urbancitygirltales

[urbancitygirltales]

QUARANTINE BIRTHDAYS

how to celebrate during these challenging times

We’ve had quite an interesting year, as a duo. We moved to San Antonio, Texas from Delaware. Moving meant, leaving my job, leaving my townhouse and pulling my son out of his school district. It’s was scary yet something that we had to do. The goal was to live in a new state with better schools and affordable homeownership.

Initially, it’s felt great to be in a new place. Everyday was literally a new adventure. However, I quickly realized that moving away as a single parent wasn’t the best option. In the end, we moved back do a lot to COVID-19 and simply being alone, far away from our family.

So, after so much moving and changing locations, I really wanted my son to have a great birthday, this year. However, as the pandemic remains active with no end in sight, it’ll be a very small celebration this year with lots of food and plenty of cake.

Lucky number 7, cheers to another year of motherhood with my little guy.

[urbancitygirltales]

NOMORE KIDS

why most women nowadays only have 1 kid

As someone that grew up amongst 7 children, it’s pretty tragic that I won’t be giving my child siblings. I mean, I legit only socialize with my siblings and it’s dope as fuck. To be quite frank.

But, I’m still not doing it again. No freaking way! Let’s start with the fact that I did not enjoy being pregnant and still haven’t dropped my baby weight (he’s 7, lol). Yep, I breastfeed for 2 entire years which didn’t help with any weight loss and my little human still sleeps in my bed.

Not to mention the exhaustion and complete sense of scary-ness that motherhood has given me. Yes, I’m always worried. Before having a kid, I would jump on random motorcycles for a quick ride and even jump in Hawaiian oceans without a life vest. Nowadays, I worry about random nonsense such as parking spaces.

Now that I have my son, it’s actually not a bad gig to have. I sort of dig being a mom. It’s like giving birth to a smaller version of yourself. You literally get to teach your child all the crappy things that your parents screwed up doing.

Yet, I’m done with my one child. It’s a cool gig but it’s definitely too expensive and time is flying by. Currently, we’re a two person duo and I’m good with that, for now.

If anything, we’ll get a pet, probably a fat

[urbancitygirltales]

why I don’t post my kid on the internet

There was once a time when I would post pictures of my kid, all the time.

On the day of his birth, I posted him on Instagram and Facebook, literally from my hospital bed. I was so excited for everyone to see him. That was during the time when I had a huge circle of friends. This, centralized post made it simpler to spread the good news. My pregnancy happened during that phase of life when everyone was either getting married, buying a house or having a baby. Clearly, I met someone and got knocked up. My family story didn’t end with the fairytale wedding, dream house, second kid or the fluffy dog, like I thought. But, my kid was the best piece of the puzzle. He fit perfectly into my life so well and I shared all of the early days via social media.

However, somehow during my years of doing this parenthood thing, I realized that posting my kid online needed to stop. Not only were people stealing my pictures from social media (weirdos) but I realized that posting gave strangers complete access to my child. So, I stopped and it actually wasn’t hard at all. In fact, I now only send pics to random close family, if it’s appropriate. There are very few things which parents have control over. The outside world gets a lot bigger and the elements are not always the best for our children. So, having this small element of control makes me happy and I feel a lot safer, as a mom.

[urbancitygirltales]

working in human services

helping those in need

Human services can often be viewed as a broad spectrum of needs and opportunities. However, it still remains that at the core, the objective is to provide services to individuals, family, and children in need. Regardless of anyone’s background, we all can agree with the goal of connecting resources to the vulnerable populations which are in need. Resources are provided through engagement, retention and the community.

So, engagement will look different within each human service organization. Many may utilize the referral process while others may seek out or request that families contact them directly for needed services. Once the intake process begins, documentation is obtained, goals are established and the process begins. Processes usually utilize treatment plans and/or case management which can vary depending on what’s required to connect services.

Next, is retention which works to keep families and/or individuals connected. The best human service organizations maintain retention with those in need by employing the best professionals. These professionals ensure that the requirements, grants, funding and resources are accurate and updated. The most successful organizations remain active for years and are prominent community staples.

In addition, the community serves as the most vital part of the human services field. The community setting ensures that individuals are able to access the resources which are provided. The community also helps with the evolution of many organizations because change is ever-growing. Thus, consistent changes help grow and empower community members as well as all established organizations.

In brief, the human services field will continue to grow as there are endless people in need of services.

Currently, as the world copes with a history shaking pandemic, the need for essentials such as food, shelter, clean water and healthcare are keeping human services organizations open and operating at high capacity levels.

[urbancitygirltales]

10 basic things to do at home during Quarantine

Hey loves!!! How are you doing with being at home?? Are you going crazy?? Are you being active?? Bored yet?? Well, it’s been a crazy time for many people. We are all trying to #stayhome while attempting to remain sane. As for myself, I am the true definition of a basic bunny. I do my best to keep life very simple.These following 10 things have kept my family busy during this time.  Take a look at my list!!!

OPEN A BOOK. Catch up on all those books which are hanging around the house. If you have kids, read with your children.

CATCH MORE Z’S. Getting the right amount of sleep is healthy. You actually burn calories while you sleep so get some extra pillow time.

STREAM A NEW SERIES. This is the perfect time to make a TV list and check it twice. While we work, we rarely have time to really relax and watch TV. Use this time to watch TV shows which you would rarely have time to see. There are tones of options such as Disney Plus, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime and Apple-TV.

FIRE UP THE STOVE. Like most people, I do not enjoy nor have time to cook. Yet, here we are, all finding ourselves at home with no choice. So cook and make it fun. Try new recipes or master old ones.

