Friday, January 30, 2009

Holey Dreads!

Ok, I'm not gonna panic! I'm just seeing things right? Nope, it's real. I'll let my loctician know what's going on and give an update later on the resolution. Some of my locs are bumpy, I see these holes in some and some have Y shaped bases (not pictured). This can't be good. I'm just hoping no do-overs. These little whipper snappers took 19hrs of my life to be installed.


Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Self Talk

I started this blog because it's therapeutic. A New Start, A New Me. I wanted a change in my life and so I have to be that change. It starts with me. What happens when I become stressed, excited, angry, happy? I write about it. No I'm not the best writer and probably my grammar teacher would just faint if she knew how I was writing today. Still, it best to just get it out and so I write........



I had to release. Tears came flowing from my eyes. My emotions running crazy. How long will this last? I thought to myself. I work two jobs. I go to school 24 hrs a week. I miss my kids terribly. I'm frustrated. I'm tired. I'm mad. But then I think, I'm bigger than this. I'm stronger than this and if it's becoming overwhelming, then maybe I'm carrying too much of the weight. How about I shift a lot more of the load over to Lord. He won't mind.
Sometimes I feel alone. I feel like I'm by myself, trying to make a better future for me and my daughters. Then I open my eyes wider and say 'Hey girl, what's this I hear? You're not trying to give up are you? What are the consequences of giving up now? All that you put in and went through thus far, was it in vain? Were you just foolin' around and waisting time or do you have something to accomplish? I'm just wondering. Because the woman I know is not a quitter! The woman I know is a straight up warrior! Ah Ha! Where's your armor Warrior Princess? Are you wearing your helmet of salvation? Protect yourself with the shield of faith. And by any means necessary do not lay down your sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. What's that you say? You are busy! Too busy to prepare for battle? Well that's the kind of thinking that has actually started this so call release anyway. Rethink the way you are going about this. Get in touch with the One whose really in control. Put on your armour and stop roaming around unprotected like your adversary is not lurking around seeking whom he may devour. This war is not over. FIGHT! There's a victory waiting to be won.




After that. I needed a hug.



Now I'm motivated again. I'm ready! CHARGE!

Thanks self. I needed that.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

History Was Made- The Inauguration of President Obama

I'm hung over by the adrenaline rush of excitement! My boss actually was there in D.C. yesterday. How jealous am I? How exciting it must have been to be there to see with your very own eyes history in the making. Wow! It was reported to have been 1 to 2 million people there to witness our 44th president of African descent take his oath and watch the exchange of power take place. I was thrilled! At home, glued to my t.v. I wished I could have found a newspaper or magazine to scrapbook the memory on yesterday. Truly, I will never forget it. Nonetheless, change is here. Obama Style.


Friday, January 16, 2009

During tough times, You need family

Having a circle of people that really love you and care for you is so important nowadays. Times are hard and life can be down right depressing. You need those people that are family & friends that encourage you to hold on, hang tuff, and keep your faith in the Lord. I heard on the radio this morning that some 20,000 out of 100,000 people are suffering from depression to the point of a suicide attempt. Out of that 20,000, 11,000 actually succeed. My numbers maybe a little off, but the fact is that it's happening. What's even more astounding is that the suicide numbers are on the rise for young people (late teens into the twenties). So with that in mind, I said to myself that I would let my loved ones know that I do indeed love them. If there's anything that I'm able to do for them then I will. Even if it's just to lend an ear at 3am in the morning. I would do that. As for myself, I will keep looking to God and keep my faith in Him and build on it. Depression is a very serious condition and often times goes un-noticed. There's a lot of people suffering right in the workplace that come to work everyday and even offer up smiles and laughter. But deep inside they are hurting because they feel hopeless.
I have a lot to be thankful for and I know it. My life, because everyday the Lord sends I'm given a NEW opportunity to make it better. My children, I have 3 beautiful daughters. One who is 8yrs old today! That's my baby girl. She is the youngest. I truly love all of my children. My family, They don't see me often, but if they don't hear from me they turn into private investigators. I'm thankful of that. And my friends, dear friends. The ones that will send the message 'Hello! Can we hang out at some time in this century. We are friends, in case you didn't know.' Ah, yes friends. :-)

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

F.r.i.e.n.d.s group-Females with renewed incredible endurance, and never ending devotion & strength.
One sunday afternoon.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

OMG, What have I done?!












