Schoolin' Life

The way my life is set up…

image

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.

Standard
Holiday

Happy Birthday Sissy!!

image

As long as I can remember she’s always acted like she was the big sister.  Always trying to protect me, telling me what to do, just trying to run me; as if I couldn’t take care of myself.

I remember my senior year in high school, she was home recovering from a surgery when I got into a fight at school. I got suspended from school for 3 days and had to call my dad to pick me up (now that’s another story) but he sent Metria instead. Here comes Metria pulling up at the front of the school… Who were you fighting?! BUT the question that got me is her asking: Why were you fighting without me?!!! I swear I didn’t know I was supposed to wait.

Standard
Gone Too Soon

Gone Too Soon

image

When you hear that someone has died, the first thing you think about is their family.  But, when the community is as small as the one that I grew up in,  Darien, Ga., you are all family. Hearing that Mel died, the first person I thought about was my sister. The last thing I wanted her to do was log onto FB during a time when fb can be so disrespectful (by ppl posting RIP’s before the family and close friends are notified) and read that someone she loved  (loved like a sister) has passed away.

My sister was out celebrating her birthday and my fear was, at some point she would log on fb and read about it. So the toughest decision for me was telling… How do I let her know this?  I finally spoke with her asking her, realizing she called me earlier in the day, I asked why did she call, that’s when she shared the news that she already knew. And like so many of those that was closest to Mel, my sister had been praying and crying and praying for the last couple of days.

When someone you know dies, it’s natural to think of your last memory with them. Fortunately for me, mine was being “down in Bellville” with Mel, and family, as they celebrated the life of her dad. Although a sad occasion, death brings so many people together. I feel blessed to have a happy image of her being surrounded by so many people that she loved. And again, I feel blessed to be from a community where we are all family, and “come together” when needed the most.

Rest In Peace Alexandria “Mel” Riley, you will be missed

#GoneTooSoon

Standard
Chronicles of Kelsey, Schoolin' Life

15 on the road to freedom…

11062100_10204763874030008_7113243199754356587_n

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

Standard
Only Me!

Coincidence or Naw?!

IMAG5419

On Monday, April 20th aka 420 aka “Weed Day” I went to the doctor to be treated for the crazy rash that was taking over my body.  My appointment went fine, the doctor gave me the slip to check out and I was on my way.  However, when I looked down at the information on the sheet, suggested treatment listed Smoking Cessation.  Now I’m standing at the nurse’s station trying to figure out why it’s listed in my file that I have a smoking addiction and need treatment to quit smoking.  She apologized and said it was a misprint but that’s a serious misprint. #FixItJesus

Standard
My Kids, My Life

Princess Lizzie

image

A year ago today, this little princess was in the hospital preparing for a major hip surgery. And today, she is being prepped for another surgery.

Request from her mom, Jeanie:

“Please keep Lizzie in your thoughts and prayers today. She is having all four wisdom teeth removed that are impacted at Egleston Children’s Hospital. Wisdom teeth are not supposed to come in until the ages of 17-19; Lizzie is 13. This surgery is a simple surgery but not for a child who is special needs like Lizzie. She is a tough little girl who has been thru hell and back in her short life, but such a fighter. Thank you and love you all.”

Be strong, Jeanie. And like I always tell you…. You’ve GOT THIS!  

Standard
Chronicles of Kelsey

That makes us even, right?

image

I took Kelsey to Zaxby’s after my appointment today; she ordered a wings and things, I ordered the “House Salad.” We got home, I was taking her food out the bag and grabbed one of her fries. As I was eating my salad, she said… Since you had a fry, I should get to taste your salad. Okay, Ms Tit for Tat. I took my fork, stuck it in a piece of lettuce and aimed the fork towards her mouth. That makes us even, right?

Standard
Only Me!

A day in the life…

image

First, whatever was in the cupcake has costed me:

1.  Sick day
2. $25 co-pay
3. A shot in the ass
4. $10 prescription
5. 7 days on steroids
6. Expected episodes of roid rage
7. A week on zyrtec
8. And a good cursing out to the pharmacist assistant on the corner of Redan and S. Indian Creek.

I pulled at the drive thru to pick up my script. I give the guy my name. He says,  how do you spell Tamara, Ms Thomas?  I spell it and he then ask, is that the first or the last name? (insert stupid look bc he just called me Ms Thomas). He says, it’s not ready yet. I ask how much longer bc when I dropped it off at 4:30, they said it would be ready at 6:00, it’s now 7:40. He
gives me this tired, annoying look and says not much longer as he closes the window. I want to snatch him from behind the counter and…  Today is not a good day for him to not like his job!

Standard
Only Me!

I woke up like this…

image

I have no idea what’s happening to me but whatever caused this reaction needs to get the hell up outta my house. I had to put an ice pak on this for the swelling, benadryl is not working and this mess hurts.

I know it was something in those cupcakes that did this to me. I was lying in bed itching last night and Kelsey was standing over me eating a cupcake and smiling. I don’t like her!!!

Standard