King of the Castle

Yesterday morning, this was the configuration of my family room. It was comfortable but made the room feel small and closed in.

As we were sitting watching television, I noticed how uncomfortable Lewis looked and that the room felt very claustrophobic. Between the furniture and NyCee's toys, I had to leave the room to change my mind.

(If you watched the television show Frasier, this story patterns his life with "The Chair.") Frasier's father moved in and brought this UGLY green upholstered chair with him. It did not match any of the decor. Since we were married, the house has always had my signature. Lewis' black leather furniture is in a room that no one uses--on purpose. But there is his pride and joy--his black leather rocking chair with matching foot stool.

This chair does not match anything in the family room. But I suggested that he bring the chair down stairs so that he can be comfortable watching his other pride and joy--the television mounted over the fireplace. My husband asks for very little and gives so much that I just had to let him have his space in the castle.

Albeit a small space, he seems content. He doesn't even mind sharing his space with the little princess of the palace.

Seriously?

Classes resumed for me on 09/25 and I chose to enroll in 4 classes this semester. Many of you may think that is a lot but not really if you think about it. I am a stay at home mom and NyCee goes to daycare three or four days a week so that I can "go to class." Lewis is asleep because he works third shift so the house is very quiet.

Lewis is the type of man who needs noise all the time. I can ride in the car without the radio on or sit without the television on. Not my husband. As soon as he gets in the car or walks through the door, he must have sound. This was a huge problem when I first started online classes. The office in our house is off of the master bedroom. So I chose to work down stairs at the kitchen table as to not disturb him. Notice how considerate I am? Even though the office has a door, I knew that it would be better for me to be downstairs so that he can rest. In the beginning, Lewis did not think that way.

When he woke up he would come downstairs, turn on the television, eat breakfast and then ask, "How is school?" My thoughts were, "It was going well until you turned on the t.v." Well, I gently explained that I really want to get good grades in my classes so please do not watch t.v. downstairs during my school hours. He complied.

I said all of that to explain my next story. I logged into each class and printed out the course syllabus as to have a reference point and a guide for the class. (Also, I have found that some professors will test you on this information to be sure that you read it.) Anyway, I was reading my Business 107 Fundamentals of E-Business syllabus and came across this information:

Mid-term examination: This test is open book/notes and will cover the week 1-4 class material.

Final examination: This test is open book/notes and will cover week 6-10 class material.

Does anyone find that little tidbit of information ridiculous? IT'S AN ONLINE COURSE! Someone would be stupid not to use all the tools at his/her disposal. I use the internet, books, powerpoint presentations, etc. Yesterday, I actually went upstairs got Lewis' laptop, sat it next to mine, and logged into the internet so that I could get the correct answers. Why would I just sit there and fail the quiz because I didn't know the information? Seriously, I think that someone should inform my professor that in on-line courses, every test is open book, notes, etc.

She's movin' on up

My little girl is getting so big so fast. I truly understand when people say, "Just yesterday, I took him/her to school for the first time--on their child's wedding day." There are days when it seems like I just brought NyCee home from the hospital.

She has grown so much so quickly that she has outgrown her infant carrier seat which connects to her stroller. It is so conveinent because it straps into the car and on top of the stroller. I did not have to deal with two separate items. When we went to Phoenix, my friend Angelo dogged me out becuase her feet were hanging off the bottom of the seat then. So what did I do? I used it again to go to Michigan in September. But I realized that I had to let it go. It really made me realize how big she is getting so fast. She meets the weight limitation as she only weighs 17 pounds. But she is 28 inches long. I know, she is going to be tall like her dad.

Yesterday, I broke down and removed the "big girl" car seat from the closet where it had been stored since I brought her home from the hospital. She was so tiny that the seat swallowed her up. Well, she fills it out nicely as she rode home from daycare in her seat.

I am so proud of her as she adjusts very easily to change. She gets that from her mother.

How is it possible?

How is it possible that I managed to lock myself out of the house this morning? It is rare that I use the front door to my house as I normally come in and out of the garage. If I use the front door, Lewis is generally with me because we are driving the truck somewhere.

