Intro: 2011 Healthy Hair Challenge

This challenge originally started in Jan of this year by The MopTop Maven. In Feb. she posted that she was sick, and she would start posting once she was feeling better. I haven't seen a new post since then, and I hope that she's doing okay. I know some have continued the journey without MopTop Maven's guidance. Either way, she posted tips on how to have a steady hair regimen for the course of six months & other helpful tips.

[Picture] The MopTop Maven: My hair inspiration.

So, like I stated in a past post, I'll be starting this challenge May 6th, which is a Friday. I'll be mapping out my hair regimen for the month (as it may change each month depending on the stage my hair is in). I'll also be video tapping my journey (won't be posting that, def. camera shy...lol) as a way of be documenting the changes my hair may goes through. And the products I will be using.

This challenge is not only going to help me have a steady regimen, and healthy hair, but to retain and accomplish hair growth. My hair is down to my shoulders right now (I've been trimming since Jan, every month/every other week). I'm transitioning so, my hair has more than 2 two different textures going on. I do plan on cutting off MOST of my relaxed hair the day I start the challenge so I can start fresh & see where it leads me. I hope to achieve between shoulder length-bra strap length. As I will be cutting the relaxed ends off, my hair will be shorter, so that is why I say shoulder length.

I wanted to share this because I'm looking for a buddy along this journey who may want to do this as well, or inspire someone to want to take better care of their hair. As MopTop Maven said, you could be relaxed and still want to retain healthy hair, so you're more than welcome.

I'm not very well educated when it comes to natural hair, I'm learning MY hair as I go. So yea, I'm no expert. May 6th, I will be more specific on what type of texture my hair is, some of the products I will be using in a blog post.

I'll also be incorporating different articles, blog posts, YouTube videos that maybe helpful along the way as well. So if you're interested leave a comment, even if you're not & you just want to share, speak on something that's fine also.

I will be ending my journey with this challenge Nov. 6th. after that I will be using what works for my hair & keep my regimen simple. Because it really doesn't have to be difficult in order to reach these goals.

Two helpful posts to start the journey from The Moptop Maven:

Healthy Hair In 2011 Challenge! Session #1 Who's In?

2011 Healthy Hair Care Challenge: Framework For Your Healthy Hair Regimen

2011 Healthy Hair Challenge: Today's Schedule

Continue To Do Good: Speaks Volumes

"So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up."-Galatians 6:9


This scripture really touched me.


Because I started to think, "Why should I continue doing the right thing, treating people how I want to be treated, seeking out to help others?" 
This tends to cross my mind every so often, but since my Down Time: Me time, it's been heavy on my heart. All the good I do, only for people to forget, overlook, or criticize it. As the scripture says "...At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up."


I believe this is true. I'm not going to lie, I do get tired of doing the right thing only to be forgotten, and things of that nature. All I can do it pray about it.

Random: Thoughts

Relationships are like group projects. There's always that one person putting in the most work & one slacking off.-Ashley N.

Start Today...

I can only take hypocritical people in small doses.


I'm tired of people saying "I'm going to change my ways starting (date)". Or, "I'm going to get closer to God, because this must be a sign..I'll get closer to him after I do (whatever it is)." Baby...tomorrow isn't promised. Why wait for tomorrow?


Is it because you're not serious about it? Don't get me wrong, I have no room to act as if I'm better, and I'm not. But, it bothers me when I see & hear people doing this constantly. Especially when they act like they know it all. It's like, do you really need a drastic, or life or death situation to get you right? Ignoring all of the signs that are RIGHT THERE. Receiving chance after chance.


What if God put us off to the side, and said "Child, I love you, but I'll get to your blessings soon." You would be mad right? Let's keep it real.


It just bothers me. And although I can't change anyone but myself, I hope someone out there gets something out of this post. We have today...the present. If you feel like you need to change your ways, get closer to God, let that bad habit go, let go a certain person. Do it now. There are times we need to just get out of His way, and times where he is giving us signs after signs, & chances after chances then you miss i!


