On the move….

Things are coming together.  I made a trip to Deer Country with intentions to sign a lease.  T and I got on the road.  The first place we saw had “The Shack”(the book) appeal.  Very old, dirt road.  No bueno.  The view was interesting, across the street was a river where people kayak or float using inner tubes.  Not a feature on my must have’s list.  The second place had funny ceilings, and a stove about the size of a water cooler.  By the time I got to the 5th place, T and I were overjoyed at the sight of nice hardwood floors.  Indoor/Outdoor carpet seems to be what’s up.  I kinda hate it.  I felt good in this place…like it could be home.  It was definitely more $$$ than I wanted to spend.  For example, for a one bedroom it cost more than a 3 bedroom that we saw, but sometimes it be’s like dat.  A major bonus was that I have a 6×10 storage unit, an onsite laundry room, and a cute picnic style backyard.  Oh and how could I forget, my heat is included…that’s big.  It’s walking distance from my school, but most of the properties I checked out were as well.  I feel relieved that this is checked off of my to-do list.

T had the stank face at first step inside the first property until we got to this one.  Then her face glowed! She started getting all chatty with the landlord.  She likes the idea of us moving into the 2bdrm duplex when it times for them to join me.  Oh yeah…that.  The girls are going to stay with R for the school year.  They will both graduate from their schools this coming school year.  It didn’t feel right to pull them from their graduating class to come to Deer Country.  Plus, I hear that the first year is a killa.  It’ll definitely be a good thing to be able to focus 100% on me and acclimating to a new learning style/environment.  I’ve prayed about it, and it feels like the right thing to do.  I have to come to terms with releasing the reins on some most things, and letting R do what he feels is best as a temporary custodial parent.  This is going to be very very different for me.

Back to the 2 bdrm, next August a 2 bdrm will be available, and T was trying negotiate us taking it over.  It’s a nice duplex unit.  It has a slider door to the backyard.  It’s VERY expensive.  She has it priced where two students would split it.  It would be ideal if I didn’t have to make a major move, but again it’s expensive, so I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it.

Now I’m researching moving companies.  It’s SOOOOOO expensive!  God has been so good.  In the over a year that I’ve been out of work with NO unemployment benefits, I haven’t needed to borrow a dime from anyone.  That’s a blessing.  That may very well be changing.  Can I borrow a dollar????

 

 

The fat lady hasn’t sung

My philosophy class is a BEAST! We were given a take home final.  Take home finals are never an easy way out.  I no longer fall for the banana in the tail pipe.

I initiated a study group.  Some are more active participants than others…watev, you get out of it what you put in.  Friday we had a meet up.  It was only me and Big Guy.  We were able to scratch the surface and knew what we needed to do to get it done. Sunday we had a meet up, again, only me and Big Guy.  I got a couple of “my couch died”, “granma ate a cat”…excuses.  When it comes to crunch time, especially a subject that is so intense and condensed, you do what you gotta do.  After the fact I got a few phone calls.  Which only made me more annoyed and extra impatient because this crap is not easy for me either….pull your weight!  The final straw was “I can’t find my books.”  REALLY?!?!?!  She called, I didn’t answer my phone…I can’t.

A few hours later, I’m at the finish line, my last question to answer….I can’t find the book ||||||///////__________________

WHAT?????????????????  Prayed…went to bed….woke up…..prayed….called BN….on hold for 30 minutes…..prayed…….Big Guy calls me…he has my book….HUGE EXHALE!!!!

These highs and lows.  I’m am SOOO over this semester, I don’t know what to do with myself.  I still have two research projects to do, another final, and law school stuff, I’m sure I’m forgetting something else.  Will the fat lady ever sing?

 

Salon Stories: Hair Healthy edition

I usually have braids in Bird’s hair. During the spring I got her hair pressed a few times. She has a very tight curl pattern. I remember when she was a baby she had so much hair, so dense…good luck finding her scalp. The older she’s gotten the drier it’s gotten. I’ve struggled finding the perfect regimen for her hair. What works for me or T doesn’t really fly for her. I started using blue magic’s coconut oil (grease right?) on her scalp every few days and I noticed a difference.