Today, I walked out to the mailbox to place a few items in there for pick up and walked back to the door to find it locked. I thought to myself, "Self. Surely you did not lock the door." Well as I kept turning the knob and it wouldn't open, I realized that in fact I locked myself out.

I don't know how you open the door but I unlocked the bottom lock, turned the knob, and out of habit locked it back and closed the door. So of course, I had to ring the door bell.

What would most people do when they hear a door bell ring? Answer it or send someone to answer it. Well, I am outside and Lewis is upstairs. So I know that he is thinking, "Why doesn't she answer the door?" Well, I would if it wasn't me standing on the outside! He finally opened the door and just shook his head back and forth saying, "You are so goofy!"

Vacation Over

Today is the last day of my "vacation" as classes resume tomorrow. In a way I am looking forward to attending my classes as it will give me some sort of brain stimulation.

I have enjoyed my two weeks off. NyCee and I traveled to Michigan and spent a week with the family. Rah! Saturday, I finally completed a task that I had been putting off for weeks. I cleaned my house. Not straightened up. I cleaned. I was on a mission. I was so in the zone that I let NyCee sleep until 12:30p.m. Well, I also let her sleep that late because she didn't have a nap on Friday and was cranky from her shots. Although, I should probably let her sleep that late more often. Normally I wake her up about 9:00a.m. even on the days that she does not go to daycare. I can get more done if I let her sleep.

She was upstairs with Lewis as I cleaned the downstairs. I went up there to put away a few items and he gave her a bath and selected her outfit for the day. It matched: socks and bib included. I was so proud of him. He will give her a bath but normally I have her clothes already laid out.

Today, we will just veg out and wait for Flavor of Love 2 to come on. I know, I know, I am addicted to that show. I blame my sister Tarisa. When she came to visit me, we watched the marathon of season 1 and now I get engrossed in the show. Okay, so you are thinking, "She didn't go to church this morning but she can watch Flavor of Love 2." We attend Wednesday night service so I am not pushing God to the side for Flavor Flav. But honestly, if you ever watch the show, you would be addicted too.

The Final Round

NyCee turned six months old on Wednesday, September 20 and she had to get her final round of infants shots today. She did so well. She only cried when the nurse held her down. It was a little funny because she had a delayed reaction after the shot was administered. She looked around as if she did not understand what was going on. And then she let us have it.

We are home now and she has yet to take a nap. She literally has had 2 ten minutes breaks today. That is all. She has been up since 9:00a.m. You can only imagine how cranky she is without a nap. It is time for drastic measures. I think I may have to get out the drugs to "aid" her with napping. Would that make me a cruel mother? I think not! Her cousin Ella gets a little somethin' somethin' to help make it through the day. NyCee is just following in her cousin's footsteps.

Smaller than a phone booth

As a flight attendant for United Airlines I worked on several types of aircraft. Such as 737's, 757's and 777's shown below.

While the bathrooms are not huge they are big enough for one person. When I flew to Flint this past weekend, I bought the ticket on Delta but the flight was operated by Atlantic Southeast Airlines. So the aircraft was a regional jet.

If you think that the bathroom on a regular size aircraft is small, the one on the RJ was ridiculous. Prior to boarding the plane, I changed NyCee's diaper and used the bathroom myself. I did these things to prevent having to use the bathroom on the plane given that I was traveling with her alone. But that darn cup of cranberry juice just could not wait to be released until we arrived in the Atlanta Airport.

So I had to use the bathroom while holding NyCee in this tiny, tiny, tiny room. Boy was that challenging. I managed to undo my clothes, use the restroom, fasten the button on my jeans, and wash my hands all while holding my child. Boy, I am good. Additionally, I am trying not to touch anything in the lavatory. I know that many of you are thinking, "Why didn't she just call the flight attendant and ask her to watch NyCee while she used the bathroom?" Well there are 2 reasons for that. 1. I am a flight attendant and while I have done this for passengers, in this day and age it is just not wise. But most important is number 2. I saw the movie Flight Plan and the flight attendant was in on the conspiracy to kidnap the woman's child. No way. I would tear that plane apart. Okay, that may be a little over the top.

