Category Archives: Schoolin’ Life

Schoolin' Life

Early Father’s Day Tribute to My Daddy

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As a kid, I used to get so mad at my dad for the shyt he made me shovel (literally).  Those were the 100 degree days of shoveling dog crap for lawn customers or the even hotter days he had me (and rod) throwing shingles off the top of a house when he had to do roofing jobs (that was the summer I was nicknamed Tar Baby).  One of my aunts recently said, she used to feel so bad for me because he worked me like a boy.  And he did… all before the age of 13.

Today I’m thankful for all the hard work and, the unforeseen lessons I learned along the way.  I ran out for lunch today to pick up a to go order, got back in my SUV and it wouldn’t start.  I just knew it wasn’t the battery since I recently purchased it but there was no power to my vehicle.  I sat there thinking to call my coworker, next I thought, let me call AAA then go sit down in the AC and eat my lunch. Then my survival skills kicked in and I popped the hood to see what the heck was going on.  That’s when I noticed the cable off my battery.  It was a simple fix but one a lot of women don’t think to check.

During my transition to “trying” to become a responsible adult, I didn’t have money for simple car repairs. I remember daddy first teaching me how to change a flat tire.  I brag on being able to change a tire in less than 10 minutes.  Then there was the time my car was misfiring and he talked me through changing the spark plugs and wires.  He was no Ward Cleaver or Heathcliff Huxtable but WHO IS?! lol  There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of him.  Happy Father’s Day, Daddy.  You were amazing in your own special way.  Love Your #1

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Schoolin' Life

Weekend Selfie

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It’s the weekend before finals and I’ve been feeling terrible. I got up Sunday morning, looked in the mirror and decided that how I feel on the inside doesn’t have to effect my appearance. After a shower and a little eye liner, my spirits felt a little better.  And back to the books I went… #SchoolinLife

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Schoolin' Life

The way my life is set up…

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It’s the last 2 weeks of the semester, I finished my English paper and submitted it at 11pm last night, went to bed  but couldn’t sleep because I kept going over the paper in my head. Around 4 am, I realized I double spaced something I shouldn’t have so I ran downstairs for my laptop, pulled the paper, made the correction and resubmitted it at 4:53 am. Now I can sleep? NOT!!! Polo is up, licking his paws and doing cartwheels on the floor. It’s now 5:15 and I’m off to sleep. The alarm goes off and 6am. I’m up, I’m UP! Jump in the shower, wake Kelsey, let Polo out, throw some bacon in the oven, iron my clothes and Kelsey’s, throw on my clothes (no lotion, I’m ashy!), grab my tooth brush, let Polo in, brush my teeth, scramble 2 eggs, run up stairs to rinse, run back downstairs to pack breakfast, give polo water, grab my my purse, jump in the car, get to the stop sign and remember my breakfast, turn around for it, pick up the other kid, drop them off at the bus shuttle and now it’s 7:15 and I’m at work looking at my computer screen. I hope you guys aren’t tired because my day is JUST starting.

I worked until 4:30 today, got home at 4:50, prepped dinner and was sitting in class at 5:30. Now that class is over, I’m home in front of dinner (that Kelsey put in the oven), a drink (fell off the wagon) and math homework. 

If you’re graduating high school, let me tell you… Make your way to COLLEGE NOW! If you’re single, half way done with college, finish it NOW! If you’re having babies and think you can put your education on hold and pick it up later… YOU’RE a FOOL! Stay in school!  I’m not the first single parent to do it and I won’t be the last but ladies, there is more to life … Take advantage of the opportunity NOW. Please believe, the same guy that’s “runnin’ up in you” unprotected now will want to do the same when you get your degree. Now let me get to my Math because I need an A to get 100% reimbursement for this class because I’m getting too old to start accruing student loans.

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Chronicles of Kelsey, Schoolin' Life

15 on the road to freedom…

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Yesterday we concluded Kelsey’s 15th birthday celebration at the DMV with her testing for her learners permit.  It’s been a struggle just getting her lazy behind to study for the test.  I had given her the book at the end of February telling her to study because the day after her birthday, we would be at DMV.  A week leading up to her birthday, she decided to start studying.  Most of the street signs she already knew, since she’s tested every time we get in the car.  She’s very familiar with what to do and what not to do.  And because in the past I’ve been guilty of texting while driving, that’s one thing I am certain she will NOT do.  That last slam on brakes scared the crap out of both of us.  Needless to say, I made the pledge to stop texting while driving.  Hell… the life I saved was my own!

