OcalaMom.com

Welcome to Ocala's newest forum for moms. I'm your host, Carole. I'm a full-time working mom to two sons, Scott and Cary, who are pretty much opposites in everything! I also have a part-time public relations, writing and research practice. I spent the last nine years at home watching my little babies grow into toddlers and now elementary school students. They are active in sports (we can talk more in the sports forum!) and Scouts and we travel a bit, especially with their grandfather who is also my fabulous father. I work at CLM Workforce Connection/One Stop as the Disability Navigator and also the volunteer coordinator for one of our training grants. As part of my own business, I write for the Star Banner (Giving Scene and the Datytrip in Sunday's Arts and Travel section) and some other local and regional clients. I'm a proud Florida native and graduate of the University of Florida College of Journalism and a third-generation Gator! I've been involved in public relations and writing for more than 20 years. I love to eat out with my girlfriends and take small trips with them. But mostly as a single mom I take the boys to all of their baseball and soccer practices and games, assist them with their music and homework, take them to Scout meetings and work on those projects, meet others for playdates and spend the vast majority of my "spare time" with them. I know you moms know what I'm talking about! In the last 10 years, I've been fortunate to meet some wonderful moms in this area, and having not had a baby until I was 34, it has been interesting to see generational differences and commonalities. I'm looking forward to hearing a variety of opinions, thoughts and stories. So feel free to jump in anytime in our forums and let's talk!
OcalaMom to Mom,
Carole

I wonder if our families ever crossed paths at UF during some generation?
I'm a 4th generation Gator grad and 6th generation Floridian. A rare thing it seems.

Hey Carole,
I'm a single mom of three. My oldest is in IL. graduated from college not to long ago and now has a great job. My middle child is a senior here in FL., and my youngest is in sixth grade here in FL. I am currently unemployed and have been since returning to FL. from IL. last April after dealing with my Father's passing and handeling the estate. I am having a really hard time finding work. I noted that you work at the workforce conn. Is there anything available out there? I'm really begining to struggle to make ends meet. Can you help?

It's really tough out there right now, and being unemployed is so difficult. You can come into our One Stop office on NE 14th St. in Ocala and get registered if you haven't already. We get new leads generated each day and we have some staff who can talk with you and try to help. Or you can call 732-1700 and leave a message and one of our staff members will call you back. Where have you been looking? What are you interested in?

No, I have never registered there. I will try that next week. Thank you. Mostly I have been looking in the medical field. As, I previously worked at a company for 11 years in IL. taking care of DD adults, and I have also taken a class for Pharmacy Tech. and have worked a bit doing that also. Most recently I have taken a CNA prep class and I am waiting to get an exam date. I will do any kind of general clerical, cashier, pharmacy, or general medical/receptionist type work. Do you know of anything off the top of your head? When I go into the office do I just talk to anyone or should I ask for someone in specific? I really need something soon. I can't make ends meet for much longer without a regular steady income. I'm sure you can understand that.

Hi, Carole! This site is so much fun and and I LOVE that you are a part of it!!! I can't wait to read your posts and learn so much from my slightly older, but OH SO MUCH WISER, friend!!! I'll keep checking in to see if you get any new forums going... I'll love to offer my "two cents"!!!!