I’m sure a lot of you who have been reading since I created this blog, know how my car has been giving me the blues — from the damage to the body of the car to the problems with the engine, I’ve been through it all. I have been stranded on the side of the road due to overheating to ending my work day at 9PM only to find that my engine has completely died. After 11 years of owning Emma, my Impala, I gave up. And well, I’ve purchased a car.

Initially, I wanted the new Kia Optima. True beauty if I am say so. But, once the salesman calculated my note, it was no longer a concern of mine. There was NO WAY I would even want to pay $676/month. Let’s be real here: I’m a single parent whose in school full-time that also works an hourly wage. Living above my means was not an option for me. So I did what a responsible adult would do – I selected a car that I could afford.

First, I had this car:

…cute, but entirely too small for all that I have going on. Three carseats couldn’t fit in the back. Hell, two car seats couldn’t fit in the back and allow my daughter to fit in the middle. And after a while, all of the

“Mooooovvvee-s” and “Scoot over – get off of me-s”

were driving me insane. So I took it back. Now, I have this car:

A cute 2010 Hyundai Sonata that had only 22,000 miles on it. It’s a cute car but I’m more interested in longer and wider cars. My plan is to trade it in within two years for something bigger. Nevertheless, as of right now, I am definitely grateful and left with a feeling of accomplishment. This is my first big purchase and it was an emotional experience for me. It’s been a hard couple of weeks saving and penny pinching and to be able to tell someone,

“Yea, I went on the lot and financed my own car all by my lonesome”

Yep, definitely a story I don’t mind telling. I can say that at 23, I financed my own car. I didn’t think I’d be doing this until after I graduated college. But here I am.

So how did I make all of this possible, you ask? Well, I did what I didn’t necessarily want to do, but what was best: I’m currently in the process of moving back to my hometown. My parents left their old house to me which needs a litte remodeling, which by the way, is coming along well. It was hard parting with my townhouse, but such had to be done. There’s relief but there’s a bit of sadness that lingers with me. But when my disposable income increases, I’m sure the feeling will subside. =)

This summer has been quite eventful thus far and I’ve made some major moves in the past few weeks. I’m looking forward to what is ahead.

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Saturday, Jon and I made daquiri’s and they were delicious! We always have fun in the kitchen, whether I’m doing what I do or when he’s in there showing me he knows his way around around as well. I’ve never made a daquiri before so I wasn’t sure what type of alcohol to add. Apparently, “Jack Daniels is the best ‘hands down‘”, as he says. It was kind of strong. but that’s the way he likes it so I obliged.

Last night, I needed a little “pick-me-up” after working overtime so I reved up the blender, added Barefoot Moscato and more strawberries along with kiwis and gave it a go. My mixture made it even more delectable. Jon had no choice but to acknowledge such.

I still reign supreme in the kitchen.

Carla: 2 – Jon: 1

❖

It’s moments like these that I cherish and value. The simple things like tasting concoctions off of spoons and fingertips. Every chance I can get to make a memory to add to my life’s archives, I leap at the opportunity. He’s an amazing individual. It’s been a wonderful 6-1/2 months with this guy and I’m looking forward to what else is in store. He has the ability to genuinely make me happy and I try my best to do the same. We’re a team—a duo—always supporting and uplifting each other.

From luncheons and dinner dates at Chili’s and Kona Grill, to eating lunch that we bring to each other in the parking lot of our jobs..

From matinees to see Unknown and XMen: First Class to Red Box movies and Dijorno pizzas and his homemade taco pies..

Late nights and Early Mornings..

I value it all.

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