CONNECT, OFF OF SOCIAL MEDIA. We have so many ways to remain connected that he rarely call each other nowadays. However, this is the perfect time to reach out to family and friends. Calling someone by phone or face-time is a great way to connect. It also can be time consuming when you’re speaking with someone that you haven’t spoken to in awhile. 

HAVE A DANCE PARTY. Have a dance party. Its a great way to get the body moving and if you have kids, they’ll love dancing around the house.

PLAY GAMES. Playing games is a great stress reliever. It puts the mind at ease. It can be family focused or play games alone. You’ll love it. 

TRY SELF-CARE. Oh yeah baby! Every shop is closed. So, you’ll have to self groom. Its time to remember how to care for yourself. 

MOVIE NIGHTS & SNACKS. No. it’s not the same as binge watching TV shows. Movies are different. Perhaps you’d like to re-watch the Harry Potter saga, because DUH, it’s the golden standard of magical movies. 

GET SOME FRESH AIR. Practice social distancing. This means taking precautions. However, a walk around the neighborhood, safely, or sitting on the porch, will do wonders for your mental health. 

[urbancitygirltales]

#Repost #positivevibes #love #peace #happiness #quotes #urbancitygirl #good https://www.instagram.com/p/B_Zc_-CFhkF/?igshid=fou010p9s4mf

[urbancitygirltales]

#urban #city #girl #tales #goodvibes #newblog #writer https://www.instagram.com/p/B95cQLYl777/?igshid=y4rf9efzcnii

[urbancitygirltales]

intentional living

How did we get here??

There was once a time when I thrived in everyday life. It seemed as if, I utterly smiled from the core of my belly and lived life to the fullest. I’d actually say that it was during my mid-20’s. I mean, those were the great days when the worries of the world didn’t matter. No one mentioned 401k, credit scores, growing debt, exercise or healthy eating. Back then, it was all about going out, working two or three jobs, spending tons of money, hookups and vacations.

I mean, just WOW.

So, I’m always trying to remember when things starting taking a turn in my life. When was the moment when my jeans stop fitting, I started wearing flats, stress began to form in my brain or when was the moment that I realized that I could’ve paid off debt with all that money which I threw away in my 20’s!

When?!

Well, I have yet to recall that exact moment nor time-frame. All that I know for sure is that life is full of endless decisions. Decisions that shape us and we have no real control over it. It’s not easy to make choices but the hope is that, each choice brings us closer to a happiness that is everlasting.

My new advice to myself is to “live life without apologies.” To me, it’s the best way to regain all things good and to keep all intentions pure. Remember that we are all going through things. Sometimes when a friend or family member disappears, it’s because they are attempting to work strictly on themselves. There’s a beautiful in, self resilience.

[urbancitygirltales]

A work in process, it’s never too late. #goodvibes #differentlook https://www.instagram.com/p/B1UyaQxlUO-s9kkTNDNNtBvfjYpdowJfqwUI0o0/?igshid=ohhvo59c2kjs

[urbancitygirltales]

#love #shakespeare https://www.instagram.com/theurbancitygirl/p/BuXa5_6n2Wp/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=shwinmva4737

[urbancitygirltales]

#breakthrough #dontsettle #life #love #laugh #learn #goodvibes #selfcare #blogger #focused #quotes #writer #bepositive #thankful https://www.instagram.com/theurbancitygirl/p/BvPyL8UH4z2/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1e4w5yyhv96u4

[urbancitygirltales]

#goodvibes #mondaymotivation #love 💕 https://www.instagram.com/p/BumSIVqn-v2zWCxCFdFJYOsTj0QMWzC-38JVKA0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1qamq50ihhw5a

[urbancitygirltales]

There is nothing wrong with no longer speaking to certain people. It’s not intentional, it’s apart of growing up. All is love.

[urbancitygirltales]

#lovethis #love #beauty #quotes #life 💕 https://www.instagram.com/p/Bqz7ZPwnh8hnug-L3LuFCS-0xfRg-GchDhpz8M0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=10cxrada07k8j

[urbancitygirltales]

#sleep #write #pray #loveallthings #freelancewriter https://www.instagram.com/p/Bqk9HQwHC0g/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=18kdeu29ny6sl

[urbancitygirltales]

school daze

This school year started off very interesting. 

My toddler and I were super excited to meet our new friends, parents, teachers and staff. We created a calendar and started the kindergarten countdown. Well, the first week was a nightmare. No one warned me that the CAR POOL line tends to start off rather slow. Thus, I’d suggest that other parents, brace themselves and aim for obtaining the patience of Job.  Next are the meetings, announcements, homework, websites, dress codes and apps. I literally gave up my second job in order to organize my new kindergarten parent life. 

As a single parent, I’ve always felt blessed to have a healthy child. My support system is filled with family and friends but as the parent of a school aged child, I really now understand the difference. Managing messages from the teachers via an app, utilizing the school website, school days off, scheduling parent conferences, joining the PTA and coping with freaking BULLYING is no joke. Also, I won’t even mention that activities outside of school. Let’s just say that Momma Bear is a very busy bee.

However, all is all, being a parent is the toughest most fulfilling role ever tasked. It is indeed a thankless joy which provides lifelong education. Having a school aged child embodies what it means to be a part of a community. Although having ACTIVE SHOOTER drills, saddens me, it proves that we all are connected for a greater purpose. Surviving kindergarten requires positive communication with school officials, volunteering your time, at home education, structure and a lot of love.

[urbancitygirltales]

10 elements of active listening

Listen.

Actively engage.

Be reflective.

Repeat, the topic.

Display empathy.

Ask questions.

Answer questions.

Allow silence.

Remain on topic.

Wrap it up by reflecting.