A Welcomed Return: Reflections After My Longest Blogging Break Yet
Hello, wonderful readers! It feels like an eternity, but I’m back, refreshed and brimming with stories to share. This past week and a half marked the longest blogging hiatus I’ve taken in quite some time, a period filled with unexpected adventures, culinary experiments, and heartwarming family moments. My online diary felt eerily quiet, but life, as it often does, unfolded beautifully in its absence. Let’s catch up on all the eventful happenings that defined these memorable days.
Embracing Change: My New Hairstyle Journey
The first significant change to report, as you might have noticed from the opening image, is my brand-new hairdo! Opting for a fresh look always brings a mix of excitement and apprehension. While I was thrilled for a change, the initial styling left me feeling a tad underwhelmed. Specifically, the way the stylist arranged the weave at the front took me back to an earlier era of hair styling – a time when the goal seemed to be making extensions as conspicuously “fake” as possible. There’s a certain artistry in blending extensions seamlessly, creating an illusion of natural fullness, but this particular arrangement felt a little too reminiscent of those obvious installations we’ve all tried to avoid. We know it’s not our natural hair, but a little subtlety goes a long way!
For days after, I found myself constantly checking my reflection, wishing for a different outcome. The thought of uninstalling it crossed my mind more than once. However, a quick mental calculation of the investment quickly brought me back to reality. The labor alone was a significant $40, and the hair itself cost $25. In many parts of the world, including my beloved Cameroon, that sum represents a considerable portion of someone’s monthly earnings. This financial commitment served as a firm reminder: I was absolutely going to rock this hair for at least a month!
And here’s where the story takes a delightful turn: despite my initial reservations, the compliments started pouring in! It was quite a surprise. People, including many oyibos (a term often used for foreigners, particularly Caucasians), would stop me, gushing over how “so cute!” my hair looked, sometimes almost tearfully expressing their admiration. This unexpected positive feedback has been a wonderful lesson in perspective and self-acceptance. Sometimes, what we perceive as a flaw is seen as beautiful by others. It’s also a testament to making the best of every situation, even when it’s not exactly what you envisioned. I’m now confidently flaunting this hairstyle, embracing it as if it’s the most fabulous look I’ve ever had, proving that confidence truly is the best accessory.
Thanksgiving Shenanigans: Kids in the Kitchen & Culinary Triumphs
Following our previous cooking adventures with my girls, their enthusiasm for culinary exploration has grown exponentially. Last week brought Thanksgiving, a cherished national holiday here in the United States, synonymous with family, gratitude, and, of course, bountiful food. My daughters woke up on Thanksgiving morning buzzing with energy, declaring their ambitious plan to make “co slush” – their adorable rendition of Cole Slaw. I promised to join them in the kitchen as soon as I wrapped up a few tasks.
However, while I was attending to a guest, their eagerness got the better of them. They independently ventured into the kitchen to tackle “co slush.” What followed was a memorable, albeit messy, testament to their budding culinary spirit. They mixed milk with mayonnaise, haphazardly chopped our very last big carrot, and presented me with this imaginative creation:
My initial reaction was a mix of frustration and amusement, especially given that it was my last large carrot sacrificed in the name of youthful ambition. Yet, anyone with kids knows that such scenes are par for the course. Instead of dwelling on the waste, I chose to focus on the positive: they clearly had an idea of the core ingredients for coleslaw, demonstrating a foundational understanding of the dish. It was a beautiful, albeit chaotic, display of initiative.
Later, as I prepared the *real* coleslaw, they watched with intense curiosity, absorbing every step. It was a fantastic teaching moment, far more impactful than any lecture. This experience underscores the immense value of involving children in cooking. It fosters creativity, teaches practical life skills, and instills a sense of accomplishment. While mess is inevitable, the joy and learning that come from these shared kitchen moments are priceless. Here’s a glimpse of the classic coleslaw I eventually prepared:
A Thanksgiving Feast: Comfort Food & New Culinary Adventures
Thanksgiving is synonymous with hearty, comforting dishes, and this year was no exception. Among the various culinary delights I prepared, one dish truly stole the show: my baked Mac and Cheese with Sausage and chopped potatoes. It was an absolute hit, combining the creamy indulgence of macaroni and cheese with savory sausage and tender potatoes, creating a wonderfully satisfying meal perfect for the holiday. This dish offered a comforting warmth that resonated with the spirit of the season, and it disappeared from the table remarkably quickly!
