I would love to begin a hair journal with you ladies, your insight has helped me CO and use jojoba oil.  I have also vowed to get my color back to au natural - and leave it that way.  <hugs>

This will also be a good reference if anyone is thinking about dying their naturally blonde hair black.  Unless you're going to (painfully) let it grow out, this is a process that was recommended to me by a few colorists.

After I decided that black hair was too difficult to maintain, the hair dye (Redken) needed to be lifted to a deep brown.  The colorist made a bleach mix with equal parts shampoo and conditioner.  She washed it into my hair until my scalp couldn't take anymore.

The hair lifts to a deep brown, but the roots turn lemon blonde.  I let the hair sit for over a month  This step was the most painful one.  After the black faded more, I went in to get skinny little highlights everywhere.  I also had a semi-permanent put on my roots to hide the outgrowth.  It is now a beautiful, warm light brown, and from here I can let the color begin to grow out.  I haven't seen my natural haircolor in so long! =p

I like it, but my hair is suffering.  I had to cut quite a bit off.  It is now past the shoulder a few inches.  The shortest it has been in 7 years!

On the bright side, my layers are all gone.  Hooray!  I never realized how THICK my hair is.

Tried a new conditioner!  Infusium 23 Moisture.  Didn't do anything too terribly terriffic, but the hair didn't get sticky or weighed down.  I have gotten much more proficient with the fishbone braid.  I can make it very even.  Now my friend's sisters want their hair braided every time I come over.  My hands were beginning to hurt, he has 4 sisters.

Just bought the Sky Bloo MajeSticks.  I practiced a few hairstyles today and now I'm just going to wait patiently for them.

<twiddles fingers>
<bites nails>

Waiting is the hardest!  To help pass the time, practice your buns and updos with other sticks, so you will be ready when they arrive!

Very good idea BB!  When I get them I'll post a few pics =)

Today is lazy day.  I'm going to leave my hair in a braid and watch The Phantom of the Opera.

CO is going so darn well.  My hair feels thicker.  I have very very minimal scalp gunk.  I think its because I tried that scritching method. My hair hasn't been 'washed' for 5-6 days now.  I lost track of the date.  I always do that during the summertime.

I got a lil job at the local video store.  The great thing is that I will be the only one working there, and I can bring my Alienware laptop and play Warcraft 3 all day.

Yes!

Yesterday I was a "Hair Counselor" for my long-haired guy friends.  I referred them to the forums, who knows, maybe they'll drop in and register?

I'm still deciding the fate of my hair (color).  I think I'm going to try to grow my natural color out.  Tacky roots and all.  We'll see how that goes.  I want virgin hair again, so that's the only way to truly get it. =P

I'm not too concerned about getting long hair as fast as possible.  I can be patient---I just have to work at it.

My sister bought me some Redken Clear Moisture shampoo and conditioner.  I'm not sure if that is the exact name.  I still have to pick it up.  I'll post how it feels later.  I CO, but I feel like I'll have to shampoo to make sure the scalp gets cleaned. I'll do C+COW+C or something of that nature.

Still waiting on my Skye Bloo MajeSticks.  I also bought some more jojoba oil, cause I found a good deal.  I need to invest in some good hair cutting scissors.

I also drew out an idea for a hairstick.  We'll see if I ever get around to it.  I need to buy some basswood first.  (When basswood is finely sanded, it feels like velvet.)

I like the conditioner and deep conditioning treatment.  I went to my best friend's pool the last two days, and the hair doesn't feel so good.  I also got sunburnt.

:-[   <---- See?  My face is all red! :P

One thing the Chlorine DID do was get rid of some color deposits.  I don't want straw-like hair though.  Doing a deep conditioning treatment right now, and I'm eating some ice cream.  Yum.

Yesterday while I was doing my deep conditioning treatment, my mom fell off the front step at our house.  So that was an ER visit =/  She broke her rib and ankle.  Poor mommy.  :(  I took care of her hair though. I put some jojoba oil in it and braided it while we were waiting for the doctor.

My sunburn is peeling.  I guess SPF 15 doesn't work so well.  I CO'ed today, the chlorine did quite a good job cleansing my scalp. O__O

Since I gave up heat styling, my hair has changed texture.  In a good kind of way.  I let the natural body wave show instead of using a straight iron.  Its a very summer-like look, I guess.  My bangs do a weird flippy-like thing, but I stopped caring about those things =P  I may grow em out.

I'm so sorry to hear about your mom.  I hope she heals quickly.  

And for that sunburn - aloe vera gel is fantastic on burns.  It cools the "fire" and helps the healing process.

::gets up on a soapbox::
Please, please, please, try to keep from getting sunburns.  This is the number one cause of skin cancer.  The more often you burn yourself before you are 21, the more likely you are to get skin cancer.  Sun blocks MUST be reapplied frequently.  For the best protection, it should be applied 15 minutes BEFORE you expose yourself to the sun, and it should be reapplied at least every 30 minutes or each time you leave the water.  
::gets down off soapbox::

Awwww thanks momma BB! =)  I promise I'll put on a good sunscreen, just for you! (and for my skin, of course) I don't know what I was thinking when I didn't grab the SPF 45.   ???  I have alabaster skin.  

I didn't know about that re-apply rule.  Gotta tell my girlfriends about that.  From now on, I'm going to treat my skin like I treat my hair!

wrote on Jun 27^th, 2005 at 5:49pm:

Awwww thanks momma BB! =)  .......  From now on, I'm going to treat my skin like I treat my hair!

I gotta take care of all my little hairlings!  ;D

Woot my hairsticks came in!  I love the perfumed tissue paper.  They slide into the hair very well.  Very happy!  Happy happy happy!

Tomorrow I'm going to get a quick trim.  I love getting em.  Just a 1/4 inch will be perfect to polish off the ends.

I need to also buy a pair of hair-cutting scissors.  To dust or whatnot.

Hooray!   ;D

Congratulations on your new hairsticks!

Thanks! <hug>

I'm going to wear them to get my hair trimmed today.  I have a sweet little lady there who understands how to trim hair.  And she's got a kitty cat.  Maybe Spot will sit in my lap today.

I'm going to wear my LL hairsticks there so she can comment on them >.>

I got a compliment yesterday from my guy friend.  He told me, "Your hair is so soft, and I like that you don't straighten it anymore."  Score!  I also instituted the "Hair Police."  It consists of three girl friends who will make sure I don't dye my hair.  'Cause the roots are starting to show~

They also told me that "My hair obsession is getting a bit crazy."  I think that's a compliment? =P

I've been watching the sci-fi series "Firefly."  It's great.

Hi Pan!
I play Warcraft too!!  What server are you on, what character class?  I'm a level 60 gnome mage (with pink hair.  My hair color lives vicariously through my character since I stopped using semi-permanents.) ;)

Cynde

I play on:

Deathwing:  47 undead rogue
Hellscream:  39 night elf priest
Illidan: 20-something night elf druid

I haven't played in a good three months.  It's my college tension release!  All my friends are 60 now.  Kinda sucks.  I think I may have grown out of the MMORPG phase.

I just got back from my friend's house (6 am...argh) and I'm going to a Japanese steakhouse tomorrow (well, technically today.  My body still thinks it is Friday.)  So happy! <runs off and tries to get some sleep>

Another -great- night!  Still got in waaaaay too late  :o

My best friends and I play Dance Dance Revolution, so we went out and did that, and played some Mario Party 5.  We are nerds O___O

I'm letting my natural wave show through.  I think I'm a 2a...but I still don't know.  I think some parts are 2b and others are 1c.  But whatever it does is fine with me.  It's summer!  Hair grows faster! >.>

I also watched Shaun of the Dead last night.  It is a comedy/horror British film.  It was hilarious.

I am so glad to read about someone else growing out their haircolor. I've enjoyed reading your journal, I'd start my own...But honestly, I am sooo boring. Do you think you'll give in and color, I have the feeling I will...Which upsets me! Good luck.  :P

What a coincidence - my guild, Verndari, used to be on Illidan.  The game is more fun before 60 imo.  Raids, especially MC, are way too long - like at least 6 hours a day for several consecutive day!  Crazy!  I liked it better when I could login, craft, do some LITTLE quests and call it a night.  

Looks like we have a lot in common - I DDR as well.  :)

Cynde

Khrome:  Wow that's amazing!  Too bad you probably don't live nearby =P  My friends and I have been DDR obsessed for about four years.  DDR Extreme is getting boring though.  Thankfully, Roxor came out with In the Groove. (ITG) A few of my friends helped develop it.  I haven't done MC before, but one thing I'm sick of doing is SM. =P

Atlantis:  Don't give in!!!  If we stick together, we can have gorgeous virgin hair. <3  And I highly doubt that you're boring!  You have a cool avatar picture!

Today is the Fourth of July.  I'm going to ribfest in Naperville.  I think it is a DATE. >.>

One thing that looks awesome in my hair is an upside-down french with the top clipped up.  I think I'm going to do that.  I also need to CO.  Last night I watched Family Guy, watched the most amazing man ever play Oni Mode, and hung out with an old friend.

jojoba oil + french braid = happy hair

Quote:

Today is the Fourth of July.  I'm going to ribfest in Naperville.  I think it is a DATE. >.>

Hi Pan, I don't believe we've met yet; it's a pleasure! :) And unless there's another Naperville in the US that has a Ribfest...that's where I live! :o What a small world...

I found out that one of my old friends from EverQuest has hair down to his waist.  I'm quite jealous!  It looked like it was in pretty decent condition.

My hair is beginning to feel much better.  It has a long way to go, by my standards.  I don't know how the whole growing out haircolor phase is going to go.  Maybe the hair will blend.  It is on my mind quite often.  :-/

I promise I won't dye it.  And I hold to my word.

Edit:  Haha that's awesome!  Did you go to the festivities?  I live in Minooka.

Quote:

Haha that's awesome!  Did you go to the festivities?  I live in Minooka.

I didn't go; I just got back from Germany on July 3rd and was a bit too tired. My family didn't even see the fireworks, even; we just went out for pizza.  Guess none of us were feeling very patriotic. ::)

Hey, good luck with growing out your color. You can do it!  :D

I'm so addicted to these forums.  I really should clarify today, but I have this strange feeling that I am going to be lazy....

I get very very very minimal scalp gunk.  I wonder if anyone else is like that.  And I haven't clarified in about 8 days.  Maybe I should get on that?

I'm still trying to get the routine down.  But over a month of non-blowdrying and straightening is GREAT.

Illustrating "The Raven" for a project.  The due date is not for a long time (a month of so) but I'm beginning it anyway.  I love being an artist.  I couldn't imagine my life any other way.

My Alienware Area-51 Laptop should be delivered to my doorstep today.  Then I can really get busy with some ideas.  I miss my wacom tablet.  The computer I'm on right now can't recognize it.

For the hair:  All I gotta say is -wow- it's looking good.  It feels good.  It smells good.  My ends aren't crunchy, which was a big issue for a long time.

I still need to figure out a few more things with my hair.  Trial and error.  I clarify once a week and I do a CO every 2 days.  I think its working, but I enjoy trying new things.  We will just see.

My roots are blending into my haircolor pretty well.  I went swimming yesterday.  I can't wear a swimmer's cap at a public pool.  It directs too much unwanted attention, imho.  But the pool water does help some color deposit escape the hair.

My hair feels like its at a weird length.  It's at one of those "Too long to do this" "Too short to do that" stages.  Braids still need to be redone once or twice a day.  The ponytail has become a hairstyle of choice.

I need to cut down on buying haircare products.  They are becoming expensive.  They are also taking over my shower.  I'm running out of places to put them!

That's basically it with my hair.  I can't help but feel discouraged sometimes.  I see pictures of my nautral haircolor and mid-back length and I feel bummed.  This journey will allow me to grow mid-back length hair that is incredibly healthy.

So it's worth it =)

Not too much hair news.

I found a use for silicone anti-frizz products.  They can do wonders for eyebrows.  I get curly-ish eyebrows from my father's side of the family.  It tames them down rather well :)

Also, shampoo can be used to take out stains.  Just mix equal parts shampoo and water, leave on the stain for 5 minutes, and throw the garment into the wash.

I finished a commissioned piece of artwork yesterday.  I'll have to take a photo of it, since it is a pastel portrait.  The money is going to the "Nigiri Sushi Fund."

My hair rinse felt so good.  It helps my scalp breathe while I exercise.

I can't believe school is going to start up in a month.  Then I won't be able to work on my own artwork as much! :(

http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/5122/pastel6ya.jpg

Pay no attention to the tulip and rosebud.  It's not completely finished.

:o Beautiful!  You have a wonderful talent.  :D

Very, very pretty. You are so lucky to have such talent...I've always wished I could create something beautiful, I am sure it's a great feeling. I agree with BB, wonderful talent! ;)

Thank you ladies, I appreciate your comments :)

I'm having a bad hair day.  my hair feels rubbery.  I think I may have let too much conditioner sit in my hair.  My bangs have hit the most annoying length ever.  They look like they can be tucked behind my ears, but they can't.  It's so annoying....

I wonder, does anyone have any ideas for bangs during this awkward stage?

Perhaps I should hibernate for a few months.  Then, when I wake up, my hair will be a more desirable length.

I have bangs that are about to my chin, I can tuck them behind my ears but they dont stay...So I pull my bangs and a smidge more hair back, then fasten them with two bobby pins. It's easy and I dont think it looks TOO dorky. Either that or I twist little sections of hair back and fasten with bobby pins that I hide with more hair. Just an idea. :)

French braiding is a great way to pull odd lengths of hair into a fun, yet sophisticated style.