Recently I noticed that she has breakage right about where I’d part it if I were doing a half and half style. I don’t understand it but now I have to change up again.

Alot of y’all have boys, easy breezy. I know NerdGirl has her hands FULL!

Bird and I are gonna work this thing out.

Measure twice – cut once

I’ve hinted in a few posts that I had decisions to make…something that I had been praying on. I was seeking the Lord’s face in a matter. I also sought counsel from a few that are close to me. I’ve looked at this situation from several angles. I’ve been praying for months. I’ve received confirmation in various forms.

Well, last week I requested an unpaid leave of absence from my job so that I can study and take prep courses for the LSAT. I want to get a high score, but with working full-time, school above full-time, and parenting there was no way I could accomplish this goal. My leave was denied.

Plan B – I requested a voluntary lay off in light of the layoff that just took place on Thursday. I was denied.

Plan C – I submitted my resignation yesterday.

There are two types of people in life. Those who have dreams and go full speed investing EVERYTHING to attain it. Then there are those that dream big, but sit on their hands because they’re too afraid to leave their security. I’ve never been the latter. Staying at my job being miserable – postponing my dream for a false sense of security was not an option.

The word says that there are seasons of feast and there are seasons of famine. Christians are not exempt from this. I honestly don’t know what mine will be, however, He also said this.

The Lord has promised to make my path clear (although I’m the chief of sinners). He’s promises to never leave me or forsake me. He said if I have the faith of a mustard seed I can move mountains. He said lean not to my own understanding but in all my ways acknowledge Him and He would direct my paths. He said that He would open up the windows of heaven and He would pour out a blessing that there would not be room enough for me to receive it all. He said prove me now.

That’s what I’m doing.

I start my day prep course on Monday.

*I didn’t provide verses if you’re interested email me.

Weekend kit and kaboodle

I’ve been doing really well on my FB hiatus.  On Saturday I loaded that app back onto my phone.   I won’t o.d. this time.

I posted awhile back about wanting to be more active in my church.  I’m a very social person and I wanted to meet more people.  It makes coming to church that much more enjoyable.  I joined the choir and volunteered to be the social coordinator when they were looking for one.  I planned our first social outing at a bowling alley.  We had a great time.  I’m probably the lowest scoring bowler of all time, but I talk a good game…lol  Slowly but surely I’m meeting more people…they at least know my name now.

Sunday T had a friend come over.  They’re working on a science project.  This young lady is so nice and respectful.  I love it when I see my girls socializing with the right kinda people.  I’m doing something right.

This weekend we all played bible scatt.er.gories.  The letter was ‘B’ and the category was fruits of the spirit.  Bird put down ‘banana’ and I hollared!

I went to the gyn.  I absolutely adore my gyn…besides other things she’s brown like me and I love that.  It seems the last time I’d been there was in 2005!  She asked if I’d been cheating on her.  I know I’d made an appt at least a year or two ago, and wind up canceling due to my crazy work schedule at the time.  I’ve gotta do a better job of taking care of myself because 5 years is crazy.  She coughed and cleared out some cobwebs, but other than that I’m good.

Speaking of that area.  I returned to the gym on Wednesday…first time since my boxing episode.  I took a spinning class.  My crotch…tush area has not been the same since.

My mom and I were texting while watching the Ama.z-ing.-R.ac.e.  She said “black people need to stay off these kinds of shows…it’s embarassing”! ROFL  My mother is one of the funniest/sarcastic people I know.  My brother married a half black/half puerto rican girl.  Years ago my mother asked if she could make her some spanish rice and beans.  When she said no…she didn’t know how..my mother said “ya know…this is why people need to stop inter-marrying…no one knows how to cook anything”.

Needless to say we were both sad that the attorney moms didn’t make it further.  They seem like great gals.

