About once a month, I go thru this longing to return to latching. I do really enjoy the appearance of a fresh twist, but I really prefer latching as it is more convenient for my lifestyle. I am highly active, and I wash my hair at least 2x a week. Well, of course, after all of the work I put into my retwist, after the first week it is gone. And during the summer, my hair grows out very quickly, but I stretch out the time b4 a new re-twist to 4-5 weeks. And trust me, it is a stretch, to the point I have to do a lot of separation in the shower the day of. I have been wary of return to the interlocking/latching method b/c I do not want my locks to be too thin, and I do not want to thin out the base. However, I latched for the first 6 months, and my locks looked great. They were not too thin, and they did fill out a lot. Part of the problem is that I have listened to others who are not fans of the method say how it makes locks thin and bumpy and non-cylindrical. And to be completely honest, bumpy, non-cylindrical locks don't bother me at all; I have seen some really beautiful locks that have been maintained from start to finish by latching. I mean absolutely beautiful.
Another thing is I really do not like using anything on my hair for maintenance other than my already damp hair. Of course, I absolutely love caster oil, and I love using it for twisting, but I prefer not to use anything at all. At least not for maintenance. I think I will wait and re-twist in another month, then I will see how I feel about it in mid-August.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
Pele Robbed!!
This summer, I have been watching the UEFA Euro 2008 (Espana!!!), and I am trying to learn more about soccer. I am nowhere near being an expert, but I do know of the great Pele. And this article really upset me. Definitely makes me second guess making a vacation trip to Brazil. A very unfortunate situation.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Wash your hair!!
It's really weird to me that there are ladies who go 2-3 weeks or a month with washing their hair. Why would you do that? It does not make sense. Your scalp is a part of your skin on your body. It is important to wash our bodies to get rid of the dead skin cells and dirt that has accumulated throughout the day. No one would ever consider going 3 weeks without washing their body, so why would you go that long without washing your scalp? Can you imagine someone going 3 weeks without washing her face, so why would you do that to your scalp? And just because your hair does not smell does not mean it is not dirty. Of course it is dirty. The skin on our scalp sheds, and builds up just like the skin on our body. So, you have dead skin cells on your scalp, with oils, and gels, and pomades, and spritzes, and any other junk piled on top of the dead skin cells, and you think your hair isn't dirty. To quote Bill Cosby "COME ON PEOPLE!!!!" This is basic...high school stuff. Every head is not different when it comes to dirt and debris/odors from everyday living attached to our locks and scalp, along with residue from spritzes, oils, pomades, and all of the other things many put on their hair and scalp. It really is ridiculous. And, I'm just a year in, and I understand this. Hell, before I started locking, I washed my hair once a week, and sometimes more in the summer when I would sweat more during workouts.
It's interesting how so many people get offended by the truth. Whether it concerns washing dreads, or starting dreads with relaxed hair. Truth is truth. And it doesn't change just because you choose not to believe in it.
It's interesting how so many people get offended by the truth. Whether it concerns washing dreads, or starting dreads with relaxed hair. Truth is truth. And it doesn't change just because you choose not to believe in it.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
New job, new lifestyle, healthier/more fit body....
Today, I had a job interview today with Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, and I think it went very well. I expect to hear something next week. I had an interview with a firm in DC earlier this month, and I was still waiting to hear, but I'm going to call tomorrow to inquire as to the status of things. And, there are a few openings for international relations analyst and international trade specialist on USAjobs for which I have applied, so I am feeling pretty good about my employment/economic outlook for the second half of 2008.
In other news, I have decided to do some research into a raw foods diet. Ideally, I would like to start this new lifestyle change July 1st. I want to do at least a month to just see how my body responds to the changes in diet. So, I put a few books on hold at the good ol' public library just because I am not ready to purchase a book yet. Especially since I am just starting and may not keep it up. It really just depends on my research, and if I believe this lifestyle will be beneficial.
