Year Of The Lion!!!

DULL Hair.... :(

2009-10-15T17:44:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry I haven't done much updating. Although, I don't think very many people read my blog. Anywho... if anyone happens to stop by... there is absolutely NOTHING going on with my hair. Matter of fact, I've been quite disappointed with it lately. Not to mention the fact that I think my edges refuse to grow. For that reason, the small locs that have been placed in that area seem to be falling out, or hanging on by very few hairs. Any suggestions?

6 Months and Going Strong!

2009-09-01T16:37:00.001-07:00

Hello BlogWorld!

I am so excited to say that I have officially hit my 6 month mark and I'm still going strong. I actually went for a re-tightening today, and my consultant has informed me that my locs are coming along quite nicely. They've even had a small growth spurt. I'm so excited!! I really can't wait until the length and form takes full shape. Below are a few pictures from before my re-tightening today. I think I'm doing ALRIGHT! LOL.

I'll try and post again before 7 months now that I have this new camera! But I can't guarantee anything. So, see you soon. Ciao!

Coming up on 6 MONTHS!!!!!

2009-08-25T17:34:00.000-07:00

Hey Blogworld!

It has been so long since I've been on here, I was sure I would have forgotten my sign-in information. But I am so glad that I haven't! lol.

Things have been going well on my side. My hair (although I could not tell) is GROWING! I've been so focused on taking care of my life and all the ups and downs, I haven't been focused on my hair at all. I haven't styled it, haven't even touched it really. That is aside from washing every now and then. However, when I went to see my consultant for a retightening last month, I realized that it really had grown. I could clearly see that the locs were plumping up, but I had no idea that the length was increasing as well. It has inspired me to purchase things to enhance the actual ability of the locs. So, I'm going try and follow in Brunsli's footsteps and try the softspikes. Now, yes. I know they are not going to look as beautiful as hers, but I must try. :D

No pictures right now.But hopefully soon! Soon and very soon!

OMG!.... It's been 3 months! Woohoo!

2009-06-16T16:51:00.000-07:00

Hey Blogworld and SL Family!

It's been so ridiculously long since I've written a new blog. But there has really been alot going on. I am proud to say that I have reached my 3-month mark and I am still going very strong. I have been consistent with my retightenings and fortunately, I have been able to push them back to 5 or 6 weeks. My consultant has advised me that I am doing very well in my process. I've only had a few issues of slippage (mainly around my hariline), but I think overall its coming along well. She had mentioned that I was letting residue get into my locks (from makeup... I assume) and that it may have been haulting the locking process around my hairline. However, as I went back to her she informed me that I had done a great job of taken care of that issue. :-) Yay me. On another side note... I do have my own issue. My "hand-in-head" syndrome has turned into a problem. I find myself touching my hair and as I grab a lock and massageit from root to end, I'll feel a ball at the end of the lock supported by a single strand of hair (or what I believe to be that)... and I'll totally pull it off. I'm sure I'm not suppsed to be that! :-(. Here are a couple of pics that show the fuzzyness and more or less how the locks have plumped up. OH THE JOY!

Anywho... moving on... I am thrilled to announce that I have officially (more or less) finished my first year of law school! Woohoo! I am currently taking summer classes (that are quite interesting) and looking forward to the next full school year! Praise be! TTYL

Fresh Retightening!

2009-05-05T17:29:00.000-07:00

Hey SL Family!

I am happy to report that things have been relatively uneventful in the last two months. My locks are beginning to plump up and take shape, which I am all too happy about. However, I haven't been 100% focused on my hair. I am in the process of completing my first year of law school and it is sucking up all my time and energy. As I type this post I feel guilty because I'm not studying for my Contracts exam tomorrow. However, I am focused and I just wanted to take the time to chime in. I have of course been very perceptive of the locks strolling along the road and I am very happy to know that one day that'll be my destiny. I continue to get compliments and questions, and I've even encouraged others to consider Sisterlocks in their search for the perfect locks. Yay me! Anywho... I had my 2nd retightening today. It went well and my consultant happilly informed me that I am coming along strong! Below are some fuzzy pictures taken by my phone in the midst of my studying. I'll be back to update after my Civil Procedure exam next week. Wish me luck. Ciao.