I hope you ALL had a blessed day. 
Happy Resurrection day! xoxo...

Controversial with no chaser.

Everything that will be posted below is from my mini-rant I had on my personal twitter account. What triggered it? A girlfriend. Or as I should say ex girlfriend of a known college basketball player. She was on a mini-rant via twitter about love, relationship etc. So, it had be revisit my feelings on a situation (women who date/d fraternity guys). There's a lot that comes with the territory if he's an undergrad in college & some don't grow out of that college life & what comes with it. Anyways in quotations is what I tweeted.
(The picture to the right, I do not own. http://stores.alphatomega.net/)


"It amazes me how male athletes, entertainers, baller$, frat guys will let a good woman slip away."
"Everyone sees it but them (the hims). She doesn't want you for your money, letters, but for you!"
"I don't get it."
"We ain't perfect. But dealing with you & the groupies is a task. Oh well..."
"Not to say their not good (boyfriends). Because obviously that's the case (Since we dated them). But the ending results. Yea."


-someone chimes in-
"RT me: Everyone sees it but them (the hims). She doesn't want you for your money, letters, but for you! (One of my followers says): yes girl...say it"


"A certain associate of a college known ball player sparked my rant. We get looked at as the "bad guys" when we hurt from the aftermath."
"You don't know our situation so have a seat. & to the homewreckers. Good luck. Because not everybody is nice ::shrug:: lol"
"I know chicks from all categories I mentioned that had been holding their man down for 4+ yrs."
"I'm so lowkey when it comes to my personal/love life. No one knew who I was dating. All you needed to know was that he treated me well.."
"Loved me for me & supported me in all shapes & forms."


-There was a gentlemen who was Greek (fraternity) that would chime in & give his opinion, that led to responses like...
"Like I've said before. No one knows but those in the situation. An explanation does little justice"


Sigh...

Update: Closing A Chapter & New Beginnings

Here's a little update on me...This week started off really rocky. Sunday night I was feeling so down, & all I could think about was my dad. How much I wish he was here. How much I wish I could take flowers to his mausoleum etc. The next morning I meditated and talked to God. I was so eager to find his obituary. & come to find out it, that Sunday was his death anniversary. Why isn't that something I know right off top you ask? I just don't. Like I mentioned in my last post, I am now able to deal with things I wasn't able to deal with 6+ years ago. Anyways, so I was glad I was able to confront that situation. 
Affirmations: I need to start back on focusing on two positive affirmations about myself a week. I've been slacking because I haven't been writing them down.


Also, I'm coming to an end for Lent (Sunday). I'm super proud of myself. This journey has been something else. I won't share all of the details because it's between me & God. But it was an interesting experience indeed.


Random tweet: So I saw this tweet that one of my followers had retweeded that described a blog post I did called "Once You're Down, Aint Nobody Around"
The tweet was: "Fake friends are like shadows, always near you at your brightest moments, but nowhere to be seen at your darkest hour"
How about that?


On to Health: Looking into joining a 30 day challenge that I can do at home. I do well when participating in challenges, so I'm back on my work out grind.


I'll be starting a 6 month hair growth for my natural hair journey. Super duper excited about this. I've been natural/transitioning for 9 months. No perms for me! & no shade to those that use them. With this challenge, I'll be more on top of things when it comes to maintaining length and a regimen.

Down Time: Me Time

The other morning I was meditating from the foot of my bed. Took time out to have a constructive, and detailed conversation with God. It felt so good. I was able to be so honest with myself. There were layered issues I was dealing with unconsciously. 


Anyways...


Different things have been sticking out to me & I would overlook them. I've been noticing others talk about it (Stuff that's been on my mind lately) and all I could think is that this is a sign. I may feel lonely and very vulnerable right now, but God is working on me. He's peeling back layers that I wasn't able to deal with the past 6+ years. This down time that has me in and out of a zone is a time where I need to use it on getting to know ME, make the necessary changes, and love myself all over again.