In addition, I have returned to my original workout schedule of at least an hour of cardio a day, weight training 3-4 times a week. And I have re-introduced my booty to squats, kickbacks, and that "dog" exercise of being on hands/knees, and raising leg to the side. Also, when I'm in the gym, I do leg presses and hip abduction. Yeah, well, today was my second day of doing those, and my backside is sore. Seriously. Even after a good long stretch, my muscles are so tight that sitting in this hard chair, and getting up and walking is slightly difficult. However, I know it will all be worth it. Granted, I think my booty is in pretty good shape, but I could always be improved. Also, I want to re-introduce protein shakes to my diet to help with all of the weight training and exercise. I was drinking the Atkins shakes because they have a good serving of protein, and not many carbs. However, I don't know how that would fit in with the raw foods. I would probably have to make my own shakes. I'll do some research on raw recipes, and see what I can find.
In other news, I have decided to do some research into a raw foods diet. Ideally, I would like to start this new lifestyle change July 1st. I want to do at least a month to just see how my body responds to the changes in diet. So, I put a few books on hold at the good ol' public library just because I am not ready to purchase a book yet. Especially since I am just starting and may not keep it up. It really just depends on my research, and if I believe this lifestyle will be beneficial.
In addition, I have returned to my original workout schedule of at least an hour of cardio a day, weight training 3-4 times a week. And I have re-introduced my booty to squats, kickbacks, and that "dog" exercise of being on hands/knees, and raising leg to the side. Also, when I'm in the gym, I do leg presses and hip abduction. Yeah, well, today was my second day of doing those, and my backside is sore. Seriously. Even after a good long stretch, my muscles are so tight that sitting in this hard chair, and getting up and walking is slightly difficult. However, I know it will all be worth it. Granted, I think my booty is in pretty good shape, but I could always be improved. Also, I want to re-introduce protein shakes to my diet to help with all of the weight training and exercise. I was drinking the Atkins shakes because they have a good serving of protein, and not many carbs. However, I don't know how that would fit in with the raw foods. I would probably have to make my own shakes. I'll do some research on raw recipes, and see what I can find.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
The Champions!!!!
After a 22 year drought, the Boston Celtics are the 2008 NBA Finals Champions!!!
And I have to say, I called the Celtics at the beginning of the Finals. An the truth is, the Boston Celtics was just a much better team than the Lakers. The defense on Kobe was outstanding, and the other players on the Lakers team could not step up. And Ray Allen played his ass off!! He went 7 for 9 behind the arc. And what's crazy is the Lakers would leave him open. Ray is a 3-point shooter, what were the Lakers thinking? They weren't thinking. The Lakers did not play good defense, and the offense was not strong enough to counter the stifling Celtics D. This has been a great finals, and I hate to see the season end. But now, we can get ready for the NFL and college football.
And I have to say, I called the Celtics at the beginning of the Finals. An the truth is, the Boston Celtics was just a much better team than the Lakers. The defense on Kobe was outstanding, and the other players on the Lakers team could not step up. And Ray Allen played his ass off!! He went 7 for 9 behind the arc. And what's crazy is the Lakers would leave him open. Ray is a 3-point shooter, what were the Lakers thinking? They weren't thinking. The Lakers did not play good defense, and the offense was not strong enough to counter the stifling Celtics D. This has been a great finals, and I hate to see the season end. But now, we can get ready for the NFL and college football.
I'm voting Republican....
....because I don't believe the Food & Drug Administration has any responsibility for the safety of domestic and foreign food and drugs sold in America.
....because policing the private lives of individuals is more important than improving public education, providing adequate health care, and eradicating poverty.
....because even as a Christian, I do not believe the tenet "You reap what you sow" applies to me or any American.
....because I know wearing a flag pin is indicative of true patriotism.
....because I know a "terrorist fist jab" when I see one.
....because even when I am wrong, I am right because I said so.
I will continue to add to this list in subsequent posts. Please feel free to comment and add your own reasons. Peace & Blessings
....because policing the private lives of individuals is more important than improving public education, providing adequate health care, and eradicating poverty.
....because even as a Christian, I do not believe the tenet "You reap what you sow" applies to me or any American.
....because I know wearing a flag pin is indicative of true patriotism.
....because I know a "terrorist fist jab" when I see one.