Creepy...I am close to 100 posts.  Whenever I got a spare moment, I look at the forums.  Friends are starting to question my sanity.

I've been getting alot of outside pressure to cut my hair.  My mother loves my hair when its at my chin.  Ew.  At least I stopped playing with my hair.  It takes all of my willpower, but I rarely touch it during the day.

My natural roots are looking quite lovely.  Their color reminds me of winter wheat.

In un-related news, my school (University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana) is hosting a Dance Dance Revolution tournament.  Cash prize for the winner!  I will buy some LL hairsticks if I win. :)

Take a deeeeeep breath.  Now slooooooowly let it out.  

You are just fine.  Your need to visit the boards constantly is a common effect of suddenly finding out there are others out there that share the same ideas as you.  You will eventually learn to curb this habit.  Welllll, maybe.  Some of us have been hooked on these sites for many years.   ;D  

On the other hand, your visiting is teaching you more about how to care for your hair in a healthy manner.  You, in turn will share this information with others, which will result in their taking better care of their hair.  Consider your activities a community service to improve the healthy wellbeing of  hair! :D

A painter! and a dancer!
Wonderful talents panpeus. Having artistic skills and expression is sooo nice.
Congratulations :D

Wow, that painting looks great!!  Are those pastels?  Good luck with the DDR competition!

Cynde

wrote on Jul 13^th, 2005 at 5:12pm:

My hair rinse felt so good.  It helps my scalp breathe while I exercise. I can't believe school is going to start up in a month.  Then I won't be able to work on my own artwork as much! :( Pay no attention to the tulip and rosebud.  It's not completely finished.

Wow, is that soft pastel? Verrrry gorgeous work :)

Anais

Yes it is, Anais.  Do you dabble in pastel as well?

Also, thanks again for the compliments!  You are all so sweet.  I will post more artwork when I get around to it!

The tournament went over very well.  I placed second.  The prize money ended up going toward gas and drinks.

My hair gets so frizzy.  And untameable.  I may get it cut even shorter so I can get rid of the damage.  But if I do that, I won't be able to bun up my hair.  And that's a real problem.  I wear it in a ponytail (I do change the placement of it every day) 95% of the time, so it shouldn't matter anyway.

What to do.../sigh

It's not my specialty, but I have dabbled in it. My preferred medium is watercolor or acrylic. I haven't worked in either medium in a long time, but hopefully this summer will show good conditions for time travel ;)

Anais

I adore watercolors.  I have a travel watercolor set that is wonderful for vacations.   8)

I took my boyfriend out for his first taste of sushi.  He was very scared of the raw fish (maguro, hamachi, ika, ikura) but he loved the cooked stuff...unagi.

Hair news.  I'm letting it claim its place on my head.  Whatever it feels like doing is fine with me.  I stopped using the infusium 23 as much, I just use suave naturals, and sometimes some biolage conditioning balm.

Every day I look in the mirror I see my roots.  And I'm glad to see them.  I missed them. =p

I want a water softener.  I showered at my friend's house, and they have a water softener.  Oh my gosh, my hair felt SO soft.  I may have to shower there!  But it's back to my hard water :/

At school I have very hard water.  My hair gets very angry at college.

Other than that, I haven't done much.  I cooked stuffed peppers the other day, they were delightful.  I have to install some games on my computer!  I work today! :P

I finally got some scalp gunk.   ::)

It shall be vanquished. (when I take my shower tonight.)  I am trying no -cone products for a while.  My hair rebelled for the first three days, but then it felt much better.

I tried brown sugar for exfoliation two days ago.  More sugar made its way into my mouth than onto my hair.....

Yum.

I don't know if my hair is in need of a trim, but it is in need of something.  I keep getting little knots stuck in the top and the ends.  So frustrating.

wrote on Jul 28^th, 2005 at 9:48pm:

I don't know if my hair is in need of a trim, but it is in need of something.  I keep getting little knots stuck in the top and the ends.  So frustrating.

I sympathise...  I had those little knots at the end of my hair a couple of weeks ago, and couldn't stand them.  ITried undoing them to no avail.  So I snipped them off while watching TV.  It really tested my patience to not snip more than one hair at a time.  :-)

Cynde

Not much to report.  It feels like every day is a bad hair day.  Come Christmas time, my hair and bangs will be at a length that I can manage.  Until then I will have to stick it out.


I think my roots won't cause much of a problem with my dyed haircolor.  That was my number 1 fear.  The sun is also lightening the color up a bit.  Until then, I'm just going to suck it up and not cut it.  Then I would be in an even worse situation.

Yay! It's good to read you haven't given into dying! I'm jealous about the color fading in the sun, my black isnt budging at all.  >:(

I'm finding myself getting bored w/my look since I quit coloring.  Hang in there!

Oh no Atlantis!  Well, there is some relief to fading over a longer time.  Oxidation with the haircolor is unavoidable.  Once the color inside the cortex gets eroded a bit, the color will lift.  The sun just does it a bit faster :)


I wish my hair was one color.  <grr> but even so, I'm going to tough it out.  My bangs are very streaky, so I think that's what annoys me the most.  Rar.

I agree though, coloring hair is fun, and now I'm getting bored of the light brown.  =/

I should trim a half inch to a quarter inch off.  I really should.  But I'm not going to because I hate my hair's length.  >:(

I think Christmas time will leave my hair at an easier to manage length.  What a great present!  My bangs are all over the place right now.  But it isn't good to wish the time away, either.

I decided I'm going to get it trimmed on Friday.  I think I'll just ask for 1/4th inch, so that I don't lose all of my month's growth.  But I think I'll opt for a 1/2 inch when I get there.  My hair color is continuing to fade.  It's close enough to my natural color.

Or maybe I'll do 1/2 off the bottom and 1/4 off the layers.  I can't seem to make up my mind!

In other news, school starts in 21 days.  My boyfriend is leaving this weekend for R.A. training.  Bummer =/

Edit:  I have some serious hair angst going on.  I can't stand the texture my hair has.  If I was single I would shave it.

EEEEeek!  If you can do it - that old "wait 2 weeks" works wonders for making better decisions.  Woulda saved my butt many times ...g

As gabi said - wait 2 weeks before doing anything drastic.  In the meantime, try something new.  Do a clarifying rinse.  Use a new shampoo and/or conditioner.  You might find a little change in routine can change how you feel about your hair.

Yeah, I should just get a trim.  But at the same time, its the part of my hair that is damaged from the hair dye.  So I'm debating.  I'll get 1/4th off (even though the icky hair part is about an inch) and let the lady give me a scalp message.

I have straighter hair.  Maybe like a 1b/c.  But my ends are so dry, they kink.  The end portion of my hair is a 2b from bleaching.  It's sad.  It's shriveling!  :o  I like my hair long, but the more pressing matter is the damage done by bleaching and dying.  And the fact that my roots are going to be obvious.

It's just a sticky situation.  Is 1/4th a bad idea?

1/4" isn't bad, especially when you are trimming damaged hair.  If it makes you feel better about your hair and you think it will reduce further damage, then it is a good thing.

Sounds like a plan.  My hairstylist knows what she's doing.  It also gives me some time to play with the cutest cat ever.

It is a celebration!!  A new page to my journal has been born!

I called my hairstylist and I told her, "Only take 1/4 off the whole thing.  Even if I change my mind when I get there."  She laughed at me and said, "I get these calls quite a bit.  Your hair is safe with me."  What a good feeling.

I'm not going to heat style it, but I'm going to ask for something to help out the natural wave of my hair.  I'm a little worried that my hair will feel greasy, because I put in jojoba oil for the nighttime.  It is just pointless to wash your hair twice in one day, or to wash hair when it is already clean.

Well, I guess I gotta get ready.  The fuzzy fluff will be vanquished!!

Hey - sounds good - good cutter and good cats to distract nerves  ;D

I think 1/4" cuts are perfect, especially as I always do more and regret it terribly.

We'll be eagerly awaiting the good report...enjoy, g

Definately a great great GREAT report!

I got 1/4 off the ends, and she said my layers didn't look like they needed to be cut.  She also said that my hair is in good condition.  I told her what happened to my hair during the spring and she said "I never would have guessed that you dyed and bleached it that often."

From now on, I'm only going to get 1/4 off.  Nothing more than that, or else I'll regret it! :P

Whoohoo!  That's good news!  :D

Cynde

That must have felt awesome to hear :D Heeey, proof of your efforts!

Anais

Thank you, Cynde and Anais!

It has much more bounce!
I have also come up with a "hair code."

* I will only trim 1/4 off my ends at a time.
* I will get trims as often as I need them.
* I will not play with my hair.
* I will not blowdry, straighten, or curl my hair.
* I will grow mid-back length hair.
* I won't let a hairstylist tell me what THEY think is the best style.
* I won't dye, bleach, or color my hair in any way.

Still don't know what I'm going to do about the bangs.  Hmm....maybe I could take a pic of me with bangs, and another one of me pulling my bangs off my face.  Maybe everyone could vote to see what looks better.

But my camera broke.  I'll do this later.  In the meantime, I'm going to indulge in some red azuki bean ice cream.

Edit:  I fixed some grammatical errors.

Those are such good goals - I think I'll try to borrow a few of them.  Worst nemisis - playing and cutting when there if not even a split in sight.

Now what I really want is some of that ice cream *lust lust lust* ...g

Borrow as many as you like, Gabi! =D

Picture day!  I am cleaning out my old hard drive.  I also (Finally) installed my wacom tablet on my computer.  So let the artwork flow!

Hair:  It's still FAR too short to my tastes, but it's kinda cute.  Here's an image of my hair.  I don't like streaky highlights, but it isn't a BAD look.  I get alot of compliments on it.

[img=http://img83.imageshack.us/img83/9054/hair6yv.th.jpg]

As the picture shows, I like to post on forums way too much.  It is past the shoulders a few inches.  I don't measure my hair.  I want to keep thinking that my hair grows faster than normal.

[img=http://img173.imageshack.us/img173/2091/oogyboogyprogress7sq.th.jpg]

This is a little monster doodle I made in photoshop.  He needs a hug.  Raaawrrrr!!

Edit:  He's just mad that he can't use LL Hairsticks.

Aaaw, cute wittle hairstick-less monster!  He looks cool.  Did you do that with your Wacom?  I got a tablet a couple months ago, and have been working on a WoW fan-art piece.  I really should finish it...  But anyway, I LOVE my tablet.  

I think your hair is lovely!  It's such a nice color - streaks and all.   :D

Cynde

I like the streaks, adds variety  ;D.  I don't measure either, just gets me edgy.

And Hairstickman looks mighty snarked off ...g

I loooove that hair color, and I loooooove that MONSTER! ;D

Thanks guys!

Here's something I've worked on in the last two hours.  It's not really finished anywhere, but I think I'll make it look really polished.  ( I hate showing in progress work, but it seems that's all I got laying around  ::) )

It's "Lenore" from "The Raven."



http://img357.imageshack.us/my.php?image=notfinished8bc.jpg

Edit:  Changed the linky!

Heyyyyyyy - that's good work.  It's funny how size can distort.  I agree it takes on a totally different (and better) look when clicked on.  Something to do with the light and contrast when it get's shrunk I think.

She's has a bit of your features, eh?  I swear all of us drawing types do that unless we make an effort not to...g

Here's the progress on Lenore.  She still needs work, but it's mostly laid out.  Lenore's undead.  I guess I should point that out, too.  My friend was like "AHH SHE'S BLUE!"

http://img134.imageshack.us/my.php?image=lenore2sh.jpg

Hair:  I haven't washed it in a long time =P  It feels kinda greasy.  I have a question, too.

What are gentle cleansing ingredients?  I know SLS and SLES are bad for you, but what's mild?  Is Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate mild?  (I have a shampoo that's got it.)  I might C+ COW+ C to change things up.

Also, thank you for all of the comments and feedback.  I enjoy reading what you all have to say.  It makes my day.

I haven't washed my hair since Monday.  It feels really good.

Here's a pic of my goal:

[img=http://img271.imageshack.us/img271/3843/goal9vp.th.jpg]

That's my natural haircolor.  I think I blowdried it, there.  But as my hair grows, my wave goes bye-bye.  Right now I'm a 1c/2a.  By the time my hair hits that point, it will be 1b.

Aww how I miss it.  But I flat ironed the hair quite a bit.  It's good to get rid of that habit.

Tht is extremely pretty *YAY* ...g

Wow your natural color is so much lighter than in your avatar!  I like them both.

DDR on a keyboard!  How hardcore is that!  heheh  Have you seen the DDR t-shirts made by Game-skins?  

Cynde

Thank you Gabi!!!

Cynde:  I haven't heard of the Tee's, but I make my college's tournament T-shirts.  (Yeah, we're that hardcore)

I struck gold at some random salon today.

Buy one QUART of biolage product, get the other QUART free.

So I'm sitting on a mountain of conditioning balm, less than 20 bucks.  I also got these great barettes!!  They have no metal and they have a smooth texture.  I need to get more.

I'm also sick of buying 'A' cup bras.  I'm also going to wage war against companies that don't carry certain bra styles in 'A' cups.

That's discrimination.

Hair:  Second day of not washed.  It's starting to lose its waviness a bit.  The pony tail is still the style of choice.  It is worn about 90% of the time.  

Hair related news:  Frederic Fekkai is advertising his hair products in conjunction with Victoria's Secret.  Also, Aura Science (a make-up company) is part of the same 'corporate empire' (for the lack of a better term) as Victoria's Secret.  But I really like their lipgloss.

I bought some Omega Complex vitamins.  They have flaxseed and fish oil.

