Good day Steemit friends. Hope this meet you well. Image gotten from WhatsApp group

---

Saturday 30/11/24 was one of the busiest day for me. I had a burial I planned attending, I also promised my client to deliver her children's dresses that Saturday and I felt indebted to keeping the promise, and then the National Steemit Meetup.

The plan was to finish sewing before 10am, get ready and go for the burial around 11am, then around pass 1pm I'll be at my client's to deliver her children's dresses, (that is after weaving the clothes and buying applique for the ball gown), and then 2pm I'll be done and head to the Meetup venue.

Well guess who was still sewing around 12am. I had to forgo the burial and ensure that I finished the dress. Then by 1pm I was out of the house. My first stop was where I'll weave the clothes and also buy the applique to attach to the dress. 2:08pm I still wasn't done. I think I left there around 2:30pm.

At that point I was thorn as to where my next stop should be since it was already pass 2, the scheduled time for the Meetup. But by the time I got to plaza, I decided to go to my client's because in my defense I didn't want to carry load to the Meetup plus I got information that the event hasn't started. Finished up with my client around 3pm. She loved the dresses but she had other plans for me. I got another load! The same load I was running from. This one heavier in the big stripped polythene bag. I'm definitely going to the Meetup with load. I looked for where to buy a bigger comfy bag but found none so I carried my load along.

Some minutes pass 3, I was in a bus heading to Oba's Mini Stadium 1 hour+ late. I'm not really familiar with the area but the stop seem like the regular 'final bustop' cause the drive just stopped and everyone going to Ibiaku alighted and so did I and right there I saw the Pan African Comprehensive School and I entered the street. It was quite easy to locate fortunately.

The Meetup

I wish I had someone take a picture of me walking in but imagine a lady carrying a fully loaded polythene bag as though she comes bearing gifts or probably back from shopping. That would be me.
Usually I feel a bit uncomfortable going to a social gathering where I know almost no one. I think I got there right on time because the event started few minutes after. But I saw some steemians gathered in cliques discussing, some taking pictures and I didn't even know what to expect with no close acquaintance and a heavy bag of fabrics.

When I got to the Meetup space, the first person I spoke with was @tempestinyang (hello sir, it was nice meeting you and getting to know your name for the first time) trying to know where I can pick my tee-shirt. Fortunately madam @ngoenyi came along and showed me where to change. (Thank you ma'am). Least I forget, her poise screams confidence and fitness.
With me in the tee-shirt, I didn't feel so abstract as before so I sat there and watched the whole event...

The introductory speeches by some members of the high table was quite edifying. A deep motivation to keep thriving and not give up, and also relevant tips to stay afloat to avoid inactivity on the platform.
Then there was a question and answer session. Where some bold steemians asked questions bothering them and I'm certain the answers they got was satisfactory.

The Peak of the Event

To me, the peak of the event was when the mystery box was brought out. It was quite a mystery because personally, I didn't know what to expect. It contained gifts and each of the gift boxes had numbers to identify the owner. I expected about 5 gift boxes but it was up to 20 or more. The mystery box was courtesy of @bossj23. (Dear sir, this is me mentioning you to say that I need to know you so that I'll also receive a gift from you, or better still, gift you something 😆 because you did so well).

His act of kindness and generosity made me realize how impactful steemit can be, and how being intentional, considerate and kind can make people happy. It was also humorous when one of the steemians unwrapped a toilet roll as a gift from @bossj23. I bet he'll always remember such humorous gift. You did excellently sir.

My Overview

While the the whole event was going on, most steemians had their phones to capture memories. @ngoenyi said steamians acts like journalist always with their phones to snap. That is just what majority did. When I realized this deeply was when the gifts was being shared. Most people went to the front to capture the moment. While looking intently at them, I realized:

1. A lot of steemians would do anything to blog regularly, not just writing but publishing quality content.
2. It's takes boldness and intellect to be a great steemian.
3. Photography and writing skills goes together to blog successful.
4. Every moment is precious and could tell a story.
5. I haven't removed my phone from my purse to snap anything since I got there.

So I took my phone out and took this shot of steemians trying to snap during the gifting session.

As a reminder to myself to get use to pictures, snapping things, people and even myself to add quality and interest to my posts. The requirements of a steemian.

The Conclusion

The event started by 4:00pm and I was wondering what time it will finish. I usually don't stay out till 7pm when everywhere is all dark because where I live is a bit under developed. So I hoped the event wouldn't run till that time and fortunately around 6pm it was a wrap and then we had the opportunity to snap pictures.

After taking the group photograph, I saw @bonaventure24. What I like the most about meeting him is what I'll tag humility from his end. He saw my username on my tee-shirt and he called me. Then I got to know that he is @bonaventure24. The picture I have of him in my head is him on the traditional isiagu attire in his profile picture but I met someone different. It was a pleasure meeting you in person sir. Thank you for your support most times. And then we took pictures

Then I decided to scan for my favourite movie highlight host @ruthjoe. Just then I saw her taking pictures of her friend @ninapenda and I sneaked into the picture.

Sorry @ninapenda for interrupting your photo session. Then I finally met with @ruthjoe and we took a picture together (It was my pleasure meeting you ma'am and I hope you enjoyed your stay in uyo).

Since I was time conscious, I got ready to leave. Not forgetting the load I brought which I had someone look after for me while I went to snap pictures. Unfortunately, the handle cut when I wanted to carry it so I had to put my hands under and carry the bag like a baby.

While leaving, I met @rossnenye. We strolled out together and even took the same bus.
In the bus we discussed about lots of things regarding steemit. I learnt about things that helps her stay active despite challenges. She's quite a motivation. Even though we didn't get to take any picture together.
The irony that I came alone totally clueless but left with an acquaintance and met lots of people. Really looking forward to this opportunity again.

Conclusion

One of the things I'm regretting while drafting this is the fact that I didn't utilize my phone camera properly. I don't even have enough pictures because of reasons I don't know exactly. I would had gotten tons of images and probably seized the opportunity to meet more steemians. But I'm grateful for the steemians that took so many pictures.

But regardless, dear diary it was an eventful Saturday though it ended not so well for me on my way home as an insect flew right into my ear causing discomfort all through the night but I know I'll always relish on this memory.