I Love My Hair!!!

2009-04-06T17:33:00.000-07:00

Hello Bloggers!

Okay... I have absolutely nothing to say. I'm preoccupied with attempting to finish (successfully) my first year of law school. So, my time is limited and my focus is on things other than my hair. I have passed my first month mark, and I'm not completely impressed. I get tons of compliments... but I'm not intrigued with what my hair is displaying. However...

First Wash and One Month!!!

2009-03-23T10:14:00.001-07:00

Hey all! So, today makes my official one month anniversary. Am I excited? Not really. I guess to me it's not really a big deal. I mean, things have been more or less uneventful. The picture shown above was they day after my first wash. I think the wash went well. However, I did break the cardinal rule. lol. I did not braid and band! No... it wasn't intentional. I actually tried, but I felt like I was pulling my hair too tight. I'll ask my consultant about it tommorow when I go for my follow-up/retightening. There has not been too much growth (at least not to me), but the ends are all coiled up. So, I guess we'll see how we progress. Now... off to work. Ciao.

Two Weeks and Going Strong!

2009-03-18T13:14:00.001-07:00

Well, it's been two weeks! I'm super excited and still getting to know my sisterlocks. I haven't tried any styling or used any accessories, but I whole-heartedly love the freestlye on me. I think I'm at the point where my shrinkage will take me... and fortunately it's not completely twa length. Although in all actuality I rocked a mean twa when I was a loose natural. LOL. Well, below are a few pictures (not the best) of my hair at two weeks which was Friday the 13th. I'm definitely experiencing some major "hand-in-hair" tendencies! But... I will say that it has helped me discover the way my hair is growing and expanding. I think I even have a little new growth! Wonder what one month will have for me? Yay me. Well tell me what you think. Ciao!

Okay... I have yet to figure out how to place my pics side by side!... @ KayExquisite and KaliaDewdrop thanks for the help! This may or may not work! lol

Lock Envy....Lock Love

2009-03-11T14:18:00.000-07:00

Well, Friday will be two weeks since I've had my sisterlocks and I must say that I am very excited about that time. One... I can finally wash my hair. And believe me, I'm looking forward to that. Who wouldn't be? That is except for the guy whose hair I retighten who doesn't wash his hair ever. Yeah... I know that's kind of... well... DISGUSTING! But all of that to say, that after two weeks I'm ready to wash my hair. I'm not looking forward to braiding and banding, but I am looking forward to seeing if they plump up, or slip, or just maintain stability. I guess it's easier to say that I'm just looking forward to everything. LOL. I truly love my locks and love my hair so I'm just waiting for it to manifest into its magnificence!

As I continue to read other blogs and look at pictures of other ladies with Sisterlocks, I've been falling back into the envy stage. I just can not wait until my locks are stable locks. You know..."real" locks. (Pun intended!) I've also been looking at different individuals who have colored their gorgeous locks, and I'm wondering if I'll want to go that route. I mean I've had my hair colored one time in my entire life.

(What do you think?) But honestly, I don't think it went well. The color was absolutely fabulous. However, my hair didn't feel the same and that was just not acceptable to me. So, I'm wondering now if I'll feel the same if I color my locks (once they mature of course). After my unsuccessful coloring, I chopped my hair off and started again. I WILL NOT be doing that with my locks! I know it's early, but any thoughts and ideas?

Finally... Sisterlocks Are Here!

2009-03-02T10:56:00.000-08:00

After 12.5 hours I am an official member of the Sisterlock family. These pictures are a little rough, but as soon as I get some better pics I'll post them for all to see. Let me know what you think! I'm super excited and can't wait until they start taking form... YAY ME!

BTW: Nuff props to my consultant Ms. Audrey of Ocoee, FL. She did a fabulous job and I can't be thankful enough for her time and patience while I nodded in her chair! lol. Anyone needing a reference in Central Florida has my recommendation and can feel free to contact me!

D**n You - Tanya Stephens

2009-02-25T09:33:00.000-08:00

I interrupt my regulary scheduled sisterlock blogging to post this particular song. After some serious conversation with a dear, dear friend... I now understand the hurt being discussed. I'm freakin' heated! Anywho... peace!

