Back to School.

Yesterday I took a big leap of faith that was a long time coming. I enrolled in the cosmetology program at Empire Beauty School. I think last September was when I first seriously thought about it. In the months following, I did research, talked to friends in the industry, researched the three major schools in the Madison area, researched more, called a lot of people, and prayed and prayed and prayed and fasted about it.

Each time I prayed, I had the same peaceful feeling about it. And then I'd think about my girls and what I would do with them, and fear would take over. This week I spoke more intimately with the major schools in the area. After the first two, I still knew that this is something that I need to do, but the girls were holding me back. Reluctantly, I called Empire, the last school on my list. The first question I asked was if they offered night classes. I almost peed my pants when he mentioned they did. The rest of the conversation went amazing and I was eager to meet with him. I had already scheduled tours of the other two schools. When I had asked them about bringing the girls with me in case I couldn't find a babysitter, they responded negatively. However, when I asked Jason, the admissions director, about it, he was so excited to meet them and asked me to not even think about finding a babysitter. So the school seemed perfect before I even went in.

Yesterday Ross picked the girls and me up while he was driving between offices so that I could have the car. The school is only 3 minutes away from his office. We had a little over an hour until our appointment, so we went to McDonalds for a quick bite and to let Claire get some energy out. (Ok I'm embarrassed about how many times we've been to McDonalds, but more on that later.)

We got to the school, girls loaded in the stroller with the proper distractions. (iPad, fruit snacks, and my phone.) And went in. I immediately noticed that the students on the salon floor were always busy. No one was just standing around. If they weren't working on a  client, they were working on their mannequins. They had a few people waiting in the lobby, and everyone was so kind and friendly. They even had a few regulars that the students and staff knew by name. I filled out a little paper work and then headed back to meet with Jason and learn what I could about the program.

I could write you a novel out of excitement, but I don't want to bore anyone. I'll be in class Monday-Thursday 5:45-9:454 and Saturday from 9-1. So 20 hours a week. I love that the girls will always be with either Ross or me. And I'm grateful for his support in letting me do this. I wanted the whole package deal. I want to learn hair textures, coloring, cutting, styling, nails, artificial nails, skin, facials, make up, waxing, the business side, and the science side. I wanted the WORKS. I wanted to compete in shows, and have extended education opportunities. And this program had it all. I got to look into a classroom and watch for a while. I'm sure it'll be hard, being a mom is hard enough, but it also looked like fun.

And now for the icing on the cake.  The extended education opportunities. Nick Arrojo is a partner of Empire. (If you don't know him by name, a while back he was the hair stylist on What Not to Wear. When Jason and I were going through the book, his picture came up and Jason said, "This is Nick, we'll talk about him later..." And I freaked out. I'm pretty sure I blurted, "I know Nick! Tell me now!!" So he teaches and does workshops for Empire students. And I get to go to them and meet the man himself. (I don't get to brag very often and my braggings are usually  something like, "I totally got that poop stain out of the carpet from Aoife's blow out.".

Classes start February 18th, so I still have a little time to get acclimated and explore Wisconsin a little more. I'm really excited about this though, and know it's what I need to do right now. 2013 is off to a great start!