I was thinking yesterday about when I’d ever meet a good guy.  I then wondered for a moment what am I doing, what can I offer the good great guy that I’m interested in.  I’m in school – progressing towards a career that I hope I’ll love.  I keep a comfortable home.  I’m known for bringing a smile to a person’s face.  I’m generous and nurturer.  When I’m in a relationship I’m that man’s biggest cheerleader.  There are other things that I can work on, and I will.

For one, I’m going to start taking more time out for me.  With school, work..and the girls I often feel run down.  I haven’t had a mani or pedi in many months.  For one I’ve been trying to conserve funds, and another reason is that I simply haven’t made the time.  My nails haven’t looked ratty, but I always feel extra special when they have some shine.  I did my own mani/pedi this weekend.  There’s no excuse why I can’t do this on regular basis.  I already do my own ‘do.  I have some bad hair days, but thankfully they are few and far between.  Last night I soaked in the time.  I very rarely do this, but I wanted to pamper myself.  I used Patrice’s scrub and it felt and smelled soooo good.  I massaged myself and really took my time.  I absolutely have to make time to do this weekly.  Afterwards I gave myself a mini-facial.

When it was all said and done I felt rejuvenated.  There’s nothing like a great aromatherapy massage but this came close.  This morning I woke up feel fresh.  The mood I was in carried over as well.  I didn’t rush this morning.  I had a smile on my face all the way to work.  Smiling more..having a pleasant expression on my face is going to be something that I work on.  In a rush there’s no way I can have a smile…I’m rushing.  I walked with my back straight and my head held high.  I would imagine that these little things do alot to attract the right man.  I’m already a confident woman.  It’s evident after having a conversation with me.  However, how can I convey this before a man has an opportunity to chat it up with me?  Coming in this morning I know that in every step I exuded confidence.    I’ve heard from more than one man that confidence is the sexiest thing about a woman.

Since I’ve cut meat out of my diet I’ve been more conscious about what I eat.  There’s more that I need to learn, and I’m going to start working on this.  Whenever I meet that special one I want to be able to prepare delicious, but healthy meals for him.  I’m going to start drinking more water.  I have a ma.gi.c bu-l-let. that I got at least a year ago.  I took it out of the box, got intimidated and haven’t taken it out since.  That changes this week.  I want my skin to glow.  I’m going to start a juicing regimen (will likely do a separate post about this).  These are things that I have to make time for.  First for myself and then for him.

Friday I left work early because of the snow storm.  On my way to the train (ugh) I passed a man that caught my eye and I blushed smiled.  I must have caught his too because he called out to me although I was a few feet away at that point.  When I think back on it I should have let him take those few steps towards me..in any case I took the steps toward him.  He had an accent that I couldn’t put my finger on but it was sexy and he was an attractive man.  He asked me if I was enjoying the snow and I said no…lol  Then he asked if I was headed home and I said yes.  After that he smiled and said ok, get home safe..I said thank you and turned away.  For the life of me I don’t know why he didn’t offer his card or ask my name or something??? Oh well.

A change is comin’

I’m moving..not far from where I live now.  It’s a sweeeeet deal.  I’ll be downsizing.  I’ve come to grips with not having my own bathroom or dishwasher.  It’s for the greater good.  The girls have not dealt well with the news of sharing a bedroom.  The horror right?

Everything is smaller…no dining room, smaller living room and bedrooms.  The plus is I’ll have way more closet space.  The reality is this place is not permanent, nor is the place that I’m in right now.  We have to let go of some things to make room for better things in our life.

This apt will allow me to save much more than I’m able to right now, and it’s still in my neighborhood. 

The bad news is moving…the actual process is the for the birds! Ugh.  I have so much stuff.  Making it conducive to a small place is going to be a challenge.   You know when you decorate you have this wall in mind, that corner, etc….  Oh well, it’ll work somehow…I’mworking the plan.  I just have to make sure the xtra money goes in the bank and not on my feet.

Kelly’s Home Makeover Edition

That ole addictive personality of mine.  I’ve been completely consumed by decorating and design blogs as of late. 

I want to revamp these items.