I also enjoy typing in boldface.

Today was kinda blah.  My sister has been getting incredibly bad migranes.  But the strange thing is -- she's never gotten one before.  

She was having the beginning signs of a stroke, (numbness in fingers/arm, dyslexic talk, trouble seeing, sudden confusion, dizziness and nausea) so we called an ambulance.  She looked like she was feeling better when I left the hospital.  She told me that my hair looked nice, though.  She knows how to make me feel better.  She could tell I was worried.  I also hate hospitals.

My hair:  Doesn't seem very important at the moment.  I ended up rinsing twice today.  I went for a long run, and I was sweaty.  It makes cold rinising so much easier.

If you could, say a prayer for my sister, Deanna Joy.

:(  So sorry to hear about your sister.  Are they keeping her there for more testing or is she home now? *HUGS* for the both of you.

Cynde

Sending my best wishes for your sister - I don't know if it's any help but I get chronic migraines and those symptoms are not unusual for true migraine.  Definitely need to be checked out though.

About those bras - I totally relate  :-/.  Annoying that they can't seem to get a good fit going...g

I'll keep you and your sister in my thoughts as well.  Hopefully the symptoms were just a migraine.  (((( Hugs))))

Thanks for the support.  It has been a -long- two days.  She's doing better.  We get the test results today.  Stroke/Heart Attack runs in the family, so we are being extra cautious.

In other news, I think I am going to find a new hairdresser.  I really like the lady I went to, but I don't think she completely understands my goal of mid-back or possibly longer.  I might go to some cheaper place like Great Clips or Fantastic Sam's to get 1/4 off the bottom only.  I can S&D the layers.  I don't trust any of my friends when it comes to hair cutting.  I don't really want layers anymore, they don't let me braid my hair.

We'll see what I decide to do.  I'm going to head back up to the hospital now.

Edit:  And old random long hair (and DDR picture of me.)

http://img121.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ddrhair3ah.jpg
http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/8820/ddrhair3ah.th.jpg

[Edit by bikerbraid to fix image tags]

Sending out good thoughts for Deanna Joy.  I do hope she'll be better soon.

Panpeus, I'm so sorry to hear your sister is unwell.  I'll pray for her and your family.  Please be sure to take care of yourself during this stressful time.

Panpeus, I am sorry to hear about your sister feeling like this. I do hope and wish she gets better soon and whatever it was, to have been the most-easily-cured of all possibilities.  :-*

P.S. Sorry, but I can't see your photos  :-/

wrote on Aug 14^th, 2005 at 4:17am:

I'm also sick of buying 'A' cup bras.  I'm also going to wage war against companies that don't carry certain bra styles in 'A' cups. That's discrimination.

Yeah, it's very annoying if you are not a "common" size.  I can never find things short enough (and I don't usually like shopping in Petites.)

But anyway, VS just came out with the Demi version of their IPEX bras.  They come in "A's"  I have the Full Coverage version and this is the best bra I've ever had.  The fabric feels like lotion, and you don't feel like you're even wearing a bra.  Here is a link to their catalog.  I'm not sure if this is in stores yet - if it is, they probably don't have the same colors:
VS IPEX demi

Cynde

Thank you for your prayers.  My sister came home today.  She looks so much better.  The doctors think that she will have severe migranes from now on, but its much better than stroke.

Hair: Yesterday I wanted to shave my head!  It was greasy, oily, frizzy, and ANGRY.  It needed to be washed.  I used my friend's Dove Color Treated and Volumizing one (forgot the technical name) and John Frieda's Sheer Blonde for Fine Hair (My hair isn't fine AT ALL but it still worked well.)  My hair is soft.  I think my hair missed -cones.  Maybe I'll use em again.

Scalp gunk:  Kinda got some.  It's fun to scratch off.  But I don't want to.  I think I'm just worried about scratching too hard.

But I'm exhausted.  I'm getting some sleep.  Thanks again for your support.  And thanks, Cynde, for that link! =)

Glad your sister is now home.  Hopefully she can rest easy and minimize the future migraines.

I'm glad your sister is doing better and they figured out what was wrong.  Migranes are horrible, but are definitely better than a stroke.  :(

On to page seven!  My volleyball number.

I go to school in two days.  I was there yesterday and the day before.  I went to visit my boyfriend who is a Residential Advisor down there.  He was happy to see me.  I introduced him to Korean food and bubble tea.  (Bubble tea is tea with tapioca ((boba)) balls in it.  It's very good.)  My bangs are frizzy.  I'm pulling them back with a big rubber band headband like thingy.  I'm not used to having it there, so it feels kinda funny sometimes.

My roots are at an inch and a half.  I don't even care if the color looks off.  My hair that was died feels like its coarse/medium, but my growth is medium in texture.  The frizz is definately color-damage related.  I'm also saying "To hell with layers!"  I can't braid my hair right now.  It's so darn annoying.

Boyfriend's hair:  He got it razored to a 1 in the back.  The back of his head feels as soft as a bunny rabbit.  I told him that I want my head shaved too, but he didn't think that would be a good idea.  I really would like to get ALL of the colored hair off my head! :P

But I don't have the guts to do that.

I'm glad your sister's out of the hospital. I hope she won't get too many migranes in the future. *Hugs* to the both of you!

Bubble tea and Korean food are yummy! I have no idea why, but for some weird reason I didn't think that bubble tea had made it outside of Hawaii.

Juri:  Thanks so much!  ;D  Bubble Tea is alive and kickin' in Illinois.

I'm packing for school.  I brought all of my shampoos, conditioners, oils, butters, scrub, and a giant amount of styling product.  I have a (small) duffle bag full of stuff.  A few things I left out are: the curling iron, the straigtening iron, the blowdryer, and the rollers.  I might bring the iron for my bangs.  It is horrible when they stick straight up.

Lenore:  Her face is almost finished.  Here's a link (I hope I don't mess this one up!)

http://img394.imageshack.us/img394/9708/lenore39cn.jpg

I'll just directly link it.  It probably won't get done (just like everything else I do.)

Hair:  Second day of not washing.  Looks good, feels good.  I bobby pinned my bangs back.  That will show them!

I got some rollerblades today.  K2 Kinetic 10.0's.  They really fly!  I was going around the sports store with them.  I nearly ran into a cute little girl while I was zipping around the store.  I'm 5'10'' (without blades on) and she was like 3'.  I didn't see her!  I also got some athletic clothes with my mommy.  I was shocked that she took me shopping.  Sometimes we don't see eye-to-eye *cough hair cough* but she was very cool today.

That's pretty much it.  Another year of school.  I know I'm forgetting something, though...

:::GASP!!::::  Lenore is beautiful!

Thank you, BB!

I'm here at school.  Oh man, school is TOO much fun.  ::)

We're having a "Freshman Welcoming Party" at UIUC's rec room for Dance Dance Revolution and Pump It Up.  It is going to be great.

My Hair:  The frizz, frizz, frizz.  It's everywhere.  I want to trim again.  But I think I'm going to wait another month.  My roots are so shiny.  They look really good and healthy.  I want to continue growth, but at the same time, I want to start cutting the damage out at a better rate.  When in doubt, wait!

School starts Wednesday.  It will be fun, I hope.

Ah yes - the first week of college - PARTY, PARTY, PARTY!  I'm envious.  I want to party!  :'(

Ooo, first week at college!  Have a great time at the welcoming party!

BB and Maroula:  We could have a hair party! =P

School is going well.  I finally got my stuff put away.  I hae another class at 12:30, and then I have to do some art-related homework.  I am taking these classes:

Advanced Typography
Image Making II
Japanese Culture:  Historical and Contemporary
20th Century Art
Classical Greek Civilization

I just got back from Greek Civ. *Yawn* my teacher is boring.

Oooh.  If any college students have facebook, you can facebook me here.  Facebook rocks.  Most colleges have it. See if yours has it.  <www.thefacebook.com>;

http://uillinois.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1922793

Hair:  Still kinda frizzy and annoying.  I think I've hit "Ponytail Depression" (wearing a ponytail 100% of the time.)  Even so, I like my ponytail, and I don't have time for hair fussing with school.  So it is a blessing in disguise.  My shower curtain LEAKS, so I am limited to baths right now.  Which is equally annoying.

My boyfriend also bought me three red roses for a housewarming present.  They smell so nice.

I think I covered everything.  Except I was wondering:  What is a gentle cleanser's name?  (Not SLES or SLS =P)  Is ammonium (ammonium lauryl, myreth, or laureth)gentler?

Yikes - my best to your sister.

And no matter how much you party - don't decide to shave your head on a hangover.

Enjoy...g

Hahaha Gabi!  It would be like "Sixteen Candles" where Ted's mean girlfriend gets her hair cut out of the doorframe.

I like to have a few drinks, but I would never get that smashed!

Hair:  I haven't washed it in 2 weeks.  Eeew! :P  But I have 0 scalp buildup.  So I could wait even longer, I guess.  Hair neglect is sometimes a good thing.

The first week of college is always so exciting. I (kinda) miss it. Your classes sound fun! I hope you can enjoy the Greek civ. class, boring teacher or not.

I think a gentle cleaner is sodium lauryl sulfoacetate. I looked it up after you asked about it in my journal and wrote a little about it. Ammonium lauryl sulfate is not a gentle cleanser. There was some in the Aveda hair detoxifier I used last Thursday and I didn't have to wash my hair for 5 days after--it got totally stripped.

That is *so* good to know.  Thanks Juri!

I'm updating so late because I got back from the Dance Dance Revolution social.  I was lucky enough to play while others ran the sign up booth.  Even better:  My hair is in a french braid!

However, some of the freshmen were rather rude to me.  I'm the kind of person who extends a hand out to anyone.  I guess it wasn't a good idea.  :-[

It kinda put a damper on my night.  I think I'm going to get some zzzz's.  I can't get bent out of shape over it, or else my hair won't get its beauty rest!

Whenever feasible I think sloth, gluttony and neglect can be soooooooo rewarding  ;D...don't let the youngsters get to ya ...g

French braids now?  Cool!  Sounds like it's grown!

I thought Freshmen were suppose to be intimidated by upperclassmen.   ::)  Well, you are setting a good example by being friendly.  Hopefully they'll catch on.

Cynde

so sorry about your sister :-/
migraines are horrible, i get *minor* migraines (or so the doctor said)-my parents were horrified at the thought of migraines at 16

Have fun at college, your classes sound interesting
:)

Thanks for your posts Gabi, Khrome, and Beesan!!  

Awww the weekend is almost over =/ I'm not ready to present my typography ideas to the class, either.  I think I'll work on it tonight.  Keekee.

Hair:  I did S&D.  I found a bunch of kinky, coarse, unhappy hairs (about 20.  How sad, I counted.)  Located around my crown.  I'm thinking that was from hair damage from months ago.  But they have been vanquished!  I used SilkElements MegaSilk conditioning pack (from Sally's) and it worked pretty well.  Contained a siloxane of some sort, but didn't effect jojoba oiling.

Hair still feels drier and frizzier (I would type my hair as 1cCii) than what I'm normally used to.  It's disheartening, but it will probably be like this until I cut out the colored portions of my hair.  I've made so much progress from 3 months ago.  My boyfriend also said it looks, "Much softer and shinier."  Then I told him I stopped washing it and he was kinda like, "Eeeew...."

He's lucky, he's only got a month's worth of growth to deal with!

The bit about your boyfriend is funny! lol.

Good luck with the typography ideas! And I hope the freshmen mellow out. Perhaps they will once they get a better taste of college. *evil grin*

Thanks for posting, Juri!  Yeah, the freshies will DEFINATELY get a wake up call~!

Stuff going on:  I have projects due on Wednesday.  (I can't believe its SO SOON.  ARGH.)  And I got new rollerblades.  I really hope I don't wipe out!  My boyfriend is going to help me get started.

Hair:  It feels rather soft and smooth.  I used biolage conditioning balm, along with a bit of leave-in. (HSH)  I was watching a recording of me when my hair was mid-back.  Awww I miss it so darn much! ><

Maybe I'll just stop trimming... ::) I did that for a long time and it didn't pose much of a problem.  But we'll see, my hair was very healthy when I did that!  My hair length looks very pretty, but it's just not what I want.  Heehee.

Just posting in between classes.  Today is going to be a LONG day.  But my class load gets easy after Wednesday.  So hooray for that!!

My typography teacher sounds like she is going to be incredibly tough.  *sigh* I have always had a rough time with type.  My art history teacher is awfully boring, too.  However, my classic civ class is more or less a review.  (I took a greek/roman civ course a year ago.)  Gotta love mythology!  I get to read the Iliad and the Odyssey this semester.

Hair:  Can I just shave it?  It doesn't seem to get any better when I trim it.  Which makes me so mad.  It is still incredibly hard to switched to the changed texture/waviness.  I would classify my growth as 1cMii.  My colored portion acts like it is 2a/bCii.  It is quite a big difference from what I'm used to.  I just need to practice proper long hair care, and it will get better.  At least, that's what I'm telling myself.  ::)

I went rollerblading for the first time yesterday.  I didn't fall, but balance is such a huge issue.  It is also very hard to STOP.  Haha!  If I don't learn how to stop faster, a bus is going to run me over.  And that wouldn't be very good for my hair.

I think my boyfriend is starting to worry about how often I think about my hair.  And I think about it at LEAST 30 minutes a day.  Does anyone else get like that? :O

In other news, I spotted a maple tree that is starting to change colors.  I like the fall, but not the allergies that come with it.  I seem to get sick every fall. =/


I think I covered everything.  I wish that college didn't have class requirements. =p  College would be so great if that were the case!