I wouldn't have been able to confront myself months ago about this...If I knew what I know now.... But, I can't keep fighting what I'm going through. I can't run from God. He will want me to deal with whatever he wants me to face..."You can't run from your problems". That is a true statement indeed. 


So, during this down time, I will be using it to allow myself to be more comfortable in my skin and what is handed to me. Nothing or no one is perfect. I do strive for excellence, and when I lack in different areas I really do beat myself up about it.


At the end of the day, I'm glad I believe in God who died on the cross for MY sins. Because without him, I don't know where I would be.


I'll take this time to reflect on my blessings, be able to trust the opposite sex, secretly forgive HIM, and other things. Just keep me in your prayers....

What's Next?

Not much has been going on this way.


Things seemed to have been going well but, now they've come to a complete stop. I can't win worth for losing. Nothing new today, last week etc. Anyways, going to post a few scriptures:


"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed"-Pslam 34:18


"The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble"-Pslam 9:9


"Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, & trust also in me"-John 14:1

Dear Lurkers...Hello!

I find it funny...& I hope the lurkers are analyzing this closely. Take a screen shot, copy & paste, do whatever it is you feel that will complete you in this blog post.


Reminder: I don't care anymore. I don't care what anyone has to say, think about me. If you loved me, you'd show it. Life is too short to be mad & hateful.


Like I said before, I am not perfect, and neither are any of you. BUT, I will say when you're down...aint nobody around. So, if you feel that this is directed to you, so be it.


Everything comes to light when you least expect it. And thank God I'm not blinded or naive. But I am a little too nice. I wish nothing but the best to YOU.


This is my last time using my energy to address this. 

Old Post: My Top 5 Things I Miss About College

1. Free gym membership- With me doing this fitness challenge and trying to stay fit and active 5-6 days out of the week, I never would have guessed that I would miss the gym the way I do. And not only that, the perks of being a student & living on campus is being able to go to the gym anytime and for free. That gym had all of my faves (elliptical, treadmill, bikes, and the lovely sauna).

2. Free food- Yes! Free food. Anything from nachos, pizza, energy drinks, and candy. Although that would defeat my purpose to a healthier lifestyle but I do miss oh so much. You can't beat free food.

3. Events- Everything from Apollo Nights, Open Mic sessions, Gospel events, Greek parties, and different guest speakers. I won't forget the day that Angela Davis (look her up) came to speak at my school. A true activist indeed. Love her.

4. Random Conversations With Roommates- Sigh, I miss my roommates. We would have random convos about  guys, school work, any and everything. All it took was one of us coming out of our room to take a break from studying and sit in the living for 5mins and another would come out of their room to see what's going on. 10mins later all three of us would be in the living room having a 1-2hr conversation. Lol, it never failed. Their company is what I miss the most.

5. Office Hours- Lastly, office hours with some of my favorite professors/counselors. I started a great bond with my professors and counselors my Freshmen year in college. I wasn't afraid to go visit them, and ask questions. If I didn't ask about something, then I wouldn't know the answer to the question. At times I would just drop by to have a brief conversation with them. I may not have been known on my campus, but if I needed a letter of recommendation letter from one of them, I would have one without a doubt. Those are the type of relationships you want to build while you're in college. Network and build relationships.

Since I've been transitioning from college life to reality, it's been interesting and a bit laid back (something I'm not use to). I miss the little things that comes with being an undergraduate (lets be clear on that) lol. Graduate school is a whole other ball game. And speaking of graduate school, I'm still undecided if, when, and what I want to go to school for. I have an idea but not really sure. Anywho, take care!

I would love to hear what you think below....

Dates: 1/29/11

Late Night Text...