....because even when I am wrong, I am right because I said so.
I will continue to add to this list in subsequent posts. Please feel free to comment and add your own reasons. Peace & Blessings
Monday, June 16, 2008
It's been a year
I celebrated one year dread anniversary on June 7th. I decided to so something a little special to commemorate the special occasion, and I dyed my locks using Dark & Lovely Permanent Hair Color in Rich Auburn. My hair is a nice brown with a "soft red hue." I really love the color, and as soon as I can take some decent pics with the Macbook webcam (b/c my digi cam is broken), I will post a few pics here and in my fotki.
The weekend of the 7th was a busy week. I moved into a new apartment in a new and better neighborhood here in Raleigh, and my anniversary kinda passed me by. I didn't color and retwist until Monday and Tuesday of the following week. Either way, it has been a great year. My hair has grown a lot over the year, and I am expecting even better results as my dreads get stronger and thicker. All in all, June has started off as a great month. I had a job interview for a position in DC, I have an interview at a firm here in Raleigh, and the summer has definitely gotten off to a good start. Now, if we can cool down the temperatures a bit.
The weekend of the 7th was a busy week. I moved into a new apartment in a new and better neighborhood here in Raleigh, and my anniversary kinda passed me by. I didn't color and retwist until Monday and Tuesday of the following week. Either way, it has been a great year. My hair has grown a lot over the year, and I am expecting even better results as my dreads get stronger and thicker. All in all, June has started off as a great month. I had a job interview for a position in DC, I have an interview at a firm here in Raleigh, and the summer has definitely gotten off to a good start. Now, if we can cool down the temperatures a bit.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Let's Get Down to Business...
Sen. Obama is the Democratic nominee for President. Last Tuesday, he received enough delegate votes to surpass the number needed to clinch the nominee. And of course, the day after his historic victory, Bob Johnson comes out of his mouth with some foolishness. He actually wrote a letter to Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC) wanting Clyburn to urge Sen. Obama to select Sen. Clinton as his running mate. Listen to his interview with Roland Martin.
And the Republican attack machine has already started...first, a FoxNews analyst refers to the Obama's pound as a "terrorist fist jab", and then refers to Michelle Obama as a "baby mama." Now, we really shouldn't be surprised by this foolishness, because FOXNews does these sneaky dirty tricks all of the time. And of course, Fox didn't fire or at least suspend the people responsible. Instead, E.D. HIll lost her show, but is still employed by Fox, and in regards to the "baby mama", Fox states that the "producer used poor judgment." You think? And Hill apologized, but her comment was just stupid and out of place. Where did she get the idea of a terrorist fist jab. Who has heard of such foolishness? Now of course, all they are trying to do is plant a seed in the minds of ignorant Americans, like those from WV and KY in previous posts. And sadly, I'm sure it will take root for a lot of people. Especially since there are people who believe deep in their hearts that Obama is Muslim. And even the idea of being Muslim is a bad thing shows the deep seeded bigoted nature of many Americans. It's really ridiculous and sad, and I fear that this is only the beginning of the foolishness.
And the Republican attack machine has already started...first, a FoxNews analyst refers to the Obama's pound as a "terrorist fist jab", and then refers to Michelle Obama as a "baby mama." Now, we really shouldn't be surprised by this foolishness, because FOXNews does these sneaky dirty tricks all of the time. And of course, Fox didn't fire or at least suspend the people responsible. Instead, E.D. HIll lost her show, but is still employed by Fox, and in regards to the "baby mama", Fox states that the "producer used poor judgment." You think? And Hill apologized, but her comment was just stupid and out of place. Where did she get the idea of a terrorist fist jab. Who has heard of such foolishness? Now of course, all they are trying to do is plant a seed in the minds of ignorant Americans, like those from WV and KY in previous posts. And sadly, I'm sure it will take root for a lot of people. Especially since there are people who believe deep in their hearts that Obama is Muslim. And even the idea of being Muslim is a bad thing shows the deep seeded bigoted nature of many Americans. It's really ridiculous and sad, and I fear that this is only the beginning of the foolishness.