:) You sound just like my daughter when you talk about college  :) I like that.

That with your bf and not washing your hair was cute - his face must have been priceless  ;D

Yes, you're right fall is def on the way with mega steps. Our chestnut tree in the back is already throwing of its fruit. Kinda early this year  :(
Your allergies are coming, mine are going. Are you dealing with them for a long time already?

Have fun learning all these new tricks with your blades :)

Hee hee!  Pan, I think everyone here thinks about their hair way more than the national average.  But that's a good thing.  8)

wrote on Aug 30^th, 2005 at 9:03pm:

Hee hee!  Pan, I think everyone here thinks about their hair way more than the national average.  But that's a good thing.  8)

I totally agree with that.  :)

Thank you for posting, Moonchild, Divewench, and Juri!  I'm glad you all think about your hair WAY too much, too.  It let's me know that I'm going crazy in good company.... :P

I'm trying to space out my posts a little bit more.  I don't think LongLocks can handle another diamond party. ><

Hair:  All of a sudden, my hair feels great.  I doubt it will last though....haah.  I have no idea how it happened, either.  Truly remarkable.  It's in a french braid.  I have one itchy spot by the nape of my neck. (and it won't go away!  But I will not itch it!!)  I'm very tired.  I have done so much schoolwork over the course of one week.

I still have to read 50 more pages in "Theories of Modernism."  Yawn.  Okay, okay, so there are good points in the book, but if I EVER see another book set in 8/10 in Times New Roman with stuffy little margins and a shotty-looking binding, I'm going to beat someone senseless.

I'm two weeks overdue for groceries.  It's terrible. ~___~()  Thankfully my boyfriend takes me to Late Night and gets me a snack.  What I would give for some avocados.  *tummy grumble*

I have 1 1/2 inches of growth.  Roughly.  I still need a tape measure.  I'm worried to get one because I think I would measure my darn hair every day.  It feels so darn soft.  It is definately making the growing out process less painful.  The good thing about large lectures is the few ladies who have undyed hair.  I saw a healthy-looking redhead and medium blonde.  Not too many brunettes, though.  They seem to want the "blonde look."  I think, in part, this comes from having blonde hair as a child, and having it darken to brown.  While it is certainly not true toward everyone, I know a few of my friends who think they're "Naturally blonde" when they really aren't.

I'm shocked at how light my natural color is.  I really like the color!

Quote:

I'm trying to space out my posts a little bit more.  I don't think LongLocks can handle another diamond party. ><

LOL! This is a hearty group - we can handle it!  BRING ON THE POSTS!  ;D

WHAT???

We LOVE parties!!

You know you want to...it's the itch you HAVE to scratch...the chocolate, you have to taste....

...come on pan, you can do it, only a few more posts!!!!

8)

Post postpostpost - I need a party fix - this time maybe a Mexican Fiesta - Oooo Mariachi Boys

As to the significant males types in our lives - I think mine is getting to where he doesn't care what I do with my hair as long as I'm not driving him crazy about it - poor guy ...g

Oh please, don't hold nothing back  ;D
Just post away, honey  ;D

Get the party started yeahyeahhmhmhm

trying to do a PINK imitation  

8) 8) 8)

Hmmmm....maybe you could try the curly girl spot- cleaning method- basically you put a dab of conditioner on your finger tips, and scrub directly on the spot. Then rinse thoroughly.
HTH :)

Thanks posting BB, Maroula, Gabi, Beesan (the spot wash worked well), and Moonchild!  I might have to up the posts a little bit, since you all seem like such avid party people!

Speaking about parties, my friends and I are going out tonight.  I was going to wear a brand new backless shirt that my sister bought me, but I couldn't fill the front out.  I get so upset when that happens.  What a yucky way to start the night.  Many cute party tops show too much chest for me to wear them. =/

But with all of that aside, I pulled off a great looking twist braid.  I think it contains the layers much better than a french.  I want to shave my head, still.  I don't even want long hair anymore.  I just want healthy hair.

Take a deep breath and step away from the scissors.  Everything will be OK.  Remember the 2 week rule!  

Oh, and - have a good weekend!

Glad the spot wash worked :)

i always want to do that- shave my head i mean, arggggghhhhh >:( it makes me so mad sometimes, to think that my hair is damaged, and that it might never be the same :-/ but then my mom holds me back...*sigh*

DO NOT shave your head, close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and relax

Pan - flex your fingers ... limber up... now SLAP YOURSELF SILLY - see all better now.

Seriously, I have done this - it's NOT a good idea if you want to grow it back out - you will suffer so much while all those ends are just flitting around making you nuts.

Just hang in there ... it'll work out ... and having a good weekend will help too ...hugs, g

Nooo don't shave!  Remember your hairdresser said it was in good condition.  Sometimes we're our own worst critic  

How about shea butter - I had a hard time getting off of cones - I had dry, crunchy ends.  But it's actually pretty nice now.  I did couple of ACV rinses, along with non-cone shampoo and conditioner, and buttered the ends lightly.  It took several consequtive days to rehydrate, but now I'm going on my 2nd day without a wash and it's still soft.  I'll admit, it's not as slick as it was on cones, but it's softer and holds a style better.

Cynde

No, don't shave!  Take a deeeeeeep breath and wait a bit and see if your hair gets better.  

I had colored my hair over and over and had crap hair on the bottom of my hair...it made me nuts.  I just worked with alot of updos, deep conditioned as often as I could and did overnight oil treatments.

You can't undo the damage, but you can improve the look of the hair while it's growing out the damage.

(((Hugs))))  It will improve, it just takes time and patience.  Being busy with school will be a big help...put it up and forget it.  :)

Shave a Kiwi or your legs! Girl don't do it!

Your hair is sooooooooo pretty.  :)

And as far as filling out a blouse - it's funny how I wished it would be less "filling" cause there are a bunch of tops I can't wear for that reason.

The grass is always what on the other side?  8)

On that cutting thing - I have found that sometimes it helps to obsess about your nails for awhile ...g

Hey everyone!  I've been busy with school so I wasn't able to post, but I am back now!  ;)  Thank you for your posts, BB, Gabi, Moonchild, Maroula, Beesan, and Khrome!  I would never ever shave my head.  It is starting to get out of its funky "in-between stage" for hair.

On another note, I might have to get my tattoo removed.  :'( I really love it.  It looked great for over 4 years (Can't believe it's been that long.)  But the ink is starting to bubble and feather out a bit underneath my skin.  And that's definately not good, I'm not only worried for the skin around that area, but the character may become illegible...I got a dermatologist appointment in a few days.  It sucks....but if it has to go, I guess I'll try to start coping.  I haven't told my boyfriend about it yet.  I think he really likes it. =*(

Hair:  With school, I have no time to even *think* about it.  Which actually feels good.  My mind is more on my tattoo right now.  I've only had it for 4 years.

Edit:  Changed funky wording.

Phew, I'm glad you're not actually going to shave your head, Panpeus. I have those days when I wonder if it's worth it to grow out my hair, too. But then I have a good hair day and I know it is worth the occassional aggravation.  :)

I'm sorry to hear about what's happening with your tattoo. I wonder why the ink is starting to react like that. Let us know what the doc says, okay?

(((Hugs)))

Sorry to hear about your tattoo..  I don't know much about tattoos - why is it feathering?  Do they think all tats will react like that in the future?  

Cynde

Panpeus Your tat is bubbling?  I know they can begin to blur with time. I have three tat's that are over 10 years old.  One is slightly blured from scatching it when it was new. I hope your tat and skin will be okay.

Pan, have you been putting sunscreen on your tattoo when your neck is exposed?  I think feathering of the edges is natural as the skin ages, although 4 years isn't so long.

Good Luck!

I was honestly worried about you - your hair  ;D

Pfffffffffft Exhale!  :)

Hope your tatoo or better yet- your skin will be alright

so sorry to hear about your tat :-/ keep us updated

hope everything goes well :)

Not really a hair update, I guess I should explain what my tat looks like (I would take a picture but I have no camera.)

I do have some feathering around the edges, but in the upper right of the piece, I have an eraser-sized bump that itches so badly.  Now, I thought it was just a giant insect bite, since it is reddish around the area, but it has been there for about a month now.  So I called my dermotologist and he said to get it checked out very soon.  He said it could be because I have very sensitive, dry skin (Being of irish and norwegian ancestry, I'm one -pale- lady.) Bad sunburn (Got that this summer.  Never got it in the years prior.)  Trauma to the area (Don't think that happened.)  Or an ongoing allergic reaction (maybe I had it a while and never noticed...he said it happens to patients often.) Also, inks are not regulated by the FDA.)

I guess that's all that I can post about it.  I haven't really told any of my RL friends, because I don't want to tell them that I might have to have it removed.

I'm just going to wait to see what the doctor says.

You might want to check w/the person that did your tattoo to ask if they used Listerine to cut the ink.  The ink comes from Dupont and must be cut w/some form of alcohol to be applied.  Some artists use vodka, some Listerine.  I was told this by my tattoo artist.  If anyone knows any different, I bow to your widsom.  Many people react badly to the listerine.

Back from the doctor with (sort of) good news.  Thanks, everybody, for your comments, stories, and helpful hints with my tattoo.

My tattoo has experienced a crazy amount of fading within a short span.  (The doctor asked if an amateur did the ink, and I said no.)  And a few keloids are the bumps on the back of my neck.  He said that he could probably remove them, but it will interfere with the tattoo's design and will lose inkiness in areas -for the lack of a better term- (Not going to do it, since my design is a kanji.)

However, he said that the keloids might interfere with touching the tattoo up, especially since it is located on a blood-rich area of my body (The back of the neck.  Think of all the blood that goes to the brain.  It also explains the slight itching/soreness of them.  He also thinks that I aggrivated them by scratching them, since I thought it was a bug bite.)  Areas with great circulation fade the fastest.  His concern is that they probably grew slowly, but picked up in growth over the last 6 months or so.  So I have to go for a follow-up later on.

But it sounds like everything will be okay.  I hope that the keloids fade and flatten in appearance (which is common.)  But I have keloids from an accident involving my chin which have not flattened out over time.  They have gotten a bit darker.

I can't predict the future, but it sounds like the doctor really knows what he's talking about.

Have you researched scar unwinding?  I know my local Naturopath has some technique for reducing scars and scar tissue, some form of injection I think.  I personally have not had this done but was talking to him about it because my hubby has a HUGE scar on his front deltoid that impedes his range of motion.  

I have a friend that keloids so badly she can't have a breast reduction surgery she badly needs.  She's all scarred up.

I'm glad you're OK!

Glad it isn't anything serious!  What I know of keloids, they can darken when exposed to UV rays (sun), and steriod injections can sometimes help reduce them.  I had a friend that used Vitamin E oil on hers and claimed it helped heal them and reduce their size.  I've used Vitamin E to help reduce scaring myself, so there may be something to that.  

Hope it all works out for you.

Glad it's nothing seriousbut still up setting :-/, i have also heard about the vitamin E oil helping with scars.

hope everything goes well :)

I heard about a silicone gel a friend of mine used to put on her keloids. Not sure about the name, but I do remember that she used to get it from her doctor.

I hope it will be better soon  :)

Thanks so much for your replies, Gabi, Moonchild, Sakina, Beesan, and Bikerbraid!  I bought some vitamin E oil the other day.  The doctor said that it is worth a shot. =)

Hair:  I used some -cone product the other day, and it made my hair feel like it used to...very soft and shiny.  It doesn't interfere with my jojoba oiling, either.  I'm still researching my cone-or-no-cone system, but either or works well for me. =D

I wear it in a french braid almost every day.  It keeps me from touching it.

Other news:  It is SO COLD OUTSIDE.  I was going to class wearing a hoodie and jeans and I was shivering.  =(  I don't mind the fall, but still, it's too cold right now!

Post 251!  ...The weekend is coming up!!  I wanna PARTY!

Edit:  This is a shameless post to get diamond status. Enjoy!

wrote on Sep 15^th, 2005 at 10:42pm:

Post 251!  ...The weekend is coming up!!  I wanna PARTY! Edit:  This is a shameless post to get diamond status. Enjoy!

LOL!  I've been waiting, and waiting and waiting for you to FINALLY make this post!  LET'S PARTY!!!!!   ;D ;D

wrote on Sep 15^th, 2005 at 10:42pm:

Post 251!  ...The weekend is coming up!!  I wanna PARTY! Edit:  This is a shameless post to get diamond status. Enjoy!

YAAAY,  CONGRATS PAN  :) :)
i'm going there right now see you there

YAY!!! Congratulations!

And here I thought I was going to pass you. *wink wink*

Party at Pan's house this weekend!!!!!

I'm glad it was nothing too serious with your tattoo, hope you figure out how to clear it up.

LET THE PARTY BEGIN, GUYS!  I'm a rather simple party-goer.  I just want a Mai Tai or a Chocolate Martini.  Why not both, right? ;D  (I had to wait for today to start celebrating.  So much homework.)

It is "Halfway to St. Patrick's Day."  All of my classes had half of their attending members in them. =p  The Drinking Illini was at a local bar at 10am.  That's hardcore.

Hair:  It felt like I had fine hair today.  It was so soft, it wouldn't hold up in a twist braid.  I think the -cones are the culprit.

Other stuff:  I'm addicted to Ebay.  I bought a great shirt for my 21st birthday.  It is shipping from Thailand, so I must be patient!

Hey, Happy upcoming Birthday!  21, too!!  I always buy myself (at least) one new yoga outfit for my birthday-I love wearing new clothes to work!!

