Hairiffic
I am in the process of applying for school. Yes. Me. School.
I haven’t been in a formal class for about eight years. During high school, my drug use and depression and general desire to no longer be alive caused me to miss so many classes that I couldn’t graduate from my regular school. I tried going to an “alternative” school that would accept the credits I earned while in rehab, but I was the only person there who was not on drugs so it ended up not being the best environment for someone so new in recovery. In the end I got my GED (got married!) and started working as a respite care provider for the state of Washington, caring for children with disabilities. I loved that work. I loved the boys I took care of and it was the most emotionally rewarding job in the entire world. But it was also the most emotionally draining. It took so much of me, and I would leave work just completely spent. When I got pregnant with Babs I had to quit my job because it was just too much. And now, as a single mom of two little’uns, it would also be much more than I could handle. So I am applying to a great cosmetology school in the area, and hopefully by this time next year I will be making money as a kick-ass hair stylist!
I’m so excited. I love the idea of being around grown-ups all day long, talking about grown-up stuff, and making people pretty. There’s one particular business that I have my eye set on called Rudy’s Barbershop. It’s an insanely fun, laid back, trendy place that offers benefits for working 30 hours a week! That would mean I could potentially work 6 hour shifts during school hours, and still be there for my kids every morning and afternoon. How perfect is that? Perfectly perfect.
But I’m also terrified. School? Learning things? Taking tests? Can I really do it? I’m extremely motivated at the moment, but when the first week of classes start and I have to get two kids and myself out of the house every day by 6:30 in the morning, I’m not sure how pleased I’m going to be with this decision. It’s going to be so difficult being a full-time student again after so many years, while at the same time transitioning Babs into Kindergarten and Zibbit into daycare and dealing with the emotional fallout all by myself at the end of the day. I anticipate a lot of blog entries come September are going to look like this:
Am stupid idiot. Can’t do it. Shall sell organs on black market instead. Anyone looking for a spleen?
I’m going to a couple of informational seminars this week to look into financing and the program itself, so once I have all the logistics squared away I’m hoping I’ll feel much more confident. It’s going to be hard. Really really hard. But it feels like a wonderful new beginning and I can’t wait to get started!
Way to go Karli! I know you can do it, and you will be great. Just think, in a few years, this will all be behind you! What a great example for your daughters too.
Comment by Amy — July 18, 2007 @ July 18, 2007 at 12:10 pm
WHeeeeeee!
I think you will kick some major booty in this new profession
And when I do someday make it out there to visit… I will FORCE you to make my hair really cool!
xoxoxo
Comment by Georgia — July 18, 2007 @ July 18, 2007 at 12:34 pm
I’m a *huge* believer in moms going to school!! I went back to finish my Bachelor’s in 2005, when my three daughters were in school and my son was just 3. There were a ton of adjustments, and many hours of second-guessing myself (not to mention hours of thinking how my younger, single, childless classmates didn’t have a clue how easy they had it!), but it was soooo worth it in the end! I’ve never been more proud of myself for ~being~ myself in my whole life. Best of luck to you - it’s ALL possible, it’s ALL within your reach. Don’t let your circumstances scare you away from doing what your heart desires.
Comment by Stacey — July 18, 2007 @ July 18, 2007 at 2:12 pm
You asked, “Can I really do it?” You can do ANYTHING you set your mind to. You have the intelligence & motivation to do this. It’s a GREAT solution for you, you’ve already thought your goals through, and I commend you for taking action in doing what you love! (I could NOT work with little kids either, having my own at home - talk about burnout…) Feel free to start bitching in September and we’ll help you through it. I think you’ll love the experience of learning something new, and getting to layer this new school experience on top of your craparrific old school experience. Love you! R
Comment by Redheadmomma — July 18, 2007 @ July 18, 2007 at 2:49 pm
I would love you to do my hair!
Comment by Misha — July 18, 2007 @ July 18, 2007 at 2:55 pm
Oooh, that’s exciting news! Good for you! I’ve wanted to go back to school, but am still making excuses not to. I’ll look forward to hearing about your progress, hopefully in non-spleen-related blog entries.
Comment by Skye — July 18, 2007 @ July 18, 2007 at 5:32 pm
Hey, congratulations on going to school!
And ps- Franny and Zooey is one of my favourite books. Hope you are enjoying it.
Comment by krista — July 18, 2007 @ July 18, 2007 at 6:30 pm
Karli! I have been an avid reader since I found your blog a long time ago! I knew you a long time ago through Jeremy’s church and thought you were pretty much amazing then. As I read your blog now, I am only more impressed with you as a person and can’t thank you enough for being so candid and honest. You’re amazing and school will be a great endeavor. Good luck!
Comment by Kate — July 19, 2007 @ July 19, 2007 at 6:16 pm
That’s awesome! I’ve ALWAYS wated to do that! You’re going to rock it!
Comment by Brooke — July 20, 2007 @ July 20, 2007 at 10:15 am
*wanted
Comment by Brooke — July 20, 2007 @ July 20, 2007 at 10:16 am