Truth Not Tea | What Went Down in The Month of July 2024

July 2024 was a hella tough month. But as I sit here chillin', I'm grateful for making it through and coming out stronger on the other side. Money-wise, it was a real struggle. 

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I managed to keep my head above water. Paid all my bills and rent on time. I even managed to put food on the table for me and my two kids despite the budget being tighter than a pair of jeans most ladies jump to get into.

So, one of the biggest things I've done lately is make sure Eli, my son, is all set for the new school year. It was challenging. As much as I wanted to place Alina, my daughter, in headstart, I had to rethink it, because of transportation issues and not having a car. 

I managed to buy Eli school uniforms, get him all the school supplies he needed, and even take him to get a haircut. For Alina, I revamped her clothing and hair accessories as well as shoes all while working around the budget I had. It feels like a weight off my shoulders knowing Eli will be all ready to go when school starts on August 8th and Alina will be fly seeing him off as well.

So, my little princess, who's gonna turn three on August 5th, has been going on and on about this one toy she wants. I had to make sure I got it for her birthday. I'm also planning on whipping up some cupcakes and singing "Happy Birthday" to her during my lunch break since I work from home. Seeing that big smile on her face and knowing she feels loved and special is totally worth all the sacrifices. A time will be had!

My ex-husband is super cold and immature towards co-parenting. These days I laugh it off to keep from crying. He hasn't done anything to help with Eli's new school year. When Eli asked if his dad would get him new shoes? I had to be honest.

I looked at him deep in his eyes and said, "If he ever shows his face around here again, ask him. He knows you're starting school soon and hasn't done anything about it." 

When Eli asked why his dad didn't get him anything, I said, "When someone cares, they show it." 

I'm not the kind of mom who sugarcoats the truth. My son was so disappointed when his dad didn't show up this past weekend. Again! Eli was so excited to go shoe shopping with him. I tried to reach out to his dad because I felt bad for Eli, but he didn't respond and blocked me. 

So, this month, what happened? Their dad decided to skip out on paying child support. Talk about taking a lick to my savings! With money already tight, I had to go over my credit limit to ensure my kids had everything they needed. I am going to bounce back from all of this. Believe me.  It's been a rough month, full of sacrifices, but every single one is worth it for my kids. They're my reason for keeping going, two of my sources of strength, and they give me motivation to never settle.

So, I've been busy making  YouTube videos this month. I decided to focus my channel back on hair care because I did not want my personal life to be all over the place. Less is more, right? People who watch me on YouTube probably already know that my ex-husband is still bitter and trying to control my life.

 And let me tell you, it's not easy being a single woman trying to make it in this economy. I've been doing it all by myself. I've been going to bed really early these days, no late nights for me. And as for my love life, it's nonexistent. I've been focusing on going back to school, building my confidence, and strengthening my relationship with God. That's what's been keeping me going.

Although money's been tight lately, I can't help but feel grateful for the strength and determination that's gotten me through July. Those challenges have only made me tougher. I'm ready to face whatever comes my way next. My kids mean more than words to me. Their happiness and well-being will always be my number one priority. Here's to making it through another tough month and continuing to thrive, no matter what life throws at me.