Life with EssieB

Almost There! Celebrating Progress, Jamaica Reset, and Spring Break Plans

Stepping into Spring with Milestones, Jamaica Vibes, and Birthday Cheers!

Hey everyone! Things have been feeling particularly vibrant lately, and I wanted to share a little life update from my corner of the DMV. Spring is officially here, bringing with it a sense of renewal and a few exciting milestones on the horizon!

First off, I’m absolutely thrilled to share that I’m so incredibly close to hitting my first significant weight loss goal! It’s been a journey of intentional effort, as well as getting my health together in many, and seeing the progress has been incredibly motivating. I am not ashamed to say I am using a medication to help in my weight loss and it has been so instrumental in my progress so far. The recent increase in my Zepbound or compound tirzepatide (depending on when I take it) dosage seems to be settling in well, and I’m feeling really good overall. This whole process has really kickstarted a deeper commitment to my health, and I’ve become a bit of a data geek, diligently tracking all sorts of metrics on my phone through various apps. It’s empowering to see the numbers reflect the positive changes I’m making.

Speaking of feeling good, I recently had the immense pleasure of escaping for a second international trip in my life, taken this year – a much-needed reset in beautiful Jamaica. The sunshine, the vibrant culture, and the sheer relaxation were exactly what I needed to recharge my batteries. It’s amazing what a little time away can do for the mind and spirit, and I’m feeling refreshed and ready to tackle what’s next.

And what’s next? Well, for all my fellow DCPS parents out there, you know spring break is just around the corner! While my work schedule means I won’t be taking a full week off, I’m definitely carving out some precious time to spend with my youngest boys. We’re planning a fun day (or at least a glorious half-day) exploring some of the many kid-friendly gems right here in the DC area. Stay tuned for potential adventures!

On a slightly less glamorous but equally important note, my quest for new walking shoes continues! I’ve been putting it off (oops!), but my knees are definitely reminding me that it’s time. My loyalty lies firmly with Brooks – as a plus-sized woman with, shall we say, substantial legs and thighs, the stability and support they offer are non-negotiable for keeping my knees happy. While I sometimes wish they came in a wider array of colors, function absolutely trumps fashion when it comes to comfortable and supportive footwear. If any of you have favorite Brooks models for stability, especially for us curvier folks, I’m all ears for recommendations!

In other exciting news, I’ve been diving headfirst into the fascinating world of AI prompt generation for imaging. It’s like unlocking a whole new level of creative expression, and I’m really enjoying honing this skill. Who knows, maybe you’ll start seeing some of my AI-generated artwork popping up here on the blog in the future!

Finally, and this is a big one – by the time this post goes live, we will have officially celebrated a major milestone in our family! My oldest son will have turned 19 years old on April 22nd! It feels like just yesterday I was navigating those early years of motherhood here in the DMV, and now he’s on the cusp of adulthood. It’s a bittersweet but incredibly proud moment for me. Happy early (or belated, depending on when you’re reading this!), birthday to my amazing young man!

My son’s room decorated, courtesy of his girl bf

Life here in my corner of DC is a beautiful blend of progress, relaxation, family, and new discoveries. Thanks for being a part of the journey with me. What are you looking forward to this spring? Let me know in the comments below!

Warmly,

AI generated drawing of a black mom and her three boys

Hello World, From My Corner of the DMV! Welcome to LifeWithEssieB!

Posted on April 15 by EssieB

*AI photo created using Leonardo Phoenix 1.0*

Hey everyone! If you’ve stumbled upon this little corner of the internet, welcome! I’m EssieB, and I’m so excited to finally be embarking on this blogging journey with you all through “LifeWithEssieB.” For those who don’t know me yet, I’m a proud 3^rd generation native of Washington, D.C., a city that’s as much a part of my identity as the air I breathe.

While my roots are firmly planted in the vibrant soil of the District, a significant chapter of my childhood unfolded just across the border in Southern Prince George’s County, right on that familiar DC line. Growing up there was like having the best of both worlds – the close-knit community feel of the county, with the ever-present pulse and energy of the nation’s capital just a stone’s throw away. Those early years shaped my perspective in countless ways, offering a unique lens through which I’ve always viewed the DMV and its wonderful, sometimes quirky, blend of cultures and experiences.

Fast-forward a few years (okay, maybe a few more than a few!), and my life is now wonderfully full, primarily thanks to the three incredible young men I’m raising right here in Southeast DC. Being a mom to boys in the city is an adventure in itself, a constant balancing act of school events, weekend explorations, and navigating the unique rhythm of urban family life. Like many of you, I also navigate the world of co-parenting, a journey that has taught me so much about communication, compromise, and putting my children first. My family is my heart, and you’ll definitely be hearing stories and insights about our life here in the District.