Damn You - Tanya Stephens

The Office....of DOOM!

2009-02-24T10:21:00.000-08:00

No! I'm not talking about the series. Although I've heard that it is pretty amusing. lol. I'm talking about my actual office that I intern at. I started here in January... and I'm just a little annoyed and preterbed with the atmosphere. Now, when I was younger... if I didn't like a job I would simply quit. However, as I've become older, had some real experiences, and must pay rent every month... I know that simply quitting is not sufficable. However, I am really searching for a way to understand why it is individuals react the way they do to under pressure. Now as I have started working at this firm, it is clear they are WAY behind on their filing. Leaving me with piles on my desk that never seem to be decreasing. But, I'm a firm believer in finishing what you start. Not to mention the fact that it would be purely be a waste of my time to leave here with the economy in such a poor state, and while I'm trying to learn as much as I can in law school.

But hey, I guess you really just have to do for you sometimes! On another note, I do really like two people that work here. One of them is my classmate (who I lovingly call Turkey), and the other is the receptionist whose spirit always makes me smile. They are the only two souls that keep me sane! lol. Ciao!

"From the Mouths of Babes"

2009-02-17T10:50:00.001-08:00

Check this video out!

Countdown to Sisterlock Land

2009-02-17T10:18:00.000-08:00

Okay... so in less than 2 weeks I will be having my Sisterlocks installed. And boy... I'll tell you... I'm already getting lazy about the doing hair thing. I mean it's not that I don't love doing my hair. Or... the hair of others. It's just that I'm too busy to take the extra two hours out of my day to do it. LOL. I know that's bad.

Well anyways... as I was lamenting the idea of doing my two strands over so instead I decided to rock a twist-out. Now keep in mind my two-strands were in for about a month. So, the good thing is that the definition on the strands are ridiculous.

What do you think? Well, my plan is to rock this for a week... then next week I'll leave my hair out and rock the 'fro in preperation for my installation. Oh, the joys of natural hair! I must be honest though. In the last week I have been thinking about my perm days, and even my loose natural days. The convenience of a sew-in or some braids. Hmmm... I wonder how I'll adjust. Well, full speed ahead.

Patiently Awaiting....

2009-02-04T10:09:00.000-08:00

Well, after desperately attempting to avoid blogging I just couldn't stay away. It's bad enough that I have to read as many blogs as possible before I can actually return to doing my work. But nw that I actually have my own, I actually have to write too! LOL.

Well... I am patiently awaiting the day when I can say I am officially a member of the Sisterlocks crew! LOL. Yes, I have my test locks in (which are photographed and in my camera still) and I have made my appointment for my installation. But I tell you, the day can't get here fast enough. Funny enough, I actually tried to prolong the date so that I could make sure my funds are together. Now... I wish I could just forego all the procrastination and get it over with. My test locks were just sticking out of my afro as it continued to shirnk. They looked so lonely and I felt some type of way. So, I ended up doing some two-strands so that I wouldn't have to worry about them looking odd or sticking out. I'm not sure if the pictures taken with my phone will suffice, but that's all I got for you. LOL

Don't mind the fingers and random views in the post. Let's just hope this style lasts until the end of the month. February 27th can't get here fast enough!

Goapele - Don't Be Shy

2009-01-22T07:53:00.001-08:00

<a href="http://goapele.bandcamp.mu/track/dont-be-shy">Don't Be Shy by Goapele</a>

This song is absolutely beautiful! Classis Goapele just the way I like her. Well worth the purchase whenever it comes out. And very worthy of listening... over and over and over again! Enjoy.

Failure...

2009-01-16T10:59:00.000-08:00

So, what do you do when you realize you've worked half a year toward a goal, only to ultimately fail? Well, that's the situation I find myself in currently. Honestly, it's the worst feeling in the world to know that you've failed at something you've tried so hard at.

I've been in law school now for one semester... and I must admit it was a very trying. But I enjoyed it never the less. I worked as hard as I could to make sure that I would be successful, and prove that I did deserve to be in law school. To prove that I had made the right decision in deciding to move all the way from Philadelphia, to Orlando, when there was so much going for me in Philly. I was doing everything that I wanted to do. Then, the law school bug bit me again. You see, I have wanted to go to law school since I was in middle school. I've not dreamed of anything else since. Yet, after one semester of law school I am now wondering if that was all just a fantasy world I was living in. Is law school just not for me?