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| My baked Mac n Cheese, creatively baked in a cake pan since I don’t yet own a casserole dish. Absolutely delicious! |
This year, I also decided to embark on a new baking adventure: making Challah Bread for the very first time. Challah is a traditional Jewish braided bread, renowned for its rich texture and slightly sweet flavor. It’s an enriched bread, meaning it contains ingredients like eggs and often honey or sugar, which contribute to its distinctive golden hue, tender crumb, and beautiful sheen. The process of braiding the dough is not only therapeutic but also results in a visually stunning loaf, perfect for any festive table. Learning to braid the intricate strands was a delightful challenge, and the aroma filling the kitchen as it baked was simply heavenly. The result was a soft, slightly sweet, and incredibly flavorful bread that complemented our Thanksgiving meal perfectly.
Our Thanksgiving table this year was intentionally small and intimate. While grand feasts have their charm, there’s a unique beauty in a more focused setting, allowing for deeper conversations and a truly present appreciation for the food and company. It was a testament that a memorable Thanksgiving isn’t about the size of the gathering, but the warmth and love shared around the table.
A Culinary Tour of Cameroon: Traditional Delights
Beyond Thanksgiving, my kitchen was also busy celebrating flavors from my roots. Within the week, I prepared Tukuni – a beloved Cameroonian dish featuring mashed potatoes and beans. This hearty and flavorful meal is a staple in many Cameroonian households, offering a blend of comforting textures and rich, earthy flavors that truly transport you home. The process involves mashing boiled potatoes and combining them with tender, often smoked, beans, seasoned with a vibrant array of spices and herbs. It’s a dish that speaks of tradition and warmth, a true taste of Cameroonian comfort food.
Some delicious Cornchaff also made its way onto our menu. This classic Cameroonian dish typically combines corn kernels (often roasted or boiled) with beans, palm oil, and various spices, sometimes incorporating vegetables or meat. For this particular batch, I opted to use canned corn, which not only saved time but also imparted a wonderful, fresh corn feel to the dish, enhancing its natural sweetness and texture. It’s a versatile and satisfying meal, often enjoyed as a main course or a hearty side.
Sweet Bakes and Breakfast Treats
With a considerable amount of overripe bananas on hand – the perfect ingredient for baking – I indulged in creating a huge batch of Accra Banana. Accra Banana, a popular West African street food, are essentially sweet, fried banana fritters, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They’re an absolutely delightful snack or dessert. Alongside these fritters, I also whipped up a classic Banana Bread, moist and fragrant, a perfect treat for breakfast or a tea-time snack. Using overripe bananas not only prevents food waste but also lends an incredible sweetness and tenderness to both these treats, making them irresistible.
And to round out our week of home baking, I prepared some delightful Corn Muffins. These golden, savory-sweet muffins are incredibly versatile – perfect alongside a bowl of chili, as a breakfast item, or simply enjoyed on their own as a comforting snack. Their slightly crumbly texture and distinct corn flavor make them a family favorite.
Cherished Moments & Timeless Truths
Amidst all the cooking and daily life, there are always those precious, candid moments that truly make life meaningful. This picture, though a bit blurry, captures one such moment with my beloved ‘love bug.’ It’s a gentle reminder that some of the most beautiful memories are imperfect, spontaneous, and utterly irreplaceable. These are the snapshots of life that we hold dear, reflecting the simple joys and deep connections that truly matter.
Finally, a moment of reflection from our church service that resonated deeply: the timeless truth that everyone, regardless of background or belief, needs Jesus. While other religions may offer various paths, the message emphasized Jesus as “the way.” This isn’t just a theological statement, but a call to action – to “invest in telling someone about Jesus.” The sermon beautifully articulated the idea of doing for one what you wish you could do for all. As individuals, we may not possess the power to save the entire world, but each of us has the profound capacity to touch a single life, to make a meaningful difference, one person at a time. This powerful message served as a gentle nudge to live intentionally, extending kindness and sharing hope.
Looking Ahead: December’s Embrace
And just like that, December has arrived! Whew! It feels like 2015 flew by in a blink of an eye. As we step into this festive and reflective month, I wish each and every one of you an exceptional December and a truly blessed end to the year. May your days be filled with joy, peace, and meaningful connections. Let’s make every moment count, cherishing our loved ones and appreciating the journey. “Here’s What’s Up” will be back on Monday with more updates and stories. Until then, have a fantastic time, savoring every bit of this beautiful season!