But I worked it out in that lavatory. If Clark Kent could become Superman in a phone booth, I could be supermom and use the lav while holding my child.

All by Herself

NyCee will be six months old on Wednesday, September 20 and according to "the book" (you remember "the book"; the one that told me how much to feed her which caused my family to laugh at me. Yes, that book.) she should be sitting up around six months old. Well, I was getting a little nervous about her progression in this area because nothing had materialized yet. When laying down she would attempt to sit up as if she were doing crunches and she would repeat this pattern in her carseat. But when I would try to sit her up, she would just fall over.

As you know, I am the classic overachiever and I expect for my daughter to follow in my footsteps. And she has not failed to disappoint. NyCee was sitting with Taliyah and she began sitting up all by herself.

Taliyah explained in great length how she had to position NyCee in an exact manner and how she (Taliyah) had to sit behind her to ensure that she would sit there by herself. Taliyah showed me the steps and sure enough my big girl sat up.

Isn't she just so darn cute?

Of course, it didn't last very long. Like Humpty Dumpty NyCee too had a great fall.

Taliyah told me that by the time I saw NyCee sitting up she had done it several times. At one point, Taliyah said, "Auntie I was going to come and get you when she did it the first time but I thought that if I moved and she fell she would get hurt." "Thank God", I replied. Taliyah and NyCee were sitting on the floor in my parents living room next to the fireplace with is brick with sharp corners. I am so glad that God gave Taliyah the foresight not to move from behind NyCee as that could have been very unpleasant.

(Do not worry. NyCee was not hurt during this re-enactment for mommy. I had to capture it on film.)

Look at those legs!

NyCee is the youngest great grandchild of the Melvin & Minnie Porties clan. (Sorry Ella you lost your spot.) On Saturday, my niece Taliyah had a pool party in celebration of her 8th birthday. Before attending the party, NyCee and I spent time with Grandaddy Melvin who was kind enough to drive from Detroit to Port Huron to Bar-B-Que his famous ribs.

He also surprised me with a pot of string beans. I know you are thinking, "What is so special about these string beans?" My grandfather makes string beans so good, it will make you want to slap yo momma! There is not one person who has ever tasted his string beans and not liked them. Grandaddy Melvin has only shared his recipe with my Aunt Nita. No one else knows how to make them. You just have to taste them to become a believer.

NyCee and I headed over to the pool party. Look at those legs!!!

She had a great time with her cousins. Her time in the pool was short lived as the water was a little too chilly and she began shaking.

Unlike most children, she did not cry when she got in the water. I did not expect her to. Remember, she loves the water as she splashes it all around my bathroom.

Less than satisfied customer

NyCee and I arrived safely in Port Huron, MI and made our rounds to a few family members. Our trip did not start out smoothly but our arrival in Flint, MI made up for it.

Lewis dropped us off at the curb of the Delta side of the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (Don't dog him out. I told him not to park) I had to drag my large roller bag to the kiosk machine for check-in.

Do you find it amazing that every airline commercial references their customer service and attributes their success to you the customer? Yet, no customer service agents are available to assist you. What customer service am I recieving from the kiosk machine? Are any customer service agents available for assistance? Okay, I am climbing down off my soap box to continue the story.

I managed to check in and am directed to a line to wait for my luggage tag. I bellowed out, "Excuse us. Excuse us!" Because of course, I am pushing her convenient travel center and pulling that bag. Everyone is still standing in their spots. No one has bothered to help me or move their luggage out of the way. I finally make it to the counter and am told, "Your bag is overweight." "Okay", I replied and handed the lady my credit card. I am only over weight by 3 lbs and the charge is $25.00. I am asked, "Can you remove 3 lbs?" "And put it where?", I asked. The problem is that you can not take tolietry items through the security checkpoint. So had I removed the items, I would have been forced to throw them away. Which would have resulted in me buying more items in Michigan. So I just paid the $25.00.