Beyond the joys and occasional chaos of motherhood, I also navigate the dynamic world of DC real estate. Helping folks find their little piece of this amazing city, especially guiding first-time buyers through what can often feel like a daunting process, is a real passion of mine. There’s something truly special about helping someone find their home in the place I’ve always called mine.

So, why “LifeWithEssieB”? Well, for years, I’ve felt a pull to share my experiences and perspectives. As a Black woman who’s lived and worked in DC my entire life, I feel there’s a unique story to tell – one that goes beyond the political headlines and stereotypical portrayals. I want to share the everyday realities, the triumphs, and the challenges of navigating life in this incredible city through my own lens.

This blog is also a space for my personal journey of growth. For those who know me, you know I’m always striving to be a better version of myself. That includes my ongoing weight loss journey, a path filled with ups and downs, motivation and moments of struggle, but ultimately one of progress and self-discovery. More recently, I’ve also come to understand myself better through a late diagnosis of ADHD. This revelation has been a significant turning point, offering clarity and new strategies for navigating daily life, from managing tasks to focusing on my online studies as I pursue my aspirations in law. I’ll be sharing some of my experiences and what I’m learning along the way, hoping it might resonate with others on similar paths.

So, what can you expect from “LifeWithEssieB”? Think of this as your go-to space for a real, honest, and often humorous look at:

DC Life: From local hidden gems in SE DC to navigating the city with kids, exploring cultural events, and understanding the unique pulse of our nation’s capital from a native’s perspective.
Motherhood: The joys, the challenges, the messy realities, and the heartwarming moments of raising boys in an urban environment, as well as my experiences with co-parenting.
Real Estate: Insider tips and advice on buying and selling homes in the DC market, neighborhood spotlights (with a special focus on SE DC), and demystifying the process for first-time buyers.
Personal Growth: My ongoing journey with weight loss, navigating life with ADHD, self-care strategies that actually work, and reflections on personal development.
My Perspective as a Black Woman in DC: Sharing my experiences, celebrating the richness of our culture, and offering my thoughts on the world around me.

Ultimately, I hope “LifeWithEssieB” becomes a community – a place where we can connect, share our experiences, learn from each other, and maybe even have a few laughs along the way. I’m excited to embark on this journey and share my life, my city, and my experiences with you all.

What are you most curious to hear about first? Let me know in the comments below! I’m looking forward to connecting with you.

Warmly,

To Future Me at 50: A Decade of Purpose, Lessons, and Resilience

Posted on April 13 by EssieB

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

To my future self, the woman who has reached the milestone of 50 in (what will be) 2035:

As I sit here in the spring of 2025, 40-year-old navigating the beautiful chaos of life in Southeast DC and DC in general; juggling motherhood to three incredible young men in training; the pursuit of my education with dreams of law school, and the ever-present hum of neurodiversity, I look ahead to you with a sense of hopeful anticipation.

I see us, future me, walking even more deeply into our purpose. The seeds of that purpose, nurtured through late nights studying after the kids are asleep, fueled by a desire for justice and understanding cultivated in my liberal arts journey, will have blossomed. Perhaps you are indeed an attorney, advocating for others with the tenacity I know you possess. Or maybe your path has taken an unexpected, yet equally fulfilling turn, still guided by that inner compass pointing towards meaningful contribution. Your past experience as a small business owner/notary public – a testament to your responsibility and attention to detail – will have undoubtedly informed your professional journey in valuable ways.

I see us leaning even more profoundly into the hard-won lessons of our 20s and 30s. Those years of navigating divorce, raising my children, and the constant balancing act of personal aspirations and familial responsibilities will have forged an inner strength and wisdom that guides your decisions. Even these current 40s, with their own unique set of challenges – perhaps the ongoing management of my ADHD and other conditions, the evolving dynamics of raising teenagers, and the personal weight loss journey – hold lessons yet to be fully understood. But I have faith that you, future me, will have met those challenges head-on, learned from them, and owned those lessons with the same resilience that has carried us this far.

This next decade, the one leading to you, feels pregnant with possibility. I envision significant accomplishments – perhaps academic milestones achieved, professional goals realized, and personal growth that continues to surprise and delight us. The drive that led me back to school, the ambition to pursue a challenging career change, the unwavering love for our sons – these forces will propel us forward.

And through it all, the underlying truth remains: no matter what joys or hardships this next decade brings, good or bad, we will survive it, the Lord willing. We are survivors. We are mothers. We are learners. We are resilient. The spirit that allowed me to navigate the complexities of life in my 30s, that fuels my current endeavors, will undoubtedly continue to sustain us. You, future me at 50, are a testament to that enduring strength.

I look forward to meeting you in the years to come, eager to witness the woman we have become.