This past week (Monday – Friday) I went to Minnesota to see a friend. He was flying in from Maine as I was flying in from Missouri. Our landing times were about 30 min apart with him landing before me. When I arrived, I texted him as I walked to baggage claim where we were meeting. We messaged back and forth for a minute before realizing we were at opposite ends of the airport in two different terminals. Neither of us thought to look it up beforehand and I waited another 15 minutes for him to hop on the light rail and come to me.

Once we met up, we walked back to the light rail and took it to the Mall of America. We met up with his brother and his wife and their two daughters that evening.

Since I was only there for a short time I really wanted to make the most of it and have some quality time just the two of us. Saying this, he and I went to the Como Zoo and Valleyfair alone and by the end of the days my stomach hurt so bad from laughing.

We also enjoyed family time at Taylor’s falls and Bowlero. I know he was happy to see his family and I enjoyed meeting them too.

It was an amazing trip and I wish it didn’t have to end so soon. Fingers crossed he and I will see each other again soon. The distance between us will make keeping in touch a bit more challenging, but not impossible.

I believe it will work out.

Toujours,
Tara

This afternoon I will be heading to the airport to board a plane to Minnesota. This trip has been planned for about a month and thought about for four years (not necessarily MN but the trip in general).

I am going to meet a friend who I have been in contact with since 2015 and the time has come to finally meet in person! I checked my calendar, found a good time that doesn’t conflict with school or work, and booked my flight. I will be there for five days enjoying the lake, zoo, and friendly company.

I am so excited and cannot believe this is happening after years of wishing on stars. (yes, I do that). I created a travel fund and will use it to see the world…starting with America I guess.

“Travel is never a matter of money but of courage” – Paulo Coelho

Toujours,
Tara

Last Thursday was my final exam for my Technical Support class; it was a two-part exam. The first part was the online “written” test which was multiple choice and the other half was a skills-based part which was taking apart a computer, putting it back together, and making sure it turned on properly.

A few weeks before the final exam, the teacher said he didn’t think anyone would get above 50% on the whole exam so he would double the scores up to 100%. I took that as a challenge and studied my butt off for hours and hours every day. Since the exam was taken exactly from the online practice tests I was studying, I knew all the right answers and I was determined to prove my smarts.

Going into the exam I was slightly nervous, but I believed in myself and I knew other people did too. It took me about 28 minutes (out of 75 minutes) to complete the exam and triple check my answers.

Once the test was submitted, the grades automatically appeared. When I saw my grade I was so excited and proud of myself, I got an 84% without the extra boost. (I blame my testing anxiety for not getting 100% in the first place but 84% is still good)
After everyone was finished with the online test we all began the skills-based part. I got 100% on that!

Fast forward a few days when all the scores were added up, I GOT A 100% IN THE WHOLE CLASS!

I knew I could do it and I am so proud of myself! I now have to schedule my actual A+ exam so I can get the real certificate and move on to a “big kid” job.

Toujours,
Tara