After signing the reciept my bag was tagged with a huge red tag labled, "Heavy."

I am thinking to myself, "If I can pull that bag and push a stroller, how heavy can it really be to a luggage handler?" Then I became rather ticked off about the $25.00. It was only 3 lbs. I would have understood 10 lbs but 3 lbs. Whatever. Our trip after that went without incident. In flint, by the time we walked off the plane, the stroller was in its upright position and the ramp agent connected the car seat for me. So Delta redeemed itself by providing assitance at the end. I am becoming more aware of the problems encountered by laypeople when they travel. No wonder by the time the person reaches the plane, he/she is ready to bite the flight attendant's head off. Truly an eyeopening experience.

To Grandmother's house we go

NyCee woke up at 9:00a.m. laughing and playing in preparation to see grandma and grandpa. She is getting to be such a big girl. So big that she has learned a new game. It's called, "Let's splash water all over mommy's bathroom wall." Notice her little feet just kicking away in this photo.

If you look carefully, you can see the water on the mirror and the wall.

And when daddy tries to prevent her from splashing with her feet by leaning her forward, well she just splashes with her hands. Great. I tell her constantly not to splash the water but it is has if I am talking to the wall. I explained that she can not splash because the electrical outlet is right there and water and electricity do not mix. She does not pay any attention to that advice.

Well, after her bath she gets dressed. She wanted to show off her outfit. Look she is wearing shoes. Although, I suspect that will not last very long.

She's not really interested in the fact that I am trying to take her picture. (Excuse my pink houseslippers. I was trying to get the perfect shot)

Ms. Little Diva would not cooperate for her photo shoot. I guess she is just ready to take yet another trip to the airport. She is quite the little traveler.

As always, we will share photos of our adventure to grandma's house. NyCee will be attending her 1st pool party. Today, is her cousin Taliyah's 8th birthday. Happy Birthday Taliyah! Taliyah is having a pool party on Saturday. NyCee has a cute little bathing suit that her auntie's bought her. We will share lots of pictures.

Vegging out

We woke up this morning to the sound of rain drops hitting the window.

It was then that NyCee and I decided that we would veg out today. It has been a really hot summer with very little rain. So we thought we'd stay in our jammies and watch the rain fall from the sky.

We stood on the porch and watched the puddles form in the grass.

Also, as I was packing last night I discovered these cool socks that someone bought for NyCee as a gift. I forgot all about these. I bet Lewis wishes I had forgotten about them too. I put them on her and she shook her feet constantly to make them rattle.

"Why does mommy do this to me and take pictures of it?"
We are only allowed a 1/2 day to veg out as we have to get packed. NyCee is going to see her grandma and grandpa tomorrow.

1 Down 5 To Go

Well the summer quarter is over. This was my first quarter at Strayer University which caters to returning adult college students. They offer several undergraduate and graduate programs which can be completed on-line. Unless I choose, I do not have to take classes on campus.

I was introduced to Strayer by a friend whose husband wanted to complete his undergraduate studies but did not have time to attend conventional classes. I had a great experience during the summer session. Because I no longer work, I could attend classes at a traditional university but I am hooked as an on-line student. I complete the work at my leisure during the week. It is very convenient. Just 5 quarters to go and I will be the holder of a Bachelor's of Science degree with a concentration in Human Resource Management.

Oh by the way, I received A's in both classes. YEAH! APPLAUSE! CHEERS FROM THE AUDIENCE! Hey give me something please--remember I do not work and therefore lack adult interaction.

Remembering 9/11/01

Like many Americans I will never forget where I was when I heard of the 9/11 terrorists' attacks. I was working as a flight attendant for United Airlines and had just boarded a plane at the Washington Dulles Airport bound for Orlando, FL.

The captain walked passed me and said, "An airplane just hit the World Trade Center." I replied, "How does an airplane hit the World Trade Center?" He did not reply and called dispatch for more information.