Needless to say, I am utterly disgusted in my performance and wondering if it will make any sense for me to continue through law school. I have dedicated time, and I'm willing to dedicate more. But, I hate to go through this process to be kicked out of school come the end of my first year. Many of my schoolmates have told me not to stress. Obviously, that's just not an option. However, I do feel a bit of ease in the fact that many say they've gone through the same things and you can bounce back. It's a rat race... and I'm fighting for the big hunk of cheese. The question is... am I lactose intolerant?

I'm seeking the Lord's face right now! One of my very favorite scriptures reads:

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8

Oh... the Agony!

2009-01-12T09:51:00.000-08:00

After high-tailing (sp?) it back to Florida to start law school, I must now admit I am not sure what I have gotten myself into. Although I haven't received all of my grades as yet, the one I did receive has me completely bummed! Bummed! Now, I don't want you in anyway to think that I was not putting in my 100% throughout my first semester. I definitely was! Yet, I feel like a total failure. Now, some wiser individuals have told me that the first semester is the hardest you will endure (Thanks Brunsli!). Others have told me that now that I know what to expect it will get better. Well, I'll say this... IT BETTER! Geesh!

Oh... did I mention I had a blast in Jamaica and didn't want to come back! Although, it really isn't anything new to me because that is exactly how it is every single time I'm there. It's like I've learned about this new place that makes all my pain and trouble fade into the sunset. I mean literally, from day one to day ten I was hype. Is that even natural? Well, I am trying to figure out how I can get back there come May and July. Not sure if it'll fit into my school and work schedule but we'll see. Can you see the joy in my eyes?

Not to mention the delicious food and beautiful views? Oh... the agony of leaving Jamaica and being back in Florida! It's just not fair!

Jamaica... Jamaica

2008-12-25T17:21:00.000-08:00

Guess who is on their way to Jamaica as of the day after Christmas? Me! Yeah! I can't be more excited to be getting away from the world as I know it and starting the year 2009 with new ideas, and a new outlook on life.

Did I mention I made an appointment for my sisterlocks consultation? I couldn't be more excited. I haven't figured out how I will pay for it... but it will happen.

Wish me luck... and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone! Be blessed in all you do and know that there is more to come. Ciao!

First Semester of Law School is Over!

2008-12-15T18:00:00.001-08:00

So.... yes! It is finally over. Am I happy? Not quite yet. You see I'm still waiting to receive my grades, and until then there will not be a smile on my face. I tried the best I could (yeah I know!) to pass this first semester as a star. But honestly, by the time it was time for finals I was just plain drained. I wanted to excel to the fullest of my ability, but the situations that arise outside of the everyday hustle and bustle of finishing classes is alot to handle. With that being said, I have to wait for my grades in order to determine if I will be happy about the semester that has transpired and events that have made ME as a first year law student.

So... yes! It is finally over. But, paying homage to the old saying, "it ain't over 'til the fat lady sing!"

Sisterlocks Installation....

2008-11-25T17:10:00.000-08:00

Hello blogworld! I've been trying so hard to make a determination about when, how, who, and what I will be doing about my Sisterlocks. I have definitely decided that Sisterlocks are the direction I want to proceed in with my lock journey. I've researched for quite a while and I'm definitely getting closer to the day that I will be taking the plunge. With that said, by the recommendation of others, I have decided to start researching other Consultants. You see... I originally had decided that I wanted Ms. Barnes from Jamaica to be the person to install my Sisterlocks. However, as she is currently unavailable, I am starting to look into other consultants. Knowing that even if they were installed in Jamaica, I would not be in the country long enough to do my follow-up I'm wondering if it would be conducive for me to get her to install them, and then have to return to FL and find someone to re-tighten them that soon. So, I'm thinking finding a consultant in the Orlando (or surrounding) may be a wiser choice. Does that make sense? What do you think?

