Single Mother In Da HOOD!

I've never had a doubt in my mind that I'd be a stay-at-home mom with lots and lots of kids (four to be exact). However, at some point on my journey through life, I became a single mamma -- and it's been really, really crappy. But, with a little creativity, a lot of stress, and a few doses of extreme poverty, I have still managed to balance work, school and being a stay-at-home mom to my now two year old.

Where I originally thought providing childcare from home was the obvious solution, I was wrong. It was isolating, my house was always messy, and let's face it -- childcare pays pennies. Not only was I too educated to be sleeping on an air mattress, but I had also turned into Angry Mamma and my days had become so stressful that I was going to soon end up as a headline in the news... The moment I realized this, I had decided on a new career, met with a top notch school, and gave my family notice -- all within a 48 hour period.

I am happy to say that I am now in my second quarter of a Graphics Design program -- something completely non-child related. I only attend three mornings per week and I enjoy my homework. It consists mostly of drawing, painting, and playing with Adobe Photoshop. As an added bonus, every Wednesday morning for the next three months I will be staring at nude models in my Life Drawing class...

Little One is in a home daycare with 3 other children. The woman is an Early Childhood Educator (as I wouldn't have it any other way) and has specialized in Infant/Toddler development AND has been in the field for 20 years. So what? Well, she knows her sh** and isn't afraid to tell me I need to start reading her books everyday (and no, "I don't have time" is not an excuse and yes, I'm guilty), that I need to add more protein to her lunch, and I should stop making the 'psssssssss' sounds whenever Little One is going pee on the potty.

For income, I was housecleaning but realized I am too frail for such physical work. I had to bite the bullet and apply to childcare jobs. However, I managed to nail an amazing, non-childcare job, with very-freakin'-decent pay. I work with families; it's very rewarding (so I hear, I haven't actually started yet), it's on-call, and mornings only!!

Little One has just turned two and I haven't had so much fun with her ever in her life! She's talkin' and copyin' everything...EVERYTHING I do. She has friends and a best friend; she is inseparable from her dolly (a Cabbage Patch doll that someone got her for her birthday) and has become very interested in babies; she has been falling asleep on her own without the booby (hehe) and builds towers out of blocks. We dance in the living room (still) after dinner; and she tells me what she wants for snack, "peeda budda on 'poon" and tells me to stop singing, "no mommy, moo-seek off" (music off).
I have been on my own for nearly a year and a half. I (think I) freakin' did it thank you very much. Now all I need is a social life.
I miss my puppies...

Comments

ginger said…
I so have to call you and catch up, I want to hear all about school!! And life!! Congrats on all your hard work, you will see how it pays off :)
October 10, 2009
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