Hello there! I'm Laura Tapia.
I don't know if the word "handy-man" would be the first moniker my friends and family would use to describe me, however, let me offer a short list of repair-qualifications that I do have under my belt. Number one, I was frequently called to set up my late 97 year-old grandpa's Smart TV on more than one occasion. Number two, I independently assembled my favorite Target bookcase FROM THE BOX last summer. And thirdly in this stellar list of fix-it qualifications is the fact that my spouse and I installed hardwood floors in our last home. Granted, I followed directions more than gave them, but I can honestly say I made an indelible mark on that project. Read into that what you will.
In my free time I enjoy ultrarunning, reading, writing, and hanging with my family. I have run three 50K races and have an annual endurance run I complete every March in Decatur, Al where we run a one mile loop through a park and complete as many rounds as possible in twelve hours. I find this fun though many disagree, ha.
I suppose that professionally I am most proud of being published. My book is called Muscle Shoals and it was a labor of love.
I am currently finishing up my master's degree in Education at the University of North Alabama and have been a middle school English teacher for twelve years. I plan to continue working in education and freelance writing.
I look forward to sharing my fix it project. It is a practical issue I face regularly so maybe this repair strategy will help someone else who just wants to start their day in peace. The problem is that I have a screened in porch where I love to have coffee with my puppy in the mornings, but after intense storms or windy days the screens can come lose. Now, I like to begin my days with a little relaxation, meditation, and coffee (aka medication). Sitting down with my steaming cup and noticing screens flapping in the breeze has the opposite effect. A nails down a chalkboard effect. So my fixit solution for peaceful mornings and orderly back porch views is how to snick those screens back into place.
