The Same Age

For the next couple of months my brother and I are the same age. Yes it’s possible. I was born in February and my brother the month of December. Most people think we are twins. We have always been in the same grade but separate classrooms. We have been roommates and college buddies.

Perhaps this is why we are so close and I chose him as my travel buddy when I went to Ethiopia. When I think about my brother it reminds me of our trip to Ethiopia. It was the first time in over 15 years I had him all to myself. I am reminded that I am blessed to have him as a brother and a friend.

Our trip to Ethiopia reminded me that my brother still does not plan properly. Five hours before our flight and we are at Wal-Mart picking up last minute travel items. We had planned the trip over 2 months ago.

Our trip to Ethiopia reminded me that my brother is extremely laid back and takes life as it comes. Emirates Airlines misplaced his luggage for 2 days. He made the best of it and didn’t complain.

Our trip to Ethiopia reminded me of the days we use to share a bedroom and the same bed. This came in handy because the guesthouse overbooked their rooms and my brother and I had to share a bed and a bedroom.

Our trip to Ethiopia reminded me that I still like to hover and worry about my little brother who is now a grown man. He loved Ethiopia and would often leave the guesthouse and take long walks. I was worried he would get lost.

Our trip to Ethiopia reminded me that my brother is still a comedian. John was getting dressed and on his way to a coffee shop. I was taking a shower when all of sudden the showerhead broke and water began to gush out of the fixture. I did not want to get the floor wet so I used my hand as a stopper. I asked John to help me but he said he was on his way out so he would stop by the desk and have them send someone up to help me out. But I don’t have any clothes on I shouted. He said, “oh well” and started laughing. Finally, he took his clothes off and we switched places. I called the front desk and a man came with a machete. That was even funnier.

Our trip to Ethiopia reminded me that my brother is not afraid to stand up for what is right. While in a shopping center my brother saw a shop owner swinging a stick at some young children who were begging for money and food. Let’s just say by the time it was over the shopkeeper understood a little bit of English. Simply put he was not going to mistreat any children in front of my brother.

Our trip to Ethiopia reminded me that my brother is a kind and giving soul. While in Dire Dawa a young boy asked my brother to buy a pack of tissue. My brother bought the tissue and gave the young man (Abdey) a ride before we made our way to lunch. Abdey’s home was a street corner his family lost their home in a flood. He sold tissues to support his mother, sister, and brother. As we drove off my brother said to our guide (Ephrim) and myself that we would not eat until Abdey and his family ate. So off to the market we went. We picked up some food and brought it back to Abdey and his family. While eating lunch my brother asked Ephrim how much it would cost to get the family an apartment. About $35 a month, that’s all my brother needed to know. It’s been two years and let’s just say Abdey and his family no longer live on the street, have plenty of food to eat, and Abdey no longer sells tissue. He has been instructed to go to school and care for his family.

John, Abdey, and Ephrim


John playing with the children in the orphanage

Our trip to Ethiopia reminded me that no matter how close we are we still fight and get on each other nerves. What were we fighting over or shall I say who? Welansa of course. Because both of us wanted to hold her we fought all the time about whose turn it was to hold her.

Christmas 2009

Christmas 2009 was relaxing and spent with family. Just the way I like it!!
Lately I have been bombarded with annoying sounds. I am not sure what I find more irritating at this point the Elmo CD we play in the car EVERY day or the mindless noisy car that transforms into a robot. None of which are items that I purchased. Thus, I made sure that every toy I purchased this year was quiet and served a purpose. Now if only Welansa would stop hogging the CD player and allow me to listen to Mary J Blige’s new joint my ears could have some relief.






Mr. Potato Head was a big hit this Christmas. He sure has changed. The one I purchased came with a carrying case, earrings, and various feet and hats to choose from.


The Classic Mr. Potato Head

Mr. Potato Head with Carrying Case

Joke of the Day

Welansa - Mommy I like your hair
Mommy - Thank you Welansa
Welansa - Where it come from? The store?
Mommy - Some of it does

I Made It

My last post stated that I was taking a few days off to take care of myself and I did just that. On Thursday, I slept late and then took Welansa to the sitter. After dropping her off I went to the nail salon to get an ever so needed pedicure, manicure, and eyebrow waxing. I was starting to feel like a new woman. After my visit at the nail salon I did some major shopping. I was in need of everything FALL/ WINTER. I found some really cute hats, sweaters, and belts. I had the hardest time finding a pair of pants. Jebena I did manage to take a picture of the belts and hat I purchased.

I am ever so grateful I did take two days off. God knew that I would need the days to build up my strength to get through the next couple of weeks. About 3 weeks ago I went to my new General Manager and asked if she needed assistance on a certain project. Her response to me was “sure please take care of the project for me”. Okay. I met with her to go over the section I volunteered to assist her with only to find out that I would now be responsible for the ENTIRE project.

Some people asked why in the world would I volunteer my services. My response was “I know what I am doing”. One, I have worked in the same position now for 10 years and special projects allow me to put a little spice in my professional life. Two, I leave everyday at 5pm and rarely do I work over 40 hours. All the other Directors work more than 40 hours, however, none of them have children. Third, the new GM needed to know my work ethic. Although she had already heard about me she had never seen me in action. Fourth, she needed to know that I will work late and weekends if I have to, however, it will not happen on a normal basis.

The project was a huge success and now the new GM is very familiar with how I handle projects. And I received a cash bonus and 4 Jet Blue airline tickets. I learned a very valuable lesson during this project and I know why I have not made an issue to seek employment elsewhere. I learned that I do not want an extremely demanding job. During this project there were some days I saw Welansa 1 – 2 hours in a day. It broke my heart. There were nights that I would rush home to put her to bed so I could do some extra work at home. And on Sunday I had to take her to work with me so I could work on setup. My staff has worked for me for a while so rarely do I get calls at home. I have always empowered them to think and make decisions for themselves. It has paid off. After 5pm I don’t think about my J-O-B.

Welansa accompanying me to work was actually fun. I worked with the Operations Staff. It was kind of funny seeing these young guys with lots of tattoos and earrings in their ear playing with Welansa and trying to teach Welansa how to dance salsa.

Just when I thought the excitement was over. My brother, his wife, and five children came to New York for Thanksgiving. My first question was “where are you staying?” With you and Welansa he replied. My apartment was a mess because of the special project but I managed to pull it together and Welansa enjoyed the time with her cousins

During the visit I wanted to take a picture of all of the cousins. I had been waiting for this moment since I bought Welansa home. Be careful of what you wish for. Trying to get 6 boys and 1 girl to be still so I could take a picture was a hot mess. Let’s just say it did not turn out so great. I would love to post the picture but my brother does not want his children’s picture on the net. Oh well.

Now Christmas is here and I have not done a thing except attempt to take pictures of Welansa in her Christmas dress. That was another hot mess. The child can’t be still!!!



STUFF FROM MY SHOPPING SPREE

FEELING LIKE BRENDA AGAIN

HURRY UP PLEASE

HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO SAY "CHEESE"

I'M OUT OF HERE!!