While I ponder those thoughts, the ones of Thanksgiving, and final exams... I feel you all should know MY COMPUTER IS BROKE! GRRRRR!

Abena's "Spotlight" on Sisterlocks

2008-11-14T18:08:00.000-08:00

As I continue to learn about Sisterlocks and grow in my pursuit of this journey I come upon different tools. Now, my definition of tools does not relate to the actual items used in the maintenance and installation of sisterlocks (or any other type of locks). Instead... I am talking about the information that is gained from the knowledge I obtain, and my transferrence of the information into the beneficial tools I need for my transition. You see... just as I transistioned from permed hair, to having natural hair... now I am looking forward to transitioning from natural hair in its loose form, to locked hair. Ya hear!

Well anyways... all that to say that Abena posted this video the other day and I thought it a great introduction to the many sizes, shapes, colors, and talents within the Sisterlock family. Check it out... http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NLq3E-LImw

Wow... it's been so long!

2008-11-13T15:44:00.000-08:00

Okay... well unbeknownst(sp?) to me... I haven't been on here in quite a while. Why? Because my life is too boring and I haven't had much to talk about. Things here have been pretty quiet. I'm a little tired of law school. A little tired of my hair. A little tired of being jobless. And a little tired of being....me! Yeah! I said it. The thing is... I like so many other people in this world am envious. Envious of those people that have their things together and are well on their way to success. You see... I wrote this poem the other day and it was a pretty distinct letter to our future president. What did it say? Well.... it was basically a "love" letter about the issues that I have with our world today. I guess after being in law school for a semester (yeah... what a long time right! lol.) I've come to a little more of an understanding about the things I've seen in the world and our justice system. The individuals who have been seen coming and going in our political system. The mannerisms by which our justice system sends our youth to a lifetime of incarceration. And the means by which advancement is available. Can you say MONEY?

Time for Contracts I. TTYL

Sisterlock Envy...

2008-10-28T17:10:00.000-07:00

After searching and searching, blogging, fotki'ing, and browsing through the sorts... I am so ready to get my sisterlocks. Now of course I know that I will love and hate the outcome immediately. But, that in no way stops my excitement of actually getting to that place. As I prepare for my trip to Jamaica in December, and I look forward to the end of my first semester of law school... I know that this is the right decision for me. I've joined the Yahoo! Sisterlock group and I am learning so much information about the procees, the look, and the experience.

Yeah... well it doesn't sound like much. And, no! I have no idea when I am going to finally get them installed. (Takes money... not accessible with no job!). But I know, all the same, I'll be happy when I finally get there. Peace.

I'm Going to Make It....

2008-10-16T15:34:00.000-07:00

Hey blog world! I am so happy to say that things for me have been going very well. I mean... I'm blessed. I'm alive and healthy (more or less). I'm happy. Now given, I'm not extremely happy about the fact that I have not yet received a job, but I'm learning to take everything day by day. I'm actually interested in the things that I am learning in school. It's corny of me to say this... but... I love law school. I mean, here I am with the opportunity to learn about something that I have been interested in since I was in grade school. I've honestly been studying law since I was in middle school. Now of course, I was not in law school so it wasn't near this intense. However, it was a building block that I used to propel me to the top. And yes, this school has given me some questions about the direction it is going in, but I'm going to stick it out. I've never been a quitter. I am too strong and too dedicated to let a little set back or misdirection lead me astray. Yeah me!

On the hair note, after two months of a sew-in bob I let my 'fro back out. And it feels so good! Now I am trying to find a good natural salon to get my hair trimmed and get a deep conditioning. Until then, I am using this time to be my natural self and remind myself (although I've never forgotten) how beautiful the natural me is. Often times I see friends and family that wonder why I won't just "perm my hair!" Well, I don't mind taking the time to give them the breakdown. You know somewhere towards the beautiful person that was born when I cam into this world. How in my natural state (hair, body, and mind) I feel like I can tackle shortcomings within society. How I am confident and no longer feel the need to assimilate to European society and become the picture in the magazine. Yes... Do that boo! Do that!

What you know about being satisfied with the natural person you were born to be? Being happy in your skin and making changes only to better yourself? Yesssssir! I'm that chic! LMAO. Contracts here I come! Ciao for now.