Hope you love your purchase.  I got the apron I'm wearing in the Mary Poppins picture on Ebay from a lady in England-she makes them from scratch.  It's a great costume resource.

I didn't make the mermaid costume-I rented the dress from a costume shop but I did buy the wig.  Have a thing about wearing someone else's wig-creeps me out.  It was a lot of fun being Ariel-the little kids in the recital kept coming up and hugging me like I was a real Disney character.  Strange but cute.

wrote on Sep 16^th, 2005 at 6:42pm:

Other stuff:  I'm addicted to Ebay.  I bought a great shirt for my 21st birthday.  It is shipping from Thailand, so I must be patient!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

I love ebay.  You'll have to show us the shirt when you get it.  :D

Cynde

Happy birthday Pan! Yeah I'm a e-bay junkie myself! 8) And hubby is worst!

Happy Birthday  :)

21st ? Did the headache last long?

[glb]HAPPY BIRTHDAY! :) :)[/glb]

Happy Birthday to you & many happy returns! :D :D :D D

Yaaay so many great replies from everyone!!  The only problem is that I got the shirt for my 21st birthday...but it hasn't happened yet!  :-[ It comes in about a month.  My birthday is October 25.  Sorry for the confusion! >___<

I have a sinus infection.  Blah. =/ Also, I've been working hard on my projects and trying to get some sleep.  I had a house party on Saturday.  It got a bit out of hand...but at least my house wasn't trashed.

My hair is OK.  I'm just pulling it up and out of my face.  I also made a tournament T-shirt for the October tournament.  It's not what I wanted it to look like (at all) but I had to come up with something because of the deadline.  It sucks, but that's what happens, I guess =/

Here it is: http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/4122/shirt5ay.gif

Not too proud of it, but I think it will make an OK shirt.

I'm going to lay down.  I'm exhausted! =/

That's a great design for your t-shirt!  Good luck!

The design is nice - I'd wear it!  :)  Sinus infections are not fun...  Hope it gets better soon.

Cynde

Hope you get better soon  :)

Explain that DDR to me, please. Cause I only know the DDR as Deutsche Demokratische Republik - the former East-Germany.  ::)

DDR stand for Dance Dance Revolution - it's video game where you stand on a dance pad, and you have to hit the right button according to the arrows scrolling up the screen , all in time to music.  

Khrome explained it much better than I ever could!

My hair is going okay.  It still gets rather frizzy and unruly.  I got major roots showing (which is fine with me  ;D .)  I inspect the hair that I shed.  It's a new hobby of mine.

My bangs still do crazy stuff.  They flip out and it drives me crazy.

I wish my schoolwork load would lighten up a little bit.  I'm sacrificing alot of activities that I used to do.

Thank you guys!  8) Now Mama is hip again (since I know what a DDR bunny is)  ;D  ;D  ;D

Not much going on.  My hair has been getting oily lately.  I wonder if it is the change of the seasons?

I'm going out with my boyfriend tonight!  ;D ;D

We're going to a dance place.  He likes to dance more than me!  I have my hair in a french braid (I want to tuck the ends in, but I'm scared to mess it up.  It looks really good.)

I want to ask a question, too!  What is your favorite alcoholic beverage?  I need good ideas for my 21st birthday that's coming up in a MONTH!

:: steps up onto the soapbox and puts on her best motherly face::  

Just because you are turning 21 and will be of legal drinking age, you do not have to drink.  Drinking is a choice.  Don't let people force you to drink if you do not want to.  I survived going to college in Wisconsin (HEAVY BEER DRINKING STATE, that had a split drinking age back then - 18 for beer, 21 for everything else).  I never drank until I was 30.  I had lots of fun without having to drink. Obviously I do drink now.  Not alot, and only wine.  

If you choose to drink, fine.  Be responsible and make sure you always have a designated driver.  If you are not an "experienced" drinker, I highly recommend taking it slow, or you will regret it in the morning!

OK, I'll get off my soapbox.  

Oh, and don't forget............



Have fun on your birthday!!

lol BB I come from one of those families who drink wine with most dinners (ahh, I miss home.)  It's a big thing on my mom's side.  I do drink on occassion, but I really hate getting smashed.  I'm unable to do any work the next day, and it makes school impossible.


Hair:  It's really wiry looking.  I don't really know what to do except put it in a braid to hide the appearance of wiry-ness.  Maybe this is my hair's natural texture?  I really don't know anymore.  I have some hairs that are VERY wiry, and they can get pulled out of my hair very easily.  It also takes my hair forever to dry.  I was thinking about getting a turbie twist.

Today I'm trying to relax.  I have a big week coming up with tests.  Also, I have to help be a judge for the Illini Midwestern Championship for DDR.  I've got this strange feeling that I'm spreading myself too thin.  It makes me get incredibly unmotivated.

Oh good.  Having had exposure to drinking with meals at home gives you a good start.  It teaches you that you can drink without having to get drunk.  A tough lesson for many young people.

It's ok to have fun and let loose from time to time, just do it when you know you can sleep it off the next morning.  (Oh, and be sure to drink a glass of water for every alcoholic drink you have - it will help keep you hydrated and minimize the headache hangover).

Well, I must say that I had to learn the hard way. The legal drinking age in Germany is 16. You can stay in a bar until 10:00 pm on weekends it's midnight. My Dad let me have parties at home when I was barely 14 and we always had alcohol. Do I think that this was a good thing? Looking back now, I have to say NO! I raised my kiddos a lit bit different. Made them more aware of the problems with alcohol and the "day after".
Today, I drink - if anything - wine. That's it.

Drink (if you want to) and enjoy your birthday. But make sure that you are in control at all times. A good friend who watches out can be very helpful too, if you drink more than you should.  8)

=) Yeah, my boyfriend always accompanies me when I go out, but sometimes I have to babysit HIM! :P

Not much has been going on.  My hair is just kinda----there.  It loses moisture so fast sometimes.  I'm just staying patient and keeping it off of my face.  Outta sight, outta mind! :D :D

I am going to inline insomniacs tonight.  It is a rollerblading club that goes skating around campus from midnight to 1am.  It's really fun.  Too bad I have to wake up at 8am =((

Oh well, I can take a nap sometime tomorrow ^_^

That would be something for me: midnight walkers .... ;D
Sounds like fun........and you are sooooo young. You don't need much sleep ;D  ;D  ;D

I've done midnight bike rides (with a full moon).  It can be so beautiful and peaceful - depending on where you go.  Then again, my ride in to work in the dark at 5:30am probably has fewer people on the road than at midnight!  ;D

The skate was GREAT!  We went though a path that was in a forest preserve.  We took a break to look at the stars.  I haven't seen so many stars---ever.  We had one girl who showed us dozens of constellations.

I really don't have anything to say about my hair..except that I conditioned it twice today and it feels "clean."  It's so strange.

I'm going to wait for my hair to completely dry and add some drops of jojoba.  

No hair talk.  So much schoolwork.  It makes my brain ache.

I'm handcoloring a photo completely on the computer again.  Which was kind of a bad idea....since it's very time consuming.  Here's a 5 hour look into my avatar project.

Assignment:  Design an anthropomorphic representation of the word given.  This should embody the element that you are to illustrate.  Research thoroughly!  Look to other cultural aspects of your word.

Here's some example words:
Apathy
Hunger
Death
War
Poverty
Greed
Lust

My word was:
Day

"Day is represented as a young child.  She is protected in her mother's night sky (that's totally not drawn in yet.... :o) while she plays with her favorite toy...the sun.  She hides it behind her cloudy dress that grounds her to the earth. (the landscape is totally not drawn in yet, either....)

But like all children, she cannot stay awake forever."

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/740/day49gu.jpg

Very cool!

Pan, I think you have a lot of talent!  For all of my ability in other mediums of art, drawing & painting elude me.  I admire your gift!

Do you think maybe someday if I make some CD's you'd consider doing the cover art?

Can't wait to see the finished project.

WOW  8)

That looks great!! I wished I could draw. Everything looks the same when I draw something: dog, cat, cow, horse - I always ended up writing next to it what it is supposed to be.  ::)

Very nice, Panpeus!  :D  I tried coloring a picture using Adobe Photoshop last year so I can empathize with how hard it can be to color a picture on a computer.

Wow, :) that is very nice, can't wait to see th finished pic
and like everyone i so wish i was as talented as you

Good Luck :)

Thanks so much, everyone!  It REALLY helps to hear some of your comments...especially when I can't color something correctly! >__<

Not much going on hair wise...as usual.  So I guess no news is good news.

Lots of stuff has been going on in other areas.  Trying to keep up with my studies.  Our DDR tournament was on the first 1.  I got second place out of the UIUC finishers.  I would have gotten farther in the tournament, but a little yahoo (for the lack of a better term...) complained for a good 20 minutes that we should replay the song.  So I said "Okay" because we had to get back on time, and I messed up.  But that's what happens sometimes. ;/

I'll have to post some pictures of the event.  It's pretty cool!

Also, I've been working on my project for image making.  I would say its at like...60% completed?  Something like that.  Here it is!

http://img309.imageshack.us/img309/5050/day65nb.jpg

File is kinda big.  Look out!

That's all from me, though.  It's been a busy weekend.

WOWWEE, that's a great looking picture!  :D  You're doing really well with that drawing!

Congrats on the DDR tournament!

:) Congrats on the tournament.

Your picture is really looking awesome. I love the way the cloud and sky dress looks...

Thanks Juri and Moonchild!  I have to go to a critique in 20 minutes to talk about that image.  I hope everyone likes it.

My hair is feeling softer and a bit longer.  Has anyone else had that (whoa, I didn't know my hair hit there) kind of feeling?  I got it today.  It was a great feeling.

I definately have a case of the Mondays.  I don't want to do any work, but I KNOW that I have to get a few things done.  Or else, it will be the end of me! >_<

School is frustrating sometimes  ::)

Congrats on the tournament! :D

I LOVE how the dress and the clouds blend in together, and the flow of the dress

yes i get that feeling, and i get the my-hair-feels-so-d**n-short feeling too :P

i like the first feeling

Good Luck in school :) :)

wrote on Oct 3^rd, 2005 at 6:37pm:

I definately have a case of the Mondays.  I don't want to do any work, but I KNOW that I have to get a few things done.  Or else, it will be the end of me! >_< School is frustrating sometimes  ::)

Hehe, I was an undergrad for six years so I definately know that feeling.

Hang in there, Panpeus!  :)

The drawing looks like it is coming along well!  Grats on your second place.  I hope it wasn't the bratty person that got first.  :-/

Cynde

Thanks Beesan, Juri, and Khrome!  Unfortunately Cynde, the dude who did win was the little yahoo.  Everyone said that it was unfortunate that he threw such a fit, though.

I'm SO exhausted with school.  The weeks are going by REALLY fast because I'm so busy.  I have been taking a multivitamin and hair vitamins every day.  My aunt (who's a nurse) told me about Omega Complex vitamins.  Basically, they are omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids.

They help maintain heart and vascular health and also support immune and brain function.  And we all know I need BRAIN FUNCTION!

My typography project went kind of well.  My teacher told me that it looks very nice and well-thought out, but it's not groundbreaking.  =/  I'm such a type newbie.  I haven't really worked with large bodies of text (it is a 44 page document.)  So I am still learning.  My teacher is very cool though.  I respect what she says.  She's also got long hair.

I think that's it.  I have class in 40 minutes, and then I'm going to play some DDR!

Take your vitamins and hang in there.  ;)

Project more or less bombed.  However, I think that I made much more progress in my mind than on paper.  I learned a grid process for typography that helped immensely.  However, I didn't know how to make it INTERESTING.  I'm disappointed in myself.  Everything I do is all or nothing.

Hindsight is always 20/20.

Our next project will be wonderful.  I'm making my second book.  It is going to be three chapters, each chapter will be at the very minimum 1000 words.  They get individually bound at the Lincoln Bindery.  Last year I had a set of 10 books bound.  This year, I hope to have 15 produced.

Book binding is so wonderful.  It takes an incredible amount of time.  However, if anyone is interested, I can send templates of the following binds:  Japanese, Saddlestitch, double-sided, and I think I might have a signature template from last year.

In other news, "Day" is "finished enough."  I'm still going to work on it more, but the due date is today.

http://img435.imageshack.us/img435/2476/day76va.jpg

Edit:  Wow, the JPEG does the piece no justice.  Her arms are nowhere near that color.  tch.

Tada!  I love the mountains and forest on her dress.  There are even teeny birdies flying around.  I resized the image though, so you might not be able to see em.

I accidently left in too much conditioner last night.  It doesn't feel too great =X but I don't have enough time to shower.  Blah I gotta go to class soon.

WOW, that is sooooooo beautiful! :D :D

I love the mountains, and the birds, and clouds, and...........well everything about it

i'm going to save it on my computer, do you mind Pan? ???

i just love the pic

U R so talented! :D

"Day" is beautiful..... you are a very talented person.  Thank you for sharing with all of us.

Wow, that must have taken a long time to do. Very nice!  :D

Good luck on your book project! It must be so neat to have something professionally bound.   :)

Thanks so much everyone!  I'm happy with my picture's progress.  You're more than welcome to save it to your computer =)

Hair:  It was feeling really rubbery yesterday, so I clarified.  It's back to normal.  I keep finding really kinky, coarse hairs on my crown.  I don't know if I've always had them, but without thinking, I pull the individual piece out.  I don't think its very good to pull out hair like that, but it happens subconsciously.

Is this a problem if I am pulling out a few hairs that are beyond help?  I cut out so many knots and kinky hairs, I have quite a few hairs sticking straight up at the top of my head.

