What do you look forward to after work?

Actually, I love early mornings. My youngest son, Keneith, who’s 16, isn’t up yet, and I can just appreciate the fact that I’ve been given another day to enjoy. I’m up at 3:30 a.m., walk my Great Dane named Zena Mae, then head to the gym for a 75-minute workout. I listen to some Gospel music, and some preaching, and my day is off to a good start!

When I get home, I feed Zena Mae — she is very finicky and has to have pureed pumpkin or sardines in her food — and make breakfast for Keneith. Lately he’s been wanting to go to the gym too, so after work I go with him to help out. I work out then too, just not as hard as I do in the morning.

That sounds wonderful and very structured. Anything to just relax?

Well, I love to drive, and Keneith is just starting to, so on the weekends we’ll go driving so he can get some experience. We go wherever the wind takes us. We take turns driving, and we’ll go to the beach, to Fayetteville, sometimes Raleigh, and we always have a good time. It’s a great place to talk, so I can see how things are going at school, make sure he’s reaching out to his dad, and we talk about college. He’s interested in broadcasting.

And just for me? Girls’ trips! The last one was in Myrtle Beach with two of my closest friends, and we’re planning another one soon. Good, clean fun!

It sounds like your focus is your family

Yes, my parents are here, that’s the main reason why I moved back from California. My oldest son, Kaleb, who’s 20, recently joined the Army, and just got orders to go to South Korea. I’m so proud
of him. I make it a point to be available to my brothers and their wives, whom I adore, and especially my nieces. Whenever they have an issue, I try to help, and I really enjoy it when they stay with me. I love taking care of people and helping them navigate life.