On the list of things I totally detest, inconsistency is one of the first few. It’s easy, pick a lane and drive and don’t you dare switch unless it is completely beneficial to your destination and the world at large. Also, you need to tell others you’re switching, that’s what pointers are for, correct? That isn’t so hard, is it? I think not, so please what in the world is this Calgary weather?

I have tried hard to understand and adapt, but somehow it just seems it’s making fun of me. The moment I get into a routine, it goes “Ha! You thought you had me? Gotcha!” Back home, I didn’t own jackets or have to deal with the choice of wearing a too cold or slightly cold jacket. It was consistently hot, and that was it.

But here, it’s hot, cold, raining, windy, snowing, foggy, slightly cold, freezing, too sunny… all in one day sometimes. I would prefer one please, I don’t want to add the weather to my list of daily worries but at this point I don’t think that’s possible.

Well, enough of my rant, you didn’t send me here and I could just go back so you don’t have to hear it, but there is something important I want you to get from this. I don’t want to go back. I know my first three paragraphs sound like complaining, but I’ll rather you look at it from a place of love. Yes, the weather is inconsistent, but it is consistently inconsistent. 

And somehow the inconsistency has grown on me. Asides from the weather, almost everything else stays the same. The bus or train picks you up at the same spots every day. You stop on red and go on green or white. Work and then pay your bills. Give a slight nod to everyone who walks by. Say thank you averagely 20 times a day to random strangers. 

If you’ve lived in Lagos, this sounds weird because there are barely any constants. It’s hot everyday, yes, but I bet you don’t expect the insults your mind can form when you’re driving or in an altercation with a conductor.

You never expect your clothes getting ruined by an impatient driver or losing your valuables because someone “accidentally” bumps into you on the road. Neither do you want to forget your change with the conductor or not be fast and strong enough to catch a slightly cheaper bus. You work hard but still worry about money. You don’t expect the traffic on a simple route or the running you have to do from violence nearby.

You expect none of these, but somehow you know there is a possibility it could happen, so you do what is second nature to Lagosians; prepare. You move light, wear comfortable shoes, and don’t carry too much cash around or bags that immobilize you. Training your mind to be sharp and focused, regardless of the deafening noise in transit. You work harder than most people, despite that, inconsistencies.

I had quite a lot to say so hold tight for part two. Song of the moment- Stick Season by Noah Kahan.

I hope you have a beautiful week. Love always ❤️