Hmm, I'm not sure if pulling out those weird hairs is a problem. I can see how it might turn into one; if the same strands are always pulled out, those particular foilcles(sp) will evenually stop growing new hairs. I think that has to do with the fact that each folicle(sp) produces a certain number of hairs in its lifetime.

But I know what you're talking about. I used to occassionally pull out really kinky hairs I would find (I stopped doing that). These days I sometimes find a hair with a split so long that it extends to the root and I end up pulling out that strand since it seems to be beyond saving.  

I would assume that before long those hairs will be long enough and they will not stick up anymore. Maybe you can try to tame them with some leave-in conditioner, if they bother you that much. But I wouldn't pull them out. You might get a bold spot or just thinner hair in that area.  :-/

I used to do that too, and once the hair grew out again it still stuck straight up :P, since it they were shorter
so i stopped doing that, and now they blend in with my bangs- chin lenght- and try to keep them down wth jojoba oil.

Thanks for the imput, Juri, Beesan, and Moon.  It's such a habit, because if I know that there's a crazy hair on my crown, I want to eradicate it.

TODAY:  I watched the movie "The Corporation."  It was such a powerful movie.  Man.  As a growing designer, there is so much that I can do to educate others about worldly events.  I hope I don't sound too overzealous.  A few things were really brought to my attention during the movie.

Bovine hormone supplements
"Suicide seeds" (seeds that can only be used once and then terminate their life cycle)
Patents on living organisms
Patents on cancers
Owning the rights to rainwater and water taxation
Sweatshop workings
Smoking Campaigns
Corporate Imaging
9/11 and the Stock Market
Oil Production
Biosphere Distruction

It is a great documentary.  Very eye-opening.  If anyone else has seen it, I would like to hear what opinions you took out of it. =o)

Hair:  It's growing.  I'm just trying to take very good care of myself.  Eating healthy (it never has been a problem for me, I'm not a sweets-eater) sleeping, meditating (during class...shhhhhhhh) and trying to keep up with readings on top of class.  I really want to read the book: The Beauty Myth by Naomi Wolf.  But I haven't gotten around to it. :/

I think that's it.  My birthday is in 12 days.  Which ROCKS.
Muahaha.

I went on a shopping spree today ::)

i got some new tops and a pair of jeans.  I also picked up some GREAT lip balm from bath and body works.  I got adorable little black shoes that have little bows on them! ^__^

I think they could give me blisters though!!  I need to figure out how to stay blister-free.

Any suggestions?  

It sounds like you had fun shopping! Hmm, blister protection. You can always put band-aids on the part of you heels where the top of the shoes rub, as well as any other places on your feet where you're prone to developing blisters.

I think I read somewhere the suggestion of putting Vaseline on your feet where the shoe rubs to decrease friction.

Good Luck!

wrote on Oct 13^th, 2005 at 10:23pm:

I think they could give me blisters though!!  I need to figure out how to stay blister-free.

Sometimes new shoes will do that.  Wearing them in small increments each day helps - like first start off wearing them 2 hours a day, and build up from there.  Your skin will develop calluses on the trouble spots, and eventually form a natural padding.  The only problem is, is that you might not be in a situation where you can change your shoes in the middle of the day.  Maybe you can wear them around the house at first.

But since you have blisters now, it might be an indication you wore them too long the first time.  I'd let them heal, then start over.

Cynde

Thanks ladies =)

I am too scared to wear them because I LOATHE blisters.  (How many people would actually like them?)

I'm so tired from school.  I'm trying to keep my stress level down to a minimum, but it's not really working.  *sigh*

I'm trying to do the best that I can though.  Even though its not good enough for one of my teachers. =/  She's pushing everyone very hard, so I guess I'll get used to things.

I am going to order some Chargin Valley shampoo bars when Ida gets back.  My hair is doing okay, it got clarified today.  Clarifying always makes my hair look more volumous..but it also showcases the hair damage a bit more.  My hair looks better than most of my friend's though.  Some wonder why they have to cut 2-3 inches of hair off...its from heat styling damage.

I fear the blowdryer.

I think my hair is growing faster than the norm.  But I'm not going to measure it, because if it isn't I will be saddened =p

I wish I had more time to enjoy college.  I'm never home.  I never go out to do stuff anymore.  "Free time" is writing extra chapters onto my book project.  The teachers graded our work for the first half of the semseter, and I have a sinking feeling that it went HORRIBLY.

I'm going to use my lavender EO in my sweet almond oil tonight.  I need a good night's sleep.

I'm not going to sweat the small stuff, because it's all small stuff.

Sorry to hear about that teacher, but hopefully you'll learn a lot from this experience. That reminds me of one of the English creative writing profs. at my old university. Two of my friends had her and I would hear stories about how the prof crossed out all but two words in everyone's poems. It was harsh, but my friends feel that prof made them into stronger writers.

Good luck with keeping your stress down. I had a hard time with that too. Yoga, meditation, or even a round of DDR might help. (((hugs)))

Oh, what I hate blisters!  ???

We have this little place here for shoe repairs. That's were I take new shoes and show the guy were I had the blisters, and then he checks the shoe and smoothens the trouble spots somehow. It works and costs only a few bucks.

School is horrible.  The biggest problem isn't schoolwork, but people getting hit by traffic.  We had a girl a month ago die when she was hit by a bus...and yesterday...

I helped a girl who got hit by a car.  She was alive, she had a gash on the back of her head.  So I took off my hoodie and held the back of her head. I think she got a broken leg, too. It's really hard, as a stranger, to not do more to help.  But I really did all that I could do.

I feel twice as bad for her because they're going to have to cut her BSL blonde hair so they could put the stitches in.  I talked to her mother and the girl's boyfriend after it all happened.  I gave them directions to the hospital and they were very appreciative.  I just hope that all this ends here and I don't have to testify for anything.

It made me realize that there's more to life than getting good grades.

Oh my goodness. I don't think we had problems like that when I was going to school--we had other problems which I won't go into. Although the girl you helped yesterday was injured, at least she wasn't more seriously hurt. I think it's great that you helped her; it's really easy for people to not do anything because it has nothing to do with them.

You're a good person, Panpeus!

OMIGOSH!!  That poor girl.  It was so good of you to help and contact everyone for her.  Did they catch the person that hit her?

Cynde

That poor girl, Pan your so great to jump in there and help!  Perhaps there something your Cityhall can do about the traffic?  Hey, go and complain, let the city know of this problem.  

I does not surprise me one bit that you stopped to help this stranger.  Good for you.  It is tough when you want to do more, but can't.  

I hope something can be done about the traffic problems in your area - it isn't right that pedestrians are being hit.   :-/

Thanks all for the comments.  Last year we had 2 fatalities due to bus transit and 1 injury (that I knew of) when a car hit a biker.

The police are now getting involved.  In the "Daily Illini" (our campus paper) jaywalking tickets are being issued.  I think they're also giving our bus transit workers better shifts.

There's a memorial for one girl (the one who I didn't help) at fifth street.  A bus hit her while she was in the crosswalk.

In other news, I'm sitting here watching the Sox game.  It's exciting.  I'm trying to shake off my last typography project and start a new one.  But I'm still having a hard time recovering from my last project.  *le sigh*

Birthday is in two days.  I got a paper due on that day, though! ><

I need to talk to my teacher about my frustration and confusion when it comes to her projects.

In other news, a giant dust cloud is coming to pwn earth.
http://tv.yahoo.com/news/wwn/20050912/112653720001.html

(It's a hoax =P)

I hope things get better at your school and there's less accidents. It's rather sad that your university is having such a problem with pedestrians getting hit by cars.

Yay, a huge dustball is going to hit the planet! lol, I wonder how I can get a seat on that "space ark."

Best wishes on your projects! I know you'll do a good job.  :)

Hey Pan, Hero of LL!  ;D

In my opinion it is very sad, and...well pathetic to die cuz of a mad driver, i mean you live, and dream, and work hard....and then BAM!! a car hits you and everything is lost >:( but that's just my point of view :-X


Hope everything gets easier for you at school :D :D

8 hours, 45 minutes, and 30 seconds till I turn 21 :)

Yaay its my birthday!

My friends sang happy birthday to me at midnight tonight.  I had about 6 people show up to wish me a happy birthday.  It was so much fun!  I was trying to finish up my paper for class today (it's done now, I had to wake up at 7:30 to finish it :P)

I went home to relax a bit.  I do have some homework to finish up for typography (GRR) but I am going to go to my favorite Japanese place, Miko.  Their food is SO great!

My boyfriend went to Washington state and got me a really cool bauble that was made out of glass from Mt. Saint Helen's.  It looks like the colors from a black opal.  It's really pretty.  I was happy that he bought me that since I want to see and experience everything that the world has to offer.

My best friend is going to have someone commission a Nina costume from Tekken 5.  Now, I have never cosplayed before, but they all say that I look the part and I should go for it.  So we'll see.
I think that's it!  Happy birthday to me!

And thank you all for the suprise birthday cheer!

I'm just SO TIRED because I have midterms on Friday and Tuesday.  BLARGH!!

Wow, I don't post for a few days and my hair journal is at the bottom of the page!  I'm so happy that there are new journals to read!!

I had a test today in Greek Civ.  It covered a ton of material.  But I think I did a good job.  My teacher is more of a storyteller than a lecturer.  It makes going to class fun!

Not much has been going on.  I'm debating if I should get 1/4 inch trim to even out the length a bit.  My hair feels like it's 80% back to normal, so I think I'm going to do the "wait two weeks" rule and see if I should trim then.

That's about it, I'm trying to relax a bit before going to the studio to work on my art project.  =)

My tests are done!!  Yaay!

I think I did well on one, but the other one was kinda ......  :o
But at least they are finished.  Woo!

My hair:  I haven't talked about it in a while.  I don't know if my hair is thick or not.  Sometimes I'm like "Yeah, my braid looks so big!  WOO!" And then I see a girl walk by who's got double braids in her hair, and one of her pigtail braids is bigger than all of my hair contained in one braid.  I was like "AW MAN!"

But thick hair can be really annoying.  My sister hates her thick hair.  Today was the greatest autumn day.  So cheers to that.

I gotta remind myself that I washed my hair today.

wrote on Nov 3^rd, 2005 at 6:28pm:

My hair:  I haven't talked about it in a while.  I don't know if my hair is thick or not.  Sometimes I'm like "Yeah, my braid looks so big!  WOO!" And then I see a girl walk by who's got double braids in her hair, and one of her pigtail braids is bigger than all of my hair contained in one braid.  I was like "AW MAN!"

I know what you mean. Sometimes I see women with hair so thick that the amount of hair in one of their ponytails would equal three of mine.  :o

Congrats on finishing those tests!

You're right - thick hair is annoying, for me, because when I wear it down it fans out like Cousin It.  And when I wear a braid, it doesn't really look good because the width makes the length look shorter.  That's why I layer it.  So I think I'd be happy if I were a *hair* thinner.  Har harhar  :-)   Seriously, I can loose a half inch to inch of diameter, and think I'd have optimal thickness.

Cynde

Your hair is -so- thick, Khrome!  I don't know if anyone could notice 1/2 less in diameter!

Juri:  Your hair looks much thicker than mine, I don't know if it is because it's so much longer.  But I really like it!

I made an appointment to get my hair trimmed 1/4 inch at 4 today.  Since my hair has been chemically treated, I have to trim much more often.  When my hair starts to taper off a bit, the damage becomes much more apparent.  I don't mind it as much, anymore.  If I didn't cause the chemical damage to my hair, I would have still highlighted it and blow dried the heck out of it.  It's all a journey.

For the girls with layers:  I have the remnants of layers in my hair.  If you're growing them out, how are you going about it?

School: My book project is starting to look rather nice.  I'll have to post a downloadable pdf of some spreads.  I need to work on it much more, but I'm so burnt out with Graphic Design.  It's very mentally exhausting.  It's hard to be at 100% creativity for long periods of time.

Awww, thanks, Panpeus! You made my day.  :-*  Hmm, I don't know if my hair is thicker than yours. I looked at the pic you posted a while ago when you were by the DDR machine and your hair looks pretty thick to me. Perhaps we're both suffering from hair anorexia.

I have some layers and bangs I'm growing out. This probably won't help, but since I only trim my hair once a year, I make sure to examine the layers when I do S&Ds. Other than that, I pretty much leave them alone. See, I told you this won't help. ^_^

Looking forward to seeing the spreads!

Sorry I haven't posted in a little while...but the last few times I sat down and typed something out, I forget to click "post!"

Tests:  I got two B's on my test scores.  B's are good, but I wanted one to be an A so it could pull up a C that I will probably get in advanced type.  That class gets me so frustrated sometimes.  I think I'm going to redo the cover of a previous project.  My book is coming along sorta well -- this weekend is going to be a slew of all nighters.  I'm farther ahead than most, though.  So that's awesome (pat on the back.)

Project:  I finished a 'social awareness' poster for the "SEE" campaign (students for equal existence.)  I got AIDS awareness, but I would have liked to do homelessness.  We have so many homeless people around campus.

Here's the link, I did it in one night :X  My teacher really liked it.

http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/5227/aidscampaign8hv.jpg

Let's see, what else....
Thanksgiving break is coming up!  THANK GOODNESS.  I'm going to explode from all of this homework.  Seriously.

I'm excited about the secret santa exchange.  I like gift-giving.

My hair is softer since the trim, and less frizzy.  I have to get more frequent trims than what most people get on the boards (because of damage.)  But I think that I am able to go a longer period of time before a trim.

That's all!  I want Thanksgiivng break!

