Date Night

I called my grandparents in Alabama on Thanksgiving to check on them and extend Thanksgiving day greetings. At one point in the conversation, my granddad asked if I had anyone special in my life yet. I replied, "No, sir. Legally and morally, Lewis and I are still married even though we have been separated over a year." My grandfather was thinking about NyCee and Tyler and does not want a lot of men around them. I reassured him that was NOT an option. I will not parade different men in and out of my children's lives.

But it started me thinking about an actual date. If in fact I were to go on a date what would I do? I have an idea! I would invite him over to help me wash, dry, iron and fold the pile of laundry that just keeps growing!


The clothes on the chair are clean. The clothes on the couch are clean and in three piles. Each pile represents me, NyCee and Tyler. The pile of clothes on the floor has yet to make it to the washing machine. Oh, did I mention the clothes on the couch are from last week's laundry day?Now, if I could just find the time to iron and fold them, I would be happy has a little lark.

So my idea of a date night: dinner and laundry. Heck, I am willing to forego dinner if he would just help with the laundry.

God's Promise

As I exited the parking lot this evening after work, I saw this rainbow in the sky. Immediately, I began to think of all the promises God has made to His children. Those promises are made available through the blood of Jesus Christ.

How appropriate for the rainbow to appear the day before Thanksgiving? It reminded me of all the things for which I am thankful and that God never forgets His promises. Tomorrow can always better than today if you expect it to be.


"For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us."

2 Cor 1:20

Pearly Whites

Tyler's bottom two teeth have finally broken through. I was amazed when I noticed his teeth coming in so soon. His doctor stated that 6 months is the average age when babies start teething. NyCee didn't get teeth until she was close to 9 months old, I think.

Anyway, like his sister, he attempted to bite me one time while nursing. I think all babies try it. But like I stated, it was one time and he has not tried it again.

He loves to show off his little teeth by smiling and cooing. When he smiles, you can really see his dimples.

Progressive Blessings

Well, today marks my second week of working full-time. As I was thinking about my journey these past few months, I realized that a progression of blessings occurred every 30 days since moving back to Phoenix.

08/18: Moved to Phoenix,

09/18: Starting working my week end part-time job,

10/20: Began training as a school bus driver,

11/18: Began working full-time job,

12/18: I will have a Master of Business Administration Degree.

Isn't that awesome? I have truly come to believe that it is all in how you perceive a situation. For example: the news reported the unemployment rate is up to 6%. Now initially, that appears to be unpleasant news. However, considering that is taking into account the entire country, that means 94% of the population is gainfully employed or sustaining themselves.

I used that example because your perception will shape your reality.

Last year this time I didn't know which way was up. My husband and I separated, I learned I was pregnant with Tyler, I had to live with my parents (in the frozen tundra of Michigan) and collect state assistance, I loss my home, credit, possessions, etc. But today, I do not look at my life through those eyes. Today, I have beautiful healthy children, on the verge of having two college degrees, an opportunity to pursue a PhD, two jobs that I enjoy (when there are people who can not get one job), I live where I want to live, I have a church home that I love, friends, family, a fully furnished home, no debt, a vehicle with no car payment. My God! I am so blessed. And actually I just learned that my employer offers a 75% discount off of tuition for a doctoral program. The problem is that my program is not offered. But I can get another Master's degree, if I so choose, for free!

My heartfelt prayer to God is that my journey will help someone else reach his/her destiny. It was hard some times. But God brought me through it. I am a much better mother, friend, employee, daughter, Christian because of my journey.


"Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way."
James 1:2-4 The Message

Whew, it's Friday

Well, my first week of work was FABULOUS! On my second day, I conducted an investigation! HA! Everyone was amazed that I was able to complete this task. Why, I do not know? I conducted investigations for several years with my employer in Atlanta so it was like riding a bike. Once you learn it, you never forget how.

My manager commented that she could tell from my mannerisms that I have experience in this area. Good thing I didn't lie in the interview! HA!

So far, I really like the job and the people. Unfortunately, I do not like the team I am assigned to as they are sort of stand-offish. My telephone hasn't been installed yet and one of the programs I need has to be installed by IT. But other than that, my week has been very good. The best part: my computer is chained to my desk so I will never bring work home!