So anyway, Monday I asked Kelsey if she was ready to go take her test, she said no.  Tuesday she wasn’t ready either.  I told her that she had until Thursday to be prepared.  On Wednesday I had to leave work early to pick her up due to transportation issues – which is the main reason why I need to make sure she has the proper knowledge, skills and abilities in a vehicle. When I picked her up, I told her I was taking her immediately to take her test.   The way I looked at it, she would sit on this as long as I allowed her to.  We have to motivate them to do what is natural in life.  Learning to drive, getting a job, applying for college, exploring your opportunities.  From the pictures you can tell, she passed her test scoring in the 90% range.  I handed her the keys to her first car and we hopped on I20 with her behind the wheels.  Was I nervous?  NO.  And I owe that to my mom for allowing Kelsey to drive on I95 from Eulonia to Brunswick since she was 12 years old. Now she’s a brave-heart! #RaisedLikeACountryGirl  #CityLife

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Schoolin' Life

This land is my land…

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10 years ago I started my journey as a single mom.

I remember the day I put on a brave front and left the home that I started with my ex-husband, moving into a roach infested apartment off Candler Rd. Let me say, we didn’t know the roaches were bad, I think they were on vacation the first few weeks we were there. Kelsey and I lived in that apartment for a year. At 10 months after my separation I did 2 things, filed for a divorce and started looking for a permanent resident. I looked at so many houses but with a car payment and a 4 year old, my funds were limited. Then I came across the street that this house is on. An older quiet neighborhood, I looked at the house, it needed some work but I told my realtor I wanted it.

The next day, I came to view the house with Kelsey and the guy I was dating. We walked in the house and there was a snake rolled up in the den. Dude went flying towards the front door. smh… should’ve known then his a** wasn’t a trooper.  I grabbed a stick and claimed my territory, killing the snake. The same day, I got word that the offer was accepted.  I never did see anymore snakes.

Its been a slow process but this house has come a long way since I first moved in. The thing I look forward to the most is getting my yard complete and sitting in the middle of my garden like Juanita; and I better not discover weed in the middle of my setup #BabyBoy

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First Time For Everything, Schoolin' Life

First semester non-traditional college student… Piece of cake?

Hell NO!!!  How many times have I wanted to quit?

I had so many friends offering me advice, there are 2 that stands out the most:

1.  Getting enrolled is the hardest part – That damn near killed me.

2.  Since you’re taking math your first semester, maybe only take one class until you’re back in the swing of things – Why didn’t I listen?

First couple weeks into the semester I had to travel for a business meeting.  I had meetings from 6am and worked until 7-8 pm.  I still don’t know how I managed.  I couldn’t sleep, couldn’t think and doubted my abilities.  BUT I survived.

With just a few weeks in this first semester left, my English grade is a strong A,  Social Science is an A and my Math grade just isn’t adding up.  I still have time to try to pull together the grade that I know I’m capable of getting so pray with me!

This journey is a reminder that you should really NEVER put off until tomorrow, something that you can do today.  I thought because I’m older it would be easier to balance and the information would come naturally. I can’t tell you how wrong I was.  I’m no smarter than my 14 year old…

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First Time For Everything, Schoolin' Life

Thank you for visiting “My Blog, My Life.”  

For a couple of years, I have entertained the idea of starting a blog.  Then recently, while having lunch with a coworker, she looked over at me and said, “God told me to tell you…”  I quickly stopped her and told her, “don’t tell me anything God has told you to tell me.  I know God, he talks to me too.”  You can’t always trust the messenger.   After seeing that she was serious, (all jokes aside) I listened.  Well, she said, God directed her to tell me to start a blog.  CONFIRMATION – So here it is!!!  My Blog, My Life.

I’ve created this site as a place to share my stories, my struggles, what I am learning, what brings me joy and things that has helped me.  My life experiences on this journey while becoming a happier me.

Feel free to look around. Make sure to leave comments. Share your thoughts about what I am posting: the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Much Love,

Tara

Welcome to My Blog, My Life.

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