I am still battling a pesky chest infection that’s dragging on longer than usual. When I complained about this to a friend, his response was “What do you expect? All the damage you did to your body smoking, and old age, get some antibiotics jo!”

I am sure you can imagine I was not pleased. But,these days, I resist self-medicating with antibiotics.

The results are in everybody— antibiotic-resistant bugs are on the rise. This is no longer a harmless solution to your flu like symptoms; most chest infections are viral and will not respond to antibiotics.

That’s it for my public service announcement.

I did not have the energy to leave the house much this week, but I do have some thoughts to share.

This is Oddbod and the City – My Lagos Adventure.

It’s a good thing you can’t get a carry permit
This is in no way me, making light of the tragedy that was last weekend in the life of American history.

Mass shootings, spree killers, children taking weapons into schools, and churches being desecrated; all in the name of the almighty second amendment. I am also fully aware that what ails America is not the same sickness that we have here in Nigeria, but I humbly suggest that it can be just as potent.

The daily sense of injustice one feels when trying to achieve anything, is a gnawing wound akin to tooth ache, that never goes away, and doesn’t allow you to live your best life.

Case in point, my dealings with Polaris Bank (in fairness any bank really, they are equally frustrating).

I went in last month to report money taken from my account from declined transactions using a POS. At this point of contact, I rolled in with my receipts and a cheerful attitude.

The chap at the counter logged my complaints and told me he no longer needed the receipts.

A good three weeks passed and no money, so I go back in. I was then told the money was recorded as having gone through and with no receipts, there is nothing they can do.

Perhaps, I could go to the establishments myself and make enquiries about their transactions for that day.

At this point I felt this uncontrollable rage pour through me. I heard a popping sound in my brain and my vision went red.

How was this the solution? Nothing they can do really, and your money is gone? As he continued to speak, I held my composure. I can’t afford to get arrested; I am way too cute for jail.

The point is, there are too many instances where dealing with bureaucracy and red tape, will lead a person to thoughts of hurting somebody.
So today, I am thankful that the average citizen in Nigeria does not have the right to carry arms.

No Meat Monday.

A few weeks back, I shared that I was reading a book called, The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson. I have been applying the philosophy I learnt in my bid to improve my health, looking at making those small changes that I will appreciate, God willing, in my 70’s.

I started with intermittent fasting to rave reviews and then, I came across “Meatless Monday”- an international campaign that encourages people to not eat meat on Monday, to improve your health and, I love this, The health of the planet.

The theory is that by starting your week implementing healthy eating, this will lead to more healthy food decisions throughout the week. Consuming less meat has been proven to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes not to mention the benefits to your weight management.

How does not eating meat contribute to helping the environment?

The global meat industry uses up a vast amount of our precious resources. Huge amounts of water and grain are needed to sustain the industry. Meat production produces significant amounts of greenhouse gases.

As usual, I am late to the party because this movement started in 2003 and is now active and growing in 36 counties worldwide.
The good news is that with the abundance of vegetables available locally, my Meatless Mondays have been very simple to implement, and my daughter has also enthusiastically agreed to join in.

All things being equal, I will be back on my feet next week, and will have some interesting stories for you.

For further information about my adventures check out my Instagram, @le_Oddbod.