Waaringa

I was telling my today colleague about my fascination with death. As long as I can remember, have been intrigued with the end of things. I'm currently mourning the death of a wonderful friendship. When I lived in Nairobi, I used to see this girl 2/3 times a week . We were so close. I've only seen her once this year She didn't return my missed calls. It hurts. We both had near death experiences in 2015, she was electrocuted in the shower, I had malaria. We agreed that the sensation of approaching death is pleasant, peaceful and warm. And comeback from that brink was disappointing. Back in my teens, my church mate Leslie made a statement that still periodically  echoes years later; what if we are dead and don't know it. What if we  died in another world/dimension and ended up here and now. What if?

I'm an unmarried mother for 13 years today. Parenting is a replica of life- epic highs , heartbreaking lows and mundane mediums. I'm glad it's okay to now say as a parent you're  making it up as you go long. Thankfully, she doesn't know better either. Two imperfect human beings trying to figure out life together. Thank God for love. It indeed covers a multitude of sins Happy birthday Mukami.

I love my name, Waringa. As my father's first daughter, I'm named after his mother. This was the name I was called the first 12 years of my life, started using my baptism name in high school. Waringa  is derived from  karinga, a traditional Kikuyu metal cup for  measuring and serving drinks. It's been on my mind for years to revert to this name. Kampala was perfect for this; new job, new city, new beginning. Now I'm officially known as Waringa and it feels I'm finally coming home to myself.

Some weeks ago my friend Emily Ward posted this self doubt quiz on Twitter . Took it since I struggle with impostor syndrome and live with a lot of self doubt. Today, I went through my results and was blown away. It was spot on. I'm wondering who leaked my script to Sas Petherick. Try it and see

On 31st August 2015, I arrived in Jinja ,Eastern Uganda. After the hustle and bustle of Nairobi, this source of the Nile town is exactly what I needed. I knew no-one there and relished the opportunity to discover who I am and what I stand for. Jinja has been good to me and my daughter Kami. It was a 3 year personal retreat and we both loved every moment of it. Last week on Friday I packed my bags and is now settling in Kampala. I'm excited and oh so nervous.Have no idea what this capital city holds for me . Guess there's only one way to find out, right?

Hard for me to believe that this wedding has come and gone. I walked for hours in downtown Kampala looking for the perfect shoe, didn't find it and this one was an easy choice to make. Liked that it wasn't too weddingy, can wear it after without being obvious it was bought for a special occasion. I only wore it for the wedding service and took it off immediately after this photo. The heel for the left shoe came off at the photo shoot. If you look closely can see the shoe is flat on the ground.  Only the bridal party was around and Shiru, fellow bridesmaid, and I share a shoe size, she had a spare pair and the would be shoe crisis was resolved before it took off. Again, divine timing. I love that this photo reminds me what you see is definitely not what you get. As my  favourite blogger put it, many a time, it's all smokes and mirrors 

My bridesmaid dress for Penny's wedding was not well done. The knight in tailor armor who rode to my rescue is Leonard.  Via WhatsApp, I explained my predicament and he agreed  to redo the outfit. At first, he thought I was in Nairobi and learning I wasn't even in the  country didn't daunt him. Thank God the dress was already in Nairobi and the  other dress musketeer,  Ng'ang'a my brother took it to him. He instructed what measurements to get from my Jinja tailor and voila, he worked his magic. My rating for him is 5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟Timing, price and product  were excellent. He is based in Makina county council market, Kibera, Nairobi. Stall 572/3.