Shortly following, we closed the airplane door and pushed off the gate. Next, the engines shut down and my flying partners and I thought to ourselves, "Great a ground hold." I was scheduled to do three (3) flights that day and be home by 2:55p.m. I had plans to attend church service that evening. The captain came on over the P.A. system and said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I am going to say this as tactfully as I know how. The United States is under a terrorist attack and we have been ordered back to the gate." Everyone on the plane was in disbelief. None of us understood the magnitude of the situation until we stepped off the aircraft and saw the images on television.

Oh how beautiful where those skyscrapers against the New York City skyline.
Those towers represented the strength and ingenuity of Americans.
This a country where you if you can believe it, you can truly achieve it.
My mouth dropped and I stared in disbelief.
Complete shock and horror overtook my senses. I still could not grasp what I was looking at.

I later found out that one of the planes belonged to United Airlines and was filled with co-workers. I had never met any of them but felt so close to them at that moment.
The terrorists' of 9/11 did not win. They tried to get us to turn our backs on the one true and Living God-Jehovah. But we did not. I do not understand why 9/11 happened. However, I do believe that God is in complete control and the situation was not has bad as they hoped. Yes, 2900 people lost their lives that day. But that is minor compared to the 100,000 plus that it could have been. Jehovah is still Lord and Savior of the United States of America. God Bless America!

What's going on?

A few days ago, NyCee got her first cold. Nothing too bad--just watery eyes and a running nose. She is fine. But I got sick. So last night, I broke down and took 2 tablespoons of Tylenol Cold & Flu Severe. I told Lewis that the baby monitor was on as NyCee was asleep in her room and I knew that the medicine would make me sleepy. As it did.

Around 3:30 a.m. I was awakened by the sound of something spraying. I asked Lewis, "What's going on?" He said, "You stank!" I replied, "What are you talking about?" He told me that he had been awake for the past two hours and he could not sleep due to my flatulence. Okay, actually he said that I had been farting in my sleep and it was rough. I said, "I don't smell anything." He said, "Of course you don't your nose is stopped up!" I asked what was he spraying and he replied, "Air Freshener so that I can get some sleep." I told him that he was mean and he could sleep downstairs in the guest room. He asked, "Is that punishment? The air is fresher down there." I laughed because I thought that it was hysterical. He did not find it funny.

30 minutes later, NyCee woke up which is rare for her as she usually sleeps until about 8:30 or 9:00 in the morning. He brought her into our room and put her in the bed with us. As she was nursing, she then began to pass gas and Lewis exclaimed, "THIS IS RIDICULOUS!" and rolled over and turned on the fan. I told him that he was being mean to us but he insisted that we were the mean ones for subjecting him to our flatulence.

A Word in Due Season

Have you ever been in church or watching a preacher on television and felt as though the words that he spoke were designed specifically for you? That is how I felt last night. Lewis and I went to Wednesday night service and I am so glad that we did. My pastor ministered on "The Depth of a Well." On the surface, it seemed like an odd topic or one that would require much explanation. But once he began, I immediately knew where he was going. The text was Genesis 26.

In this passage, God instructed Issac to dwell in Gerar during a time of famine. Although the famine was in effect, it did not impact Issac or his family. They were blessed just as his father Abraham was blessed. (Please take the time to read the passage as it has a powerful meaning and will bless your life. I can not explain it all in depth in the blog.) During the sermon, pastor stated that we must dig wells with depth (being rooted and grounded in our belief in God) so that when a famine (disappointment, hurts, chaos, confusion, hard times, ALL HELL BREAKING LOOSE) comes, we will have the stamina to endure. He stated, "Some people are ready to jump up and move to another state and city when the enemy attacks." Why did I raise my hand in agreement? Why stay in a place where all this chaos is going on? I say just move and start over. Well, pastor went on to say, "God is going to bless you in the midst of this confusion. The blessing may not be tangible but may be the testimony that you will have to help someone else." That was like a slap in my face. (A good slap. A wake up call.) He also stated, 'We live in condemnation for things that God has forgiven us for. We can not dwell on how others treated us or the bad things we have done. If you have confessed Jesus as Lord and asked for forgiveness--the blood of Jesus has cleansed us.'

