Nkeonye Judith IZUKA

It's been very dark lately. Some may say it has always been dark. Regardless, there are certain things that make me smile. So that the whiteness of my teeth brings some light in the darkness. Pun intended!

Sometime before the shutdown, I was at the library and I did something unusual. I walked through the 'aisles' between bookshelves and took note of what books were in stock. This was unusual because typically I go with my laptop and other materials. I get my work done and leave thereafter. However, on this fateful day, I found myself browsing through aisles until I was in the health and wellness section.

There are times when we wish we could say a personal thanks to each person that appreciates the work we do but the practicality of that exercise may diminish that intent. This is, therefore, an opportunity to say thank you and appreciate all readers out there who spur us on beyond the love we have for writing, creativity, and running our imaginations wild.

Certainly not me, as over the years I have mastered a recipe that still gets me excited thinking of it. Looking for a spicy quick fix, long before the hunger pangs give you a beating, look no further. Our goal is to make spicy noodles garnished with butter, prawns, gizzard and mixed vegetables.

Where on earth did this extra 3 inches come from? The increased girth around my midsection? Yes! I am referring to my expanded waist and hip-lines! Couple of months ago, I was incredibly worried something was wrong with me. Why? Despite my being a foodie, never skipping meals and persistent late-night snacking, I never seemed to pile up the pounds. I was as slim as someone on a dedicated restrictive diet. As a healthcare personnel, I have the tendency to diagnose myself with all sorts. Thus, I had no qualms pinning some illness to myself as proof of my loving relationship with food and no weight gain to show. Now I had the extra weight and I was mortified!