"When your situation seems hopeless, determine that no matter how bad things become you will continue to pray. God will hear your prayer, and he will rescue you. When others reject us, we need God most. Don't turn from your most faithful friend"


"But I keep praying to you, Lord, hoping this time you show me favor. In your unfailing love, O God, answer my prayers with your salvation."-Psalm 69:13


I just recently read this from my YouVersion-Holy Bible app on my iPhone


I see the signs that God is showing me. I just recently blogged about this & have been dealing with things that has allowed me to slightly give up goals/things. At times when faced with certain circumstances, you tend to want to give up, or your prayer isn't being answered? Patience & faith are the two things that I'm working on. 


I'm thankful that God has given me the ability to see the different signs. I am not perfect ( as you can read) but I'm learning.


Thank you for the kind words Kiah. I appreciate you reading my blog. 
I actually do reflect back on what you say...


God bless everyone

Testimony- Virtual Friends

I was just thinking the past few weeks, and reflecting on how far I've came from the damaged, and dark road. As I removed myself from certain things and people, I noticed there are great people on this earth still. But then I wonder why aren't they closer in region? From people on Youtube, Twitter, I have had the chance to build some sort of friendship with a few that have really restored my hope in friendship. I almost lost hope of that also.


A broken heart+ lack of REAL friends swallowed me up in a hole.


I wish those that I know through different social networks and sites were my REAL friends. The type you can hang with, talk to on the phone, call up whenever you feel like it. It's great to feel included, having blog chats, talking one on one. Just to have a bond with other intelligent ladies.


One time, I thought "Where did I go wrong?" What did I do?
I use to always have friends growing up. It started my junior year in HS when all of my friends turned their backs on me. They didn't have a reason to. What hurt the most is that without ME they wouldn't have known one another. I use to want a "Sorry", or anything acknowledging the pain I felt. Never got it. I mean it's been 5 years or so.


Long ago, I stopped waiting on something they were never going to give me. I forgive them. I truly do. It's funny because there's only a few of them that keep in touch till this day. But my junior and senior year in HS was so so so so bad for me. Dealing with that, grades, the death of my farther, & preparing for college was just a lot for me at the time.


At times, I don't know how I made it. I felt like that I wouldn't make it. God is amazing. Because so many thoughts clouded my mind, and here I am today April 5th 2011 college graduate, no kids, healthy, & a great mother by side. I'm blessed. I'm not where I want to be, but clearly where I need to be.


There have been quit a few times when I was down. I mean DOWN. God still managed to push me and kept me going. At times we think certain times in our lives is the end, we can't go on any longer, but God has a plan. We have to remember we don't make the rules. He has it all planned out. One thing I have to stop doing is thinking I have things under control, and stop planning things out. God has a plan for me. I'm not the author of this book, He is.


I'm going off tangent. But all in all, I'm finally in love with what I have & presented with. Those that aren't around, their lost. I'm no longer trying to rekindle friendships. That was the old me. The new me, could careless. It's about ME. Not to say I'm conceited or selfish, there's just certain bridges you just have to burn.

Once You're Down, Aint Nobody Around

I was getting on the freeway and seen someone I knew getting off.


I thought "Hey I haven't seen them in awhile". 


I've noticed since I've closed my personal Facebook account, contact with 99% of the people I use to talk to on a daily basis stopped. Why are we so dependent on technology?


Not only that everyone that I haven't spoken to has my number, email, knows where I live and I have yet to hear from them.


I'm so use to contacting everyone until it got old, and I needed to take time away from everything and everyone. The fact that I have been away from FB, and no one has said anything is bitter-sweet.


One thing I have noticed is that when things are going great in others lives they soon vanish. But when you're busy and got things going they want to be in your face.


I've never been like that to others. I remain the same person through it all. I will not be a friend to those that aren't reciprocating that friendship back.


I don't know what planet everyone is from but, they have another thing coming, seriously. 
My motto: My happiness means more than anything else. At the end of the day, all I have is myself. I'm left with MYSELF and that's it.


So, I guess all in all, it's great that I had to (still am) go through this all. I'm building a stronger relationship with my God. His relationship means more than with anyone else.

Luke 11:9

“And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you."