I'm certain if not absolutely sure that you might have a few embarrassing stories up your sleeve; embarrassing not because they're bad but maybe, just maybe, because they're too humorous to get over. 

There are several things that my closest friends and family know about me. Similarly there are those that they don't. There are certain things that I have kept to myself because I thought of as a bit too embarrassing to share. Today, I figured that I'd lighten up the blog with a funny story or two from my past that some of my closest friends and family might not even know about.

Let me take you back a few years into the past; November 2012 to be precise. It was a hot afternoon and the Nairobi weather was giving all it had got. The scorching hot sun showed no mercy. Its rays covered every square kilometre of this pristine metropolis. Typical Nairobi weather, you could say. The sky was crystal clear. What a wonderful day it was. I can only imagine the great things that one could have planned for such a day.

Before we go on, I only see it best to tell you that this story is not based around a cool swimming pool and an ice-cold beverage. No! If that is what you were hoping for, I'm sorry to burst your bubble. This story, as a matter of fact, takes place in the heart of Nairobi in a primary school -- Nairobi South. This is the place where I would spend six years endeavouring my primary education. 

This story begins at about an hour past mid-day. Its lunch hour in school and my pals and I are playing soccer under the hot noon sun. Beads of perspiration make their way down my visage. I wipe my forehead with my little dirt-covered hand. I run enthusiastically and full of energy. I am about to take my chances and shoot. I muster up all my energy and kick without hesitation. 

"BAAAAOOO----" We all chant in jubilation but are cut short when the ball misses the post by a few inches. "AAAAH! Mauzo!" 

I was disappointed but still wasn't ready to give up. We play without taking any notice of time. 

At around 2:15p.m. we realise the time and rush to class. 

"Tumechelewa!" We exclaim to each other. This meaning that we were late for class. 

When we finally get there we find our class teacher waiting at the front of the class, her face disfigured and filled with anger. 

"Where were you boys?" She roars, "Do you know what time it is? The girls all got here on time." 

All the girls giggle and laugh audibly; a clear sign of mockery. If you grew up learning in Kenya, you probably know what happens next in this story.

"Somebody get my cane." The mere mention of these words made me tremble in my little size 1 Bata shoes. I had to get out of this somehow. I just had to! 

Although tiny, I was in fact a creative genius. In an instant, I spotted opportunity. Right by my side was an opening to the outside; an empty window pane. Most people who know me think of me as a very serious person. If we're being honest, I'm serious about my life! I didn't want to die!. I was just an eight-year-old kid.  Sure, it would have been over in a second, but I didn't want to have to go through that. Besides, if I could get out unharmed, it would have been so much better. 

I thought for a minute and then knew I was ready. We began to form a line towards the front of the class. I stood at the back. When I finally got my chance I jumped right in through the window. I was stuck for a few seconds and didn't know whether I was going to make it out. Luckily, I did. I was unseen. It's like I was never even there. I rushed to the front door and observed everything. I could hear everything too. 

"You boys are late," the teacher said, "You are lucky this is your first time so I will let you go." 

When she said this I was relieved but I now felt like my ninja-like escape was a waste of time. Either way, I had to find a way back in as everyone was taking their seats. When everyone's attention was still at the front, I ran right back in and sat down. I don't know but I might have done a back-flip or two. I've got to say, that was a close one.

Now that everyone knows, I'd like to apologise to my teachers who might see this and also thank them for some of the most amazing years in Primary School. I am who I am today because of all of you. I couldn't have asked for better people to mentor and teach me.

For those of you guys who think I take life a bit too seriously, this blog post was made exactly for you just to show you that I can do 'crazy' things.

P.S. Most of the dialogue in this post was originally in Swahili. Some of it may have been left unaltered and some of it may have been translated. All in all, it was curated for a better understanding.

This was really fun, telling a story about myself and making it a bit more personal. I hope to do this once in a while.

How often do we proclaim our liberty and appreciate our ability to frolic in the midst of the freedom that comes along with it? Indeed, we at times take for granted our freedom but one can only wonder, "What is freedom?"

Certainly, this is a word that we (in the modern age) have come across more than once. Our whole livelihood is based on this word. Throughout history we have seen civilization gain and even lose their own freedom. Independence, at times, is associated with this seven-letter word. Then really, what does this word mean? Freedom, some may argue, is the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants. There really isn't that much more to it and yet it is enough to satisfy the soul.

If this truly is freedom then why do we not taste the sweetness that it has promised unto us? Freedom, like many things in this world, is limited. It is not limited by need but by greed but yet again it is not limited by greed but by need. Simply put, we lose our freedom to those who wish to have more without the consideration of  those that they choose to take away from and similarly we lose it to those who consider both who they take from and who they give to. 

When put into context, it is clear to see that freedom is not necessarily one of the easiest things to understand. It is complex but we can at least try to understand it. Freedom is a good thing. In fact it could be one of the greatest things. But like all good things, there is a negative side to freedom.

The secret to happiness is freedom . . . And the secret to freedom is courage.
Thucydides

If you want to conquer fear, don't sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.
Dale Carnegie

Human beings are not always going to be the best users of freedom. From time to time we will take for granted this precious gift but we most certainly should never stop declaring our freedom and liberty. Who knows how much longer we will have it?