Hi guys!
it’s been a minute.
Okay, maybe not a minute, but it’s been a little bit. I’m currently nursing the most ridiculous cold that crept up on me out of nowhere.
Literally last week, I was bragging about how this is the longest I’ve gone into a new year without getting sick… and then boom…stuffy nose, headache, congestion. Just all-around annoyance.
And honestly, I think it’s a combination of things. Austin has some ridiculous weather.
I remember when I first moved here—now almost two and a half years ago (can you believe that?)—and one thing I’ve learned is: you’ve got to stay ready so you don’t have to get ready.
Because the way Austin is set up, you can wake up freezing, deal with rain by noon, catch sunshine in the afternoon, and then somehow get hail or humidity by night. It makes no sense.
Late last week, we had rain, then it got hot on Saturday and Sunday, and I was outside. I genuinely think my body just wasn’t prepared for the constant switch-up—and now here we are.
Two days out of the gym. If you know me, you know how much I hate my routine being disrupted.
But at the same time, I was just telling a friend recently that I’ve been going so hard with fitness that I might actually need to slow down a bit and let the progress settle in. So maybe this forced pause isn’t the worst thing.
I do plan on getting back in today—arm day. Light work. We’ll see how I feel.
This post might feel a little all over the place. Maybe it’s the Theraflu. Maybe it’s the NyQuil. Who knows.
But something really hit me over the past couple of days.
It’s important to pray about the little things.
I’ve written before about asking the Holy Spirit to help me find things…keys, random stuff around the house—and somehow they show up. But being sick made me realize something…
I was doing everything—ginger, tea, medicine, zinc—but I didn’t pray. Not once.
And that bothered me.
Because I sat there thinking, “Why didn’t I just pause and ask God to heal me?” By His stripes, we are healed. But sometimes I go through the motions and forget the foundation.
So if you’re reading this—say a quick prayer for me and for yourself about that thing that’s on your heart. I’m trying to get back to full strength and back to my routines.
Speaking of routines…
On Friday night, I wanted a burger. Bad.
Burger, chicken sandwich, milkshake—the whole thing. I fought it. I really did. I didn’t get the milkshake on Friday… ended up getting it on Saturday.
But then I realized something.
From the start of April till the end, I hadn’t had fast food. No burger. No milkshake. Nothing.
And that meant something to me.
Not because I eat it all the time—but because I wanted it, and I didn’t give in. And by the time I did, it was already May.
That felt like growth.
I got my fix, and honestly, I’m good for another month.
Now… let’s talk about something that annoyed me.
Taliat’s Kitchen — count your days.
I’m saying this here because this is my safe space. I won’t take this to social media where things can go viral, but I need to say it.
They have some of the best Nigerian food in Austin. No debate.
But I’ve noticed a pattern—not just here, but in Sacramento, Oakland, now Austin—where Nigerian businesses grow, build a loyal base, and then start slipping.
Prices go up. Portions go down. Quality becomes inconsistent.
The first meal I had in Austin was ayamase, rice, and plantain from there in January 2024.
Yesterday? Same meal was pushing $22.
And the bowl was mostly kidney meat.
I hate kidney meat.
The stew was barely there, and they added an egg—which, once removed, made it even more obvious how little stew was actually in there.
I just don’t like dishonesty in business or products I am paying for.
As I get older, I’ve realized I don’t like people playing with my time, my money, or my loyalty. Because I would have checked them. And maybe I should have.
And before anyone jumps in with “Nigerian food is hard to make”….I hear it. I do. But when you’re cooking in bulk, your cost per plate goes down.
Meanwhile, other cuisines—Chinese, Indian—use similar proteins and still manage pricing better.
Something isn’t adding up.
If I’m wrong, let’s talk about it. But right now, it doesn’t make sense to me.
Being sick has also taken away my walks.
You guys know I love my walks. Sometimes I even drive just to find a good place to walk. But this congestion? Yeah… not fun.
Also—who is the grumpiest person you know when they’re sick?
It’s me.
100% me.
I hate it. It disrupts everything. It makes me irritable. So if I’ve been quiet, it’s not personal—I just don’t want to transfer that energy to anyone else.
And can we talk about something real quick?
If I’m sick… why are you trying to kiss me?
Are you okay?
This is Idris Elba’s fault. That whole COVID era “I’m sticking beside him” nonsense—no. Absolutely not.
If you live in a four-bedroom house, USE THE ROOMS.
Isolate. Rest. Recover.
Love me from a distance for 48 hours. You’ll be fine.
You need to rest and get ready for the summer.
Summer’s coming!!! Or here sef.
What are your plans?
I feel like I just be traveling and telling you guys after the fact, but I actually want to hear from you. Drop your plans in the comments—trips, picnics, road trips, whatever.
I’m thinking about doing a road trip myself. From Austin—where should I go? A quiet cabin trip? Or a state close to Texas? Somewhere random? Put me on.
Also—thank you.
Seriously.
To everyone who reads, comments, replies—I appreciate you. This blog is probably the most honest space I have. It’s where you get my real thoughts, unfiltered.
April was one of my biggest months in a long time—even without posting consistently. So thank you for rocking with me.
I’m realizing I might need to start writing these ahead of time, because life gets busy. But I also like giving you my thoughts in real time.
We’ll find a balance.
I also want to build my own website.
A proper one.
Landing page, blog, music reviews, content, everything in one place.
If you’ve got the skills—or know someone who does—reach out. I’m serious.
(And yes, if you’re the one person reading this thinking I’m talking to you… I am. And no, you’re not building it. You’ve got enough on your plate 😂)
Let me leave you with this: Everything in your life doesn’t have to look perfect to be perfect.
I’ve been chasing this idea of the “perfect life,” but I’m starting to realize—this is it.
This season. This version of me. This body, this job, these friendships, this impact.
You can want more and still appreciate where you are.
Both can exist.
I’ll see you all next week—by God’s grace, healthy, no congestion, back to normal.
And funnily enough, writing this is the best I’ve felt all week.
So thank you for that.
Before I go—go listen to Asake’s new album Money.
🎧 https://open.spotify.com/search/asake%20money
My favorites right now:
- Money Can’t Buy Happiness
- Gratitude
- Forgiveness
I’ll do a full review soon, but yeah…he did his thing.
Till next time. Stay up 🤞🏾