This is Bird’s daybed – with a fresh coat of girly paint it would be a beauty. (Bird is in the bed..haha…but there’s nothing about her that I would change)

This her dresser and armoire.  This started out as my newlywed bedroom furniture in 1997.  Again…paint should be the miracle maker.  It looks like I’m going to have to chuck the armoire.  It’s in good shape besides the bottom drawer…well there is no bottom drawer..that’s the problem..lol

I love my glider, and the fabric was just fine back in the day when T was born.  Now I’d like to make it functional.  As in make it cute so I won’t be shamed to have company see it. 

 

Sand down, prime, and paint…that’s what needs to be done.  I don’t know how to refurbish…rewrap…reupholster anything, but I’m about to learn.  Wish me luck!

Letter from Roscoe

I was greeted by this on the dining room table last night when I came home from school…..tired.

 I’mma need Bird to get off my  back…lol.  I’m not even sure what she’s talking about.  Ok…I may have not reviewed her work Monday night.  I think it was because they didn’t have school on Tuesday and they were in chillax mode.  The bad news is I forgot to give her $ for the book fair this morning…but she did too, so who’s fault is that??  Huh?? *sigh*

I did check her work last night.  I made a few highlightss that she corrected this morning. 

The girls REALLLY keep me on my toes.  I think I do a good job, but they are great about reminding me of things that I may let fall through the cracks simply because there is just soooo much on my mind. 

Just yesterday T reminded me to remind her pick-up that she won’t be out of school until 5:00pm due to Xmas show rehearsals.  I really do appreciate those reminders because I would surely forget.  Her pick up would arrive at 2:55 and then I’d have to apologize profusely.

Octopus arms

I am a planner.  I sit down and meticulously map out what I have to do to achieve xyz.  I’ve shared with you my plans to take x amount of credits for the upcoming semesters so that I can reach my target graduation date.

Last night me and another woman were called out of class to meet with an advisor.  When we reached her office she had paperwork already set out on her desk for us to sign. *eyes stretched*  She proceeds to tell us that we need to take a class starting Monday night.  I sat back calmly, yet defiantly and told her I can’t do another course right now…I’m already taking 16 credits.  Without a bat of her eye or a break in her stride she says “You have to“.  There is absolutely nothing I hate more than to be told or forced to do something…especially when I have good reason as to why I can not do it. 

My response to her was “I have a full plate right now…is there any flexibility because I can’t“.  She says “Well you can’t graduate without it, you can drop one of your other courses and take it next semester“.  “I’ve always had a lot of respect for this woman, but why is she bringing up graduation issues when I have several semesters to tackle before I reach that plateau??? *breathe*  “I.can’t”  Seeing that we were at a stalemate she left the office, and returned with the campus director.  GREAT!

She comes in with all of her bobble head animation “Kelly…what is it?  You have to take this course now…you just have to” *note that that really wasn’t a question; no one gives a sam hill as to why I can’t take it*  I’m silent.  Then she whispers “If it’s financial don’t worry…I’ll give you a retention”.  I resigned, and she left with a directive for me to email her in the morning. 

I sat down now so frustrated and overwhelmed that my eyes filled with tears.  I PLAN!!!  This was someone elses’ oversight that I didn’t have this course by now.  No I can’t drop what I already have and take it next semester.  Next semester I’ll be attending an LSAT prep course that’ll have me in class two nights a week…a weekend included, and taking 12 credits at the college.

It became clear to me that this was a crack down.  They were audited and now they have to do damage control in order to be in compliance.  It just sucks for me that now I’ll be away from home and the girls an extra night.  All of my other responsibilities that are already vying for time will now be condensed into one less day.

I’m not complaining…now.  I’m really just sharing.  I’m going to roll with the punches and do what I’ve always done, and give it my all.  I’m going to do my best to grow octopus arms because clearly I’ll need it.  I’ll buy stock in red bull because buying a lifelong supply to carry me through this semester…the stock is sure to rise!

B12

I just purchased today.  I’ll give a proper review in a week.  Something has to give.