Who knows why people treat us badly? Who cares? That is their issue to deal with. That has been my problem--I have tried to figure out why my former boss treated me so badly when I resigned. I was a good employee. But you know what? It does not matter. I have to give it to God and let him deal with her. In my heart I know that I was an excellent employee and gave 150% all the time. It's a done deal. As Lewis would say, "Let's move on."

I did not hear the entire sermon because I had to leave the sanctuary to change my child's diaper and was unable to return. (I will explain that story in another blog.) But the part that I received was truly a word in due season.

Peek-a-boo

Last night I discovered that NyCee knows how to play peek-a-boo. Okay, well she knows how to play the 5 month old version of peek-a-boo. Her version consists of pulling the covers over her head and...............


assuming that I will come and pull them down. We went through this about 3 or 4 times before I realized what she was doing.

I have no idea why this is fascinating to me. I have two nephews and a niece. I was around children constantly. Perhaps I should get out of the house and interact with adults. Maybe then these little spectacles will not seem so grand.

Eureka!

I bought NyCee a bassinet which she never tolerated. If you lay her in it while she is sleeping, she will wake herself up within two or three minutes. So now it holds her blankets and toys.


Her grandparents bought her a swing. She can tolerate it in intervals but notice that it is lonely and empty sitting against the wall.


I bought her an exersaucer and boy does she love it. FINALLY!


She just smiles and laughs when she is in it. She has even begun to turn herself around.


I can move it easily between the kitchen and the family room. NyCee does not like to be in a room by herself. As long as she can see me, she will sit in her chair or exersaucer.


Recently,I caught her practicing her Ms. America wave.


Macy's day parade here she comes.

When NyCee's Away Mommy and Daddy Play

The purpose of NyCee attending daycare is so that mommy will have the necessary quiet time to complete her classes, right? Okay, sure if you think that. I view it as a time that mommy and daddy can spend alone as well. Ever since her birth, we do not go out anywhere. So on Wednesday, August 30, 2006, Lewis & I decided to have lunch at the Golden Budda.


It is a restaurant where the food is prepared right in front of you.


Fried rice or stir fried vegetables, anyone? The food was okay but there is no better Chinese food than on Van Dyke and 7 mile in Detroit at Wings. If I could figure out a way to have my mother ship me a #7 combination plate (shrimp lo mien, shrimp fried rice and an egg roll all for $6.95)I would.


We enjoyed adult conversation with a couple who has been married 35 years. They relocated to Atlanta from Jackson, MS and did not like it either for the first 3-5 years. So I am not alone. Thank God. I do not know why so many people consider Atlanta to be the black Mecca. But of course, I told the stories of my great grand parents the late Mr. & Mrs. Sandy Porties who were married for 62 years and my grand parents Mr. & Mrs. Melvin L. Porties who were married 50 years.

On Friday, September 1, 2006, I decided to treat Lewis to a day of beauty and allow him to enter my sanctuary: The nail salon. (I guess technically he was treating himself since I do not have a source of income but it was the thought that counts.)

He really enjoyed the pedicure. It was not rush, rush, rush. The technicians in this facility take their time to allow you to relax and get the full effect of the massage chair and pedicure. They use sea salt scrubs and warm towels on your feet--DELIGHTFUL! Lewis commented later in the day, "I feel like I am walking on clouds." He was referring to how good his feet felt. Well, it didn't stop there.

Next, it was over to the manicure station.


Just one more reason why I like this facility they do not try to do everything at one time. He sat and conversed with the nail tech and really relaxed and enjoyed the moment. He did protest my picture taking but he has grown accustomed to it now that I do not work. It has become somewhat of a hobby.

Lewis has made me promise that we will get manicures and pedicures at least once a month. Of course I agreed. Just because I am a full-time student and stay-at-home mom does not mean that I must look like trash.