travel, I’m in. Whether it’s a quick weekend in Chicago or a dream trip abroad, I’m always planning my next adventure.
33. A quote or mantra that keeps me going – “there is no fatigue felt on the day of victory.”
34. If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
    
    Dear Bobo,
    
    Breathe. Slow down and trust yourself more. You don’t have to have everything figured out right away—life will unfold in ways you can’t yet imagine.
    You’ll question your worth, path, and purpose, but hear this: you are more than enough. The setbacks? They’re just setups for something greater. The heartbreaks? They’ll teach you what real love should feel like. The doubts? They’ll make your victories even sweeter.
    Stay true to yourself. Protect your peace. Walk away from anything that makes you beg for the bare minimum. And most importantly, never dim your light to make others comfortable—your shine is meant to be seen.
    
    With love and wisdom,
    
    The You That Made It