I am tired of school. I always get like this near the end of the quarter. Plus, these last two classes are areas that do not interest me. Nor do I understand 1/2 of the assignments. I really do not care about the grades. I just want to be done.

Well, I have to hit the books to complete this week's assignments. Please continue to pray for me as I have three weeks of school remaining beginning Monday. I CAN DO IT!!!!!!!!

My First Day

I reported for work this morning and it was a very good day. Everyone is so nice and friendly. They even appear to enjoy their jobs.

I was very comfortable today. I did not have those awkward first day moments. The environment is so neat and clean. My desk is very comfortable and every one in the office as a view from his/her desk. The company designed the buiding and interior layout to provide a gorgeous view no matter where the desk is located. This is the view from my desk:



I do not like the work hours of 8-5p. I am assigned to the region covering the midwest, south and north east. Therefore, I have to work until 5p to accomodate for the time difference. I was driving like a mad woman trying to get to the daycare before 6p. I really do not want to switch the kids to another facility as they are very comfortable there. I will try to find an alternate route to get there in about 30 minutes.

All in all, it was a great first day. Also, everything is online. The company seems to work hard at maintaining a level of excellence to ensure things function as they ought.

Nana Ida Comes to Town

NyCee and Tyler enjoyed a visit from Nana Ida. She came to town on Saturday night and will be leaving tomorrow. She had an opportunity to visit our church and just relax. (Which is something she really needed to do.)

Unfortunately, we were unable to do much because I had to work this weekend and have to work tomorrow-YAY! But we just enjoyed each other's company. I think she enjoyed the 80 degree weather more than anything seeing as how it is snowing in Michigan.

Next time she visits, we will not have so much going on at one time and she will be able to do more sight seeing.

Nursery Rhyme Shuffle

While in the bathtub, NyCee began singing various nursery rhymes. The only problem is that she combined several verses into one song. For example:

"Old McDonald had a farm. E I E I O. And down came the rain and washed the spider out."

"Ring around the rosey, shake it all about. Left foot out. Hokey turn yourself around."

"A B C D E F G. H I J K what you are? Up above the world so high for the bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong, they are weak but He is strong."

At the end of her concert, she said, "Mommy, Ta-Dah! Good Stuff!"

On Pins and Needles....

Okay, so I am still waiting for a response regarding my interview for the Employee Relations Consultant position. Here's the latest update:

I have received two calls from the company conducting the background check. The first call was for my birth date. The second call was for a fax of my degree. Then on Friday, a representative from the company called and advised that I am a candidate for the position they are waiting for my background check to clear. She also needed additional information about my former employer.

As I was typing this entry, the phone rang and she offered me the job with the salary higher than what I expected. GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!!!!!!!

"God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us." Ephesians 3:20 The Message

Take it by force

In an effort to wean Tyler off of breast milk, I only allow him to nurse at night. Even on the weekends when we are at home. However, I guess he does not like that idea. He was on my lap playing when he grabbed my shirt with enough force to lift himself up and attempted to begin nursing through my shirt!

He is a strong little boy!

A Ghetto Moment

You know you are having a ghetto moment when you put your child in the bathtub in preparation for bedtime, look in the dresser drawer to retrieve a pair of underwear only to discover that none are clean.

While you had the good sense to start the load of laundry containing the underwear earlier that evening, you did not account for drying time. Therefore, you used the hair blow dryer to dry a pair panties so that your 2 year old daughter will not go to bed commando. Definitely a ghetto moment.

As a side thought, wouldn't the phrase, "A pair of panties" be an oxymoron? I mean technically, the letter "a" is singluar and "pair" is plural. Therefore, "a pair of panties" is an oxymoron.

:~P (Sticking out my tongue)

Today's Oxymoron

The state of Arizona requires that all school buses be equipped with a heating system. But air conditioning is optional.

Really?!?!?!?!?

Picasso

My pastor has been teaching a series titled, "Does the Mind Matter?" This picture of NyCee is a perfect example of the context of the message. He teaches that if you are predominantly left-brained, then you should exercise the right-brain and vice versa.

NyCee is obviously tapping into her creative side (right-brain) by building a sculpture of Cheetos on top of a peanut butter sandwich.