The social awareness poster looks great!  :D

Pan,
I like your poster.  I'm wondering where did the pictures come from?  As it was downloading onto my puter I noticed that they all have the same eyebrow shape.

Hope your break is here before you know it!

Thanks, Juri and Sakina!

Juri:  I like the poster alot, too.  I think it is going to make it into my portfolio.  It's a set of three.

Sakina:  I shot those people with a Canon Digital Rebel XT (with a pretty standard lens -- it was my friend's so I don't know what it was exactly.)

The first one is Latina, the second is Czech (my boyfriend), and the third is a mutt.  It's strange that their eyebrow shapes came out so similar! :o)

So I got my typography grades back... *goes pale*
I average a C+ at midpoint.  I think I can punch it up to a B- at the end of the semester.  But man oh man...I was like "ouch."  But when I talked to some other friends, they got much worse grades...so I should be thankful.  But still, meh.  I would be so disappointed with anything C or lower.

Had a double post today...but I think that I needed to get that out.  I feel better.

Great job on your posters!   :D

Cynde

Thanks Cynde :D

Today I'm going to lab from 1pm-12am.  I hate doing the Sunday cram! >__<

I got a great night's sleep and I'm packing a lunch.  For dinner, I'm going to order a sub from Jimmy John's.  I'll have to check these forums so I can stay sane! ;)

My book project:  I added another chapter. :/  So I have to design about 20 more pages (10 spreads.)  I was not planning on this at all.  My book right now is about 70 pages (35 spreads).  It's going to be a fat little book when I'm done with it!  It is going to be Japanese bound.

Hair:  It's getting it's 'thickness' back since I trimmed it.  I think my hemline looks yucky if I let it taper.  It's starting to get it's oils back.

I'm getting some ideas for secret santa stuff.  I haven't done a secret santa exchange since high school :)

So yeah, after pulling 16-hour design days, "Deanna" is finally finished.  It's more of a short story than a book, but it's still really cool.  I'll just crosspost this with the thread in Letting Your Hair Down.  So exciting :)

Hey everyone, long time no see :)

I'm enjoying my Thanksgiving break.  I went to the mall today to look for a gift for the secret santa exchange, but I didn't see anything that I wanted to purchase.  I'm really picky. :/

My hair:  It feels TOO soft and almost limp.  I think I overconditioned.  I used Paul Mitchell's "The Conditioner" and it worked too well, I guess :)

Since I joined LL, I've been very perceptive of other people's hair.  Even though my friends have BSL hair, it does not look healthy at all.  I told them to try to give up the hot ironing, but they won't.  When we went to a party on Saturday, I was the only one with wavy hair.  I got a few compliments on it.  It was great :D

I think that's it, for now.  I've been trying to de-stress and eat better during this week.  I finally got 8 hours of sleep!

Well, I'm back at school!  I have two more weeks of school, finals, and then I have winter break!  ;D

My hair:  It can be easily bunned and braided.  I should try a french twist sometime.  The winter dries my hair out :/ I'll just have to oil the ends a bit more often.  I wish I had a water softener.  The water back at school is hard.

I had no internet over thanksgiving break.  It's nice to have it back!  I should get my book back in two weeks.  It's so exciting! :)

Getting the final touches ready with my secret santa gift.  I really hope my person likes it!  I really like it...I wanted to get one, too.... ::)

School --- whoa.  It's kickin' my butt!  I hope I can just pull through a B average.  I need to at least get that.  It's hard though, I had straight A's last semester.  It's a bummer.

Hair --- whoa.  It's very frizzy.  My bangs are getting to the length they need to be, but I wonder if I want to grow them out or not.

Boyfriend --- whoa.  He had this girl in his wallet and he told me that it was "just a friend."  Well, I find out that it is his ex-girlfriend.  I was a bit bummed about that, but more disappointed.  I gave him a wallet of my photo, and he didn't put my picture in.  When I talked to him about it, he seemed like he didn't really care.  However, he might feel really badly inside.  I'm trying not to sweat the small stuff.

Edit:  Clarified some stuff. :)

wrote on Nov 28^th, 2005 at 7:01pm:

School --- whoa.  It's kickin' my butt!  I hope I can just pull through a B average.  I need to at least get that.  It's hard though, I had straight A's last semester.  It's a bummer.

Go, Panpeus, go! You can do it!


wrote on Nov 28^th, 2005 at 7:01pm:

Boyfriend --- whoa.  He had this girl in his wallet and he told me that it was "just a friend."  Well, I find out that it is his ex-girlfriend.  I was a bit bummed about that, but more disappointed.  I gave him a wallet of my photo, and he didn't put my picture in.  When I talked to him about it, he seemed like he didn't really care.  However, he might feel really badly inside.

I hope so. Okay, getting out of anti-guy mode. *sweatdrop*

(((hugs)))

wrote on Nov 28^th, 2005 at 7:01pm:

Boyfriend --- whoa.  He had this girl in his wallet and he told me that it was "just a friend."  Well, I find out that it is his ex-girlfriend.  I was a bit bummed about that, but more disappointed.  I gave him a wallet of my photo, and he didn't put my picture in.  When I talked to him about it, he seemed like he didn't really care.  However, he might feel really badly inside.  I'm trying not to sweat the small stuff.

Oh gosh, that's harsh.  *hug*  

The pic may not mean anything to him anymore - I have pics of ex's in albums, and found an old school ID in a drawer the other day.  I just forgot they I have them, and I don't ever feel compelled to look at them.  Maybe it's the same with him.  Even so, I can imagine how that must have hurt.  I hope that he takes the pic out.  Or put yours in!

Cynde

Very good imput girls!  It's so nice to get a fresh opinion on an idea.

I gotta believe him when he says that he doesn't have feelings for the ex anymore.  Trust is a very, very good thing.  I would say I trust him.

I was looking at old pictures of my hair, and I would say it looks the best past BSL.  So my counter is staying as is.  I remember when it said 24 months.  Now it's down to 19 1/2!  Time flies!

My secret santa gift is going to be sent out tomorrow.  Yaaaayyyyeeee!

Secret Santa gift was sent out yesterday at 11 am.  I sent it priority, so it should be in its owner's hands Friday or Monday.  ;D

I got my secret santa gift!!!  It is a bright, fun, fuzzy, and WARM set of gloves!  I don't have a camera that's in operation right now, but I will take a photo soon.

Thank you for the gloves, Anais!!  It was such a thoughtful gift.  They help so much when I have to walk from class to class.

Aww I'm glad you like them :) and that they match your scarf!

Has it snowed yet over there? We have more than 6 [compacted] inches so I thought maybe...

Hugs and warmth
Anais

Anais:  Yeah, it has been snowing the last three days.  Mostly on-and-off.  It is snowing right now!

Today went by quickly.  I'm trying to plan out a study schedule for finals...but I haven't followed it as well as I should.  :'( I have to finish the dust jacket for my book project, make a special edition DVD box set for a movie of my choice (I chose Interview With a Vampire.) Write a 6-page paper, and study for two finals.  Phew!  So much stuff.

Hair:  It can easily get thrown into a bee-butt bun!  Yay!  I've been wearing it like that for the last week or so.  It is starting to get lighter in color, too.  I think the color deposit is 70-80% gone.  I still find renegade black hairs.

I have a craving for garlic bread.  I ordered some Domino's.  Two more weeks until school is out!  The weeks are flying by.

You are right, Pan, trust is a very important thing in a relationship. I kinda agree with Khrome...done the same thing before.

Hope your last 2 weeks of class go by quickly!  :) What are your plans for the holidays?

Thank you so much!

for the...

7-FOOT GLITTERY PURDY SCARFLET ;D ;D ;D It's knee-length on me! I braided it into my hair today, and not only did it look quite cool, but it also made my hair feel like tailbone length or longer. I'll load pictures tomorrow hopefully, and thanks so much!

Anais

I'm -so- glad you like it!  When I saw it, I was like "That's for Anais."  I had to partly undress the mannequin, though. :P

Not much with hair, more about school...  :'(

I had to give a presentation about my book today.  I knew exactly what I wanted to talk about -- formally and typographically -- but when I got up to talk...I blacked out!

I don't remember what I said or what I talked about, all I remember is that I didn't sound very well.  Which is not good, because if I don't get an A on my speech, I don't get a B- in the class.  Argh. :(

I wish I could change how I acted.  I forgot many of the things I wanted to talk about.  What a yucky start to a day.

I've been busy preparing for finals.  I have to finish a Special Edition DVD set, along with studying for two finals.

My type teacher is allowing us to do revisions, but I just don't think I can fit it all into my busy schedule.  I also -truly- gave the projects my all.  I don't know if I can think of a better solution for one of them ~___~

I think I am going to go ice skating with my boyfriend for an hour or so.  It is only $1 to rent a pair of skates.  I'm going to fall quite a bit, but it's so much fun to try. :)

....and? Did you have fun ice-skating?  :) That used to be one of my favorite things to do in winter time  :)

Moonchild:  I didn't fall!!   ;D  My boyfriend taught me how to T-stop (it took a good hour to learn it.)  The rental skates were not very good -- and they hurt my feet quite a bit.  But other than that, it was fun!

Finals: I took my first one today.  I think I got in the A/B range!  If there's a curve, it will definately be an A.  Woo!

I have another final on Wednesday.  I have so much to review! >__<  But I should do okay -- I hope!  My final critique for my image making class is Thursday.  I also redid the "day" project for those of you who remember.  I completely redrew it.  I'll repost that sometime soon.

ADVANCED TYPOGRAPHY IS FINALLY OVER!

I learned so much in the class, but it really took its toll on me.  I ran out of steam at the end of it.  My book cover isn't what I wanted it to be, but the interior is great.  My sister's really going to like it.

Hair:  It feels -- rubbery.  I have been trying to prolong time between hair rinses and clarifying, but I think it's time to get it clean.  I need to catch up on sleep.  Finals week is so rough...and it's only Monday!

Studying for Classic Civ 114.  The teacher posted no review materials.  I hate it when that happens.  You have no studying direction!

The test is at 8 am.  I don't want to pull an all-nighter, but going through the 20 or so plays, poems, and historical works doesn't leave me much of a choice.  Last night I just couldn't study.  I had my intro to Japanese culture test and I was completely washed out.

Hair:  I washed it today.  It feels less rubbery.  Mission accomplished!

I need to invest in a good detangling comb.  Well, a comb to distribute leave-in conditioner throughout my hair.  I'm starting to get sleepy.  Oh well, back to work.

Argh, I keep forgetting to tell you this, but good luck with your finals! ^^;;

Er, looks like I am too late for "good luck".  How about "I hope you did well!".  

Cynde

Thanks for the words of encouragement, Khrome and Moonchild!  Final grades came back for two of my classes.

[glb]I DID REALLY WELL!!![/glb]


I got a B in Greek Civ.  And I got a B in ADVANCED TYPOGRAPHY!  :D

The B in type meant so much to me.  I learned so much in that class, and I worked incredibly hard.

I'm so exhausted.  I think I'm going to take a nap.

Congratulations on the fantastic grades.  WE knew you could do it!  ;D

[glb]Congrats!![/glb] That's wonderful!
Yes you deserve a loooong nap, then we can celebrate ;)

Great Job Pan!

Yes... take a looong nap! :D Congrats Pan!

Thanks for all of the comments, guys!  It was so nice of you guys.  :-*

I'm finally home!  I won't be able to comment as much as I normally do.  Going from a T3 connection to dial-up is hard to handle.   :'(

Hair:  It has been behaving well.  I think it's because I stopped the heat styling and coloring.  I wish it would grow a bit faster, but who doesn't.  lol

I also bought a bottle of "fancifull color refreshing rinse."  It's ingredients are water, hydroxyethyl cellulose, stearalkonium chloride, octoxynol -1, benzyl alcohol, tartaric acid, direct black 51, acid violet 43, acid orange 24, direct red 80.

I figured that since the alcohol is far at the bottom on the ingredients list, it shouldn't be that bad.  If anyone sees a red flag, let me know.  I'm also going to look at the product ingredient thread.  If it doesn't work out I'm going to give it to my friend.  She dyes her hair platinum blonde from dark blondish/brown.  She wants to grow it out, too.  But since she box bleaches her hair every 4-6 weeks, I don't know if she will be able to do it.  Maybe she should use a high-lift color and just do the roots?  I don't think the high-lift will take the color that light, though...

We will see.

I hope you have a lot of fun while you are at home  :)

Enjoy Christmas with your family and friends.  :)  :)

Happy holidays!

I probably will not be around for a few days.  Enjoy the Yuletide!

Best,
Megan

Yaaay!  My sister bought me the Strawberry Icing LongLocks SpiralStix! ;)

They're -so- gorgeous!  My boyfriend dropped the hint to my sister, and she picked them up.

What a wonderful Christmas. ;D

Hi girls (and gents) long time no see. :)

I've been busy with Christmas/New Year's stuff.  I had a very chill New Year's.  I watched the movie "My Sassy Girl" (which is so incredibly good.  It's a Korean film.  I recommend it to everyone.) and played Monopoly (I got last place.  woo :P)  

I've been commenting on everything today.  I needed my LongLocks fix.

I wore my Skye Bloo Majesticks yesterday in a cinnabun.  They were my first pair or LL hairsticks and are still my favorite.  I was looking at the fresh moss pair of gemsticks but they sold!  It's okay, I really need to buy groceries.

I hope everyone had a safe and happy New Year.  I got a new digital camera.  (Canon Digital Rebel XT) so expect hair photos and other random pictures.

