Saturday 12 April 2014

A POEM: SAY IT ALL




BY; MOSES MUDAVADI
A murmur of anticipation, ripples through the room
Can you hear, the silent voice, it’s getting’ louder loom
Nice dream if you have an 8 to 5 job
A nightmare for the job hunter/seeker

Ladies and gentlemen, booms a voice from the spotlight
What’s the fuss about; from you job seekers or is it hustlers?
You complain there are no jobs. Have you tried farming?
Whining about, the know-people theory to get a job
Aren’t you aware of the spirited effort of networking?

It’s a mad, mad world, a man eat man society
I bet nobody told yah, it’s not going to be easy
Neither is the problem so hard to counter
Its all in the mind, if its hard it will be so a banter

The problem with a graduate is being choosy
By the fact that you are learned does not make one superior
Unless your dad is an Executive in a blue chip company, you have to start somewhere

It’s a hard reality but then it’s the truth of the matter
Start with that small job and slowly climb through the ladder
Many a graduate the world without job is a world of frustration
It’s like the world is coming to an end, it shouldn’t be, should it?
Shape up the destiny, the destiny a stone throw away
Network, network, and do more of networking
Its serve the best dosage for a job search fever
Go to church; attend wedding and any social event
Conferences, launches and any other professional gathering
Are viable places for knowing people
Meeting the potential employer without much hustle

Meanwhile be patient
Take a courage pint
Persevere at all cost
And remember God’s time,
Is the best time.




Friday 4 April 2014

A DAMNED KENYAN GRADUATE




Courtesy;Google images
December 2013 saw many Kenyan university students graduating. Many conferred the power to read and do all things that pertains to reading. The smile in their faces said it all.
The graduation becomes a celebration, an emotional one (apart from the ceremony organized by the uni especially the public ones-it’s usually a miserable flop). Family members from grandmother to the distant cousins becomes part of these auspicious occasion. Those living under the rock, are fast shocked by the skimpily dressed college girls. They go an extra mile to mention names like- perverts. It is hard to convince such a person it is the way of life. Not mentioning, that is just the tip of the iceberg.
Majority come for the obvious reason of celebrating a first family degree. The very first course towards Middle Class. For others it is adding to the family title of a learned generation. A comrade struggles for 4, 5, or even 6 years for that elusive paper. However, it soon dawns; a degree is a family affair and not an individual achievement. A degree belongs to the whole community.
When all was said and done, reality checks in, a comrade realizes there is a thin line between fantasy and reality when tarmacking takes its course. The former classmate occasionally calls to inquire the life progress-prevails, while feigning consolation and assurances-‘things will fall into the right place’.
Not long, a lucky graduate secures an internship with a dream company. A 15k stipend will be a great contract, this call for a celebration. The party is briefly interrupted when one realizes the amount is taxable- Uncle Sam too needs to pay bills. HELB too will want to soak in that 15k pool in the name of a salary.
Rumors spread faster
By now the rumors albeit exaggerated, will have reached the village, that a comrade is employed at a blue chip company. The news throws the village into a frenzied celebratory mood. Aunt Truphena will be quick to mention how her prayers have been answered after a week-long of constant prayers and fasting. She will demand her share of the pie.
Family problems seem to bulge when a comrade gain employment. Yours will not be an exception. That distant cousin who sacrificed their meager earnings to attend the graduation with an expensive gift will want a special favor to sponsor one of their many children to college. There is pressure left right and center. The employer will cede to the HELB and KRA pressure and you start to realize why the economy is unbearable. That’s a damned life of a Kenyan graduate with an extended family.

SECRETS TO A HAPPY MARRIAGE


Many miserable and cold nights will prompt many to think of a soul mate. A journey of discovery, sharing and companionship.

This provides a viable ground for young lovers to get married. They have to love each other according to the prevailing condition. Experts say starting from scratch in building wealth can bring that respect in the marriage. The analogy though remains debatable in the eyes of critics. A happy marriage is based on a deep friendship, the experts insist.

Remember friendship does not only spark romance in a relationship, but also protects it from getting adversarial. A mutual respect for and enjoyment of each other’s company is all that is needed to this unknown journey, by supporting each other’s dream and expectations.

The fact that men are from Mars and women from Venus have an impact on many marriages, the new couples should strive to go against this grain. Even the happiest and most stable couples have their fights, but how the conflict is handled makes the difference. Picture this; many couples do not end up in the divorce courts because they have arguments-the way they argue massively increases the chances of them splitting up.

For women, the young man may not treat you like Alejandro, the hunk in your favorite Mexican soap opera, but he will strive to do the best. It will make more sense if the lad was brought up in a family where squabbles were part of the routine. The man will never want that for the kids. A better life for the children will be the task at hand to better on their own experience.
 
The man will swear to his mates how he will be a better husband than any man ever been with his wife. ‘I hate blowing trumpet’- he will equip I have to say it though. An assurance for that matter. I hear people complain how their girls are not hot, and always go out to look for ‘greener pastures’. That is lust, an ever-gaping desire that can never be satisfied. It should be simple and I bet you will agree with me, why do some men not invest in their women to the standard above that of other women they lust? He concludes. A mate will interrupt, “But men are visually stimulated?”

He will go an extra mile to read the Bible verse of the quality of a woman she wants to prove a point.
Wife of Noble Character

The book of Proverbs 31;10-31, epilogues the quality of a wife. It starts with a question.
A wife of a noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands
She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from far.
She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant
She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings, she plants a vineyard.
She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks
She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
In her hand, she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy
When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on the tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.
“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

From the scripture, the most pronounced quality in summary is; hard work, respect, loving, intelligent and a kind heart. Need I say much? Any sane man would die for these qualities and believe you me he will work very hard to make the family happy by reciprocating this.
As you may be aware, in the 21st century, many families have allowed rumors and innuendos to creep over their family without a critical background check taking the rumor as gospel truth. Marriages are hitting the skids before the five-year mark, making the divorce lawyers, dancing all the way to the bank. It is a heart aching trend. Can we make a difference and be role models? The ball is in your court.