Oh. My. Goodness. What did I do.

So, I was gonna cut my hair. Only to the natural. You know, to get rid of the relaxed ends. Well, I started and then chickened out! So now what? I have a tapered look I s'pose. I'm trying to disguise it. Can't wait until the summer. I think that's when I'll appreciate my "tapered" side a little more. Oh well, moving on.
Here's my disguise. Can you tell? Maybe a little? Oh, well. It'll grow back. I hope.

Monday, January 12, 2009

1 month loc down









It has been 5 weeks since my hair has been locked! These are pictures my first retightening. The locks in the top portion is where you see the new growth. Below is where it has been retightened.





This is a pic of how much relaxed hair I still have. What's above my fingers and maybe even an inch below that is relaxed hair. I'm waiting for growth before I cut them off. I'm not mentally ready for 1 to 2 inches of hair all over my head. I just have to be patient.

Some new do's







1. flipped
2. flipped
3. braid out free style
4. braid out- tapered




What a weekend!

Oh man was it a tuff weekend. Between working multiple jobs and going to school, I had my behind handed to me on a plate. But I made it! I just have to tweek my time and scheduling a little better so I will not burn out. Some of my family members and friends wonder why do I put myself through so much? They are concern that maybe I've taken on a bit more than I can handle. I won't lie and say that it doesn't bother me when I here such comments or questions like, 'Why are you working so hard? or 'It doesn't make any sense that someone is as busy as you are. What about the girls (my daugthers)? Have you seen them or talked to them?. I absolutely hate being critiqued, even if it's constructive. That's why I strive to do everything perfectly and even that is a flaw with in itself. I mean, how do you tell a perfectionist that no one is perfect? Despite of hearing some of these things from loved ones, no one is as hard on me than me. Go figure. While I was completely exhausted this weekend and as I thought about all the things that have been said to me, I thought to myself;
"For your dreams, goals, or aspirations no one will ever work harder than you. No one will work as half as hard as you. They will have excuses as to why they can't do or why they can't push, because after all it's your dream or goal. So don't get upset or angry when they don't understand your drive. Don't be dis-hearten when they seem as though they'll never give you the encouragement and support that your thirst for. They don't have your passion at heart. After all, it's your aspirations and desires that you're working towards. Continue to love them, but keep your eyes on you destination. The journey to your accomplishments is temporary, if you don't loose focus. Take no detours nor deviate from your plans. You have an appointment to keep. Look out for pot holes. Many folks want a nice and comfy life, but most won't do what it takes to get there. Those same folks will want to reap your benefits."

Friday, January 9, 2009

Bargain Hunters

I work with this beautiful lady who seems to NEVER pay full price for anything. She dresses in the nicest chic clothes and always have fashionable accessories. I mean seriously how does she do that? I not talking a measly 5 or 10% off. I'm talking a shirt originally price at $60 and she brings it home for ridiculous price of 15 or 20 bucks! Where is she finding coupons? How does she stay informed about the sales? I need all the help I can get. Tuition and rent is a deadly combination. A force to be reckoned with.

19 hours you say?

Yep. 19 hours! In one day! NEVER will I have to go through that again! The main reason I did not care for microbraids is because of the time it took to put in and to take down for that matter.
Don't mistake me however, I'm so excited that I have my locs and anticipate my hair journey as they mature.

I started with relaxed ends and about 2 inches of new growth in the back and about an inch in the front.

This actually was the first row installed. This is all natural hair. It's rather soft and more wavy than kinky at my nape.
Yes, I was probably asleep.

It looked and felt like thousands of little locs to me.
And the results of my Bantu knots