ok that makes sense I should have thought of that. But then do what? Should I just delete that? Do I want the git repo/.git file in each project folder instead?

Deleting that .git folder solved the problem! I have a .git folder in each project that has a git repo so it is starting to make sense. I don't know how that .git folder got there. must have been a goof of mine. Oh thank you both so much. I was really getting discouraged by this. I think I can finally go back to making progress and I've learned a good bit by this roadblock. I really appreciate it.