Nice to see you again, Panpeus! I hope your enjoying your break and I'm looking forward to some hair photos.  :)

We played Monopoly too, on Christmas!  I got my butt kicked.  In the end, I was cutting deals on selling mortgaged property so I can pay rent.  I refused to file bankruptcy until the bitter end.  

Ooh, nice camera!  That's the new version of the one I used last year.  That's a great line.  

I found this really cool site to learn how to use an SLR.  I've only gone through half the tutorials so far, and in free mode (I think it's $19 for a year for full access) and so far I'm impressed.  I'm definitely going to shell out the $19.

http://www.webslr.com

Cynde

Aww man, that website rocks Khrome!  Thanks for the replies, Juri and Khrome.

I went to eat at Mongolian BBQ.  It's an all-you-can-eat style buffet with a twist.  You get to pick out your meats, veggies, spices and sauces and the cooks cook it on a large grill.  I ate 4 bowls.  My friends and I make it into an eating contest.  I usually blow them away.  <flex>

My hair is going good.  I'm looking for a shampoo, still.  I use ACV every once in a while to erase what's on my hair.  It would be nice to have a good shampoo.  I was almost thinking about using children's formula shampoo.  But that might be just as harsh as adult shampoo's.

I bought my niece a silk pillowcase.  She's four and she's got beautiful hair down to her waist.  But it tangles so badly.  I tease her a bit by saying she's got a hump on her head. =p

In other news.  I have this giant zit that won't go away.  It pretends to leave, and then BOOM -- it's back and it hurts.

Meh.

I have one more week until school starts up.  I'm happy it's starting up, but at the same time...I like being a little bum!

Not much is going on.  Work called today...and I let the answering machine take their call-in.

The boyfriend got his wisdom teeth out.  Ouch!  I was his little servant yesterday.  I got him soups and some baby food.  I liked doing it.  I think he liked the attention. :)

Even though he felt really sick, he was very appreciative.  We were able to re-connect a bit.  We both live busy lives.

Aww, pan.  :)

I did the same thing for my little sis when she got her wisdom teeth taken out. She also had some serious orthodontic work done at the same time, so it sucked for her.

Hope your beau gets better soon. Try not to get too busy for each other. Few things will kill a relationship like that can.

Thanks for the thoughtful reply, Angel Spun.  You're right about taking time out for loved ones. :)


The BF is feeling kinda yucky still.  He says that one of his stitches feels like it is swollen more than it should be.  I told him to call the doctor first thing tomorrow...and if he doesn't, he'll be in trouble!

I couldn't see him today, I had to babysit my niece.  She got a new game called "Bella Dancerella."  It's a little workout tape for little girls.  It's adorable!  It comes with a rhythmic gymnastics ribbon.  She played that tape over and over and over and over.....now I have all the songs stuck in my head!

I finished a flyer for my dad's 51st birthday party.  I had to make a map for it.  It was so much fun to make it!  I had a rather creative map legend for it, too.  Maybe I could be a mapmaker?  That would be an interesting job to tell others.

Hair:  I wrote down all of my shampoos, conditioners, styling products, and oils/butters.  I have 6 bottles of shampoo, 9 of conditioner, 7 styling products (shine serum x3, mousse, hair spray, pomade, curl enhancer)  two oils and one butter.  I hate wasting products, so I'll have to try to use em up.  I can't help it that I'm a product junkie.

I think my hair is back to it's usual self again.  It took about 6 months for it to calm the heck down.  I still wish the multiple colors would blend together a bit more, but I think they look okay.  I'm just a perfectionist.

The one thing I noticed since joining LL, I don't have bad hair days.  I just have days where the hair needs to be put in a bun. ;)

Another thing I'm thinking about doing ---

I want to design a hair color chart (since it is hard/impossible to find one that shows warm, neutral, and cool shades of haircolors) and has the design feel.  I researched Robert Craig's site, henna sites, and wig sites for research.  It would give me something to do and I think I could use it as a portfolio piece and for everyone's reference.

Since I still have NO idea what my haircolor is called. =p  

My boyfriend made me the counter in my signature.  It updates .45mm at midgnight CST.  Way to go, boyfriend!!  ;D ;D ;D

Hair color chart sounds like a great idea!

Be sure to add "moody blonde there" ;) for my hair that just can't choose its color. Yesterday I could have sworn that it had turned light brown, but today in daylight it was very bright golden blonde again...

wrote on Jan 9^th, 2006 at 2:15am:

Another thing I'm thinking about doing --- I want to design a hair color chart (since it is hard/impossible to find one that shows warm, neutral, and cool shades of haircolors) and has the design feel.  I researched Robert Craig's site, henna sites, and wig sites for research.  It would give me something to do and I think I could use it as a portfolio piece and for everyone's reference. Since I still have NO idea what my haircolor is called. =p

this is a great idea! Go for it!

How is the BF?

Galadriel:  I've got fugitive blonde hair, too.  Sometimes I think it's light brown, sometimes it looks blonde blonde.

Moonchild:  The BF is doing good, we're both back at school now.

It's going to be a short update.  I'm sick with strep throat.  Blah.  :'(

My hair is shedding badly, I think it is just because I'm sick and not doing that much.  I'm going to get some really good tea at the AM-KO market today (Japanese Jewel Loose Tea...I forgot the brand I buy.  It's in a green sachet.)  I'm just going to take it easy for a while.

Get well soon  :)

Hope your feeling better! :)

I hope you feel better Pan!

I hope you get well soon, Panpeus!

I noticed that new ticker.. awesome idea :)

Hugs and get well soon :-*

Thank you, thank you, thank you:

Moonchild
Lisabelle
CurlyGirl
Juri
Anais

Your wishes make me feel better already. :)

I have strep throat.  Today was my first day of school and I felt like a zombie.  My class schedule was: 10:00-10:50 Health and Sexuality.  1:00-2:00 Asian American Studies.  Both lectures were pleasant.

I re-installed EverQuest because there is a 20 day free re-activation.  I met up with some old, old friends of days past.  It was good to feel that I was missed.  I missed them, too.

Hair:  I washed with a cleanser that stripped my hair.  (Ammonium Laureth Sulfate.)  I think I might just give what I don't want to my sister.  (She likes super-squeaky clean hair.)

I actually started laying out the haircolor chart.  I don't know how I'm going to add the greyscale.  I don't understand how different haircolors react to grey.  Lucky for me, my school has the 2nd largest library in the US.

I'll have to take photos of the "Main stacks" for everyone.  It is 20 floors underground (I think?)  There are also half/levels --- floors that I have to crouch to get into!

We also have a rare book room.  We recently received a "digital reprint" of The Book of Kells.  I need to take a look at it.

It's nice to be back to school, though I don't feel at my typical level of performance.

I agree, ammonium laureth sulfate is harsh stuff. I woudn't have cared in my pre-LL days, but now I wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole. :P

The Health and Sexualily, and Asian American Studies classes sound like they're going to be interesting. What other courses are you taking this semester?

Juri:  I'm taking

ARTS441 -- Advanced Programming for Artists
AAS100 -- Asian American Studies
STATS 1?? -- Statistics
ARTD3?? -- Methodology (Accellerated Graphic Design)
CLCH150 -- Human Sexuality

They are all really cool classes.  I have good teachers, too.  I guess you could call my experience today a Sampson sighting.  I have been casually playing EQ and my one friend tells me this:

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/8320/whoa9oo.jpg

That's really awesome.  It's curly though, so it bounces back up.  I told him that he shouldn't comb it in the shower.  Hopefully he listens!

I've been getting better.  I've been drinking about 8 glasses of water.  I need to do this when I'm -not- ill!  I feel so accomplished when my pee is clear.

Other than that, I've been getting ready for school.  It's hard to get back into the swing of things, but I am glad that I'm talking to my EQ friends again (after about a year of leaving) and I'm glad to be back at UIUC.

Best wishes,
http://img66.imageshack.us/img66/2797/paneq9js.jpg

Those sound like they're going to be interesting, er, except for stats (I hate math with a passion and barely made a B in the stats course I took). What's the Advanced Programming for Artists class about? I'm imagining a class that deals with computer based graphic design.

Juri:  Yep!  You hit the nail on the head.  Though I'm not 100% sure what we will be doing.  I will definately keep you posted.


Camera:  My camera destroys most cameras.  Wanna see?
http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/4704/cameratry2ju.th.jpg

Oh yeah, baby.


Hair:  It's going good.  I have a photo of it, but I'm going to wait until I get a trim.  The hemline looks really yucky.

Very pretty new avatar  :)

Your hair looks more golden now......

Neat avatar! ;D

Thanks Moonchild and Lisabelle!  I somewhat got the avatar idea from Johannes Vermeer's "Girl With a Pearl Earring."  Art history, ftw!

Hair:  Washed it today.  I was having some scalp itch.  Yuck!  Last night I went out with my friends and had a peach margarita.  It was so very good!  My friends wanted to keep drinking, but I wasn't up for it.  I went home and took a long nap.

It rained here last night.  If it was two degrees colder, it would have been snow!

Today I'm going to get some Korean food.  My boyfriend is probably hung over from last night.  I'm glad I'm not hung over today.  I am not in the mood to nurse a killer headache!

Your hair is so pretty and so are you :D

I love the new pic and avatar!  And yes, that's a very spiffy camera!  :D

Cynde

Thanks, Beesan and Juri!  I <3 that camera so much.  :-*  The most valuable thing I have ever learned in photography is to set up a light source.  That way, you got these beautiful gradients going across the composition.  I put a lightbulb close to my face and covered the lamp shade area with pink saran wrap --- voila!  Instant soft, pink lighting.

Hair:  It's getting to a "normal" length for me.  It was incredibly short for me when I joined.  Now I can do my loose bun and braiding is much easier.  Go hair, go!

I got rid of my shampoo that I used for a little while (Healthy Sexy Hair) it was too drying.  It's going to my sister.

School's starting to pick up momentum.  I have to make logos for a salon in Champaign, Illinois.  It is a very cool place.  It is called h2O.  They have a more vintage/fine art salon and day spa.  The lady that does manicures mixes her own polishes with sugars, pumpkins, grapes, and other random organic foods.  It opens at the end of February.  I'll keep you all posted on that.

If my logos aren't picked, I'm still going to get a manicure from them. ;)

Stress:  It's starting to pile up a bit.  I'm worried that I am spreading myself too thinly between organizations, classes, and people -- especially the BF.  Once school picks up, it should be find.

Best wishes,
PanPan

wrote on Jan 20^th, 2006 at 6:26am:

Juri:  Yep!  You hit the nail on the head.  Though I'm not 100% sure what we will be doing.  I will definately keep you posted.

Thanks; looking forward to hearing more about your classes!

Woo, that camera kicks serious butt. Love the new avatar; you look so cool in it!  

Hey Pan  :D

That is one saucy new pic you've got!  ;D Your hair is so pretty!

I had to stare at the mirror photo for awhile before I figured out the BIGGEST reason it's really cool.....

DEPTH OF FIELD!!!!!!!! I have absolutely NO way to get a good shallow depth of field on my digicam and that drives me nuts. The only way I do it is with a regular 35mm and it can't be loaded onto the boards without development and scanning.

WAY.... TO..... BUY..... ;D

Anais

Thank you Juri, Angel Spun, and Anais!

I really need to get out and take a full-on photo shoot.  The problem is that I have zero idea of what I want to shoot.  I guess I'll just bring the cam around and look for inspiration.

I read my manuals during off times.  I really want to flex the power that this camera has.  I'm so glad I have an SLR with fully-manual capabilities.  *yum*

Also, another thing -- I have been asked by my EQ friend to join them in a reunion.  The problem is that I would fly to TX and hang out with him and stuff.  The BF isn't worried about my faithfulness to him, I love my boyfriend dearly, and he knows that TX is a gorgeous place.  I'm just worried mostly about my safety.  I know most of the online meeting etiquitte (meet in public places, exchange photos and addresses, names and trivia, talk on the phone, been friends for about two years) and since this isn't a relationship meeting, it's just me hanging out with some people -- it seems safe.

Emphasis on 'seems.'

They're sweet, sweet people.  I've met about a dozen people from the game who are wonderful beyond words.  It also helps that this is NOT for an online relationship.  (I've tried it before, and omg it is not for me.)  I just want to hang out and go to Six Flags and other fun things.

I am really torn.  I can get great airfare prices right now and 1/2 will be paid off for me.

What else should I do to ensure my safety for meeting others online?

wrote on Jan 24^th, 2006 at 5:18am:

What else should I do to ensure my safety for meeting others online?

Hmm, I think you've covered most of the things I would suggest. I haven't met anyone I've met online in years so I don't have much advice. The only thing I can think of is to make sure you don't put yourself in a situation/setting where something bad could happen. (This is a hard question to answer because there's a lot of good people online, but there's a lot of dangerous ones as well.)

If you do decide to go to TX, have fun, but be careful.

Pardon my ignorance, but what is EQ?  ???

EQ is Sony Online Entertainment's MMORPG (massively multiplayer online roleplaying game) called "EverQuest."  It has been widely known for it's addicting properties.  I've been playing it for a few years --- and I'm the younger generation.

Think of it as a chatroom with graphics and long friendships.

I decided not to go to Texas because my dad doesn't think it's a good idea.  I think that it's a good call, too.  I'm just going to try to catch up with my friends when they're within driving distance.  That way I can have a plan B if it isn't fun.

School:  I don't have a ton of homework, but I do have a bunch of little things to do.  It kinda stinks, but I'm glad I don't have GIANT assignments to do yet (like the book project I had last year!  I'm suprised I didn't tear my hair out.)

I have to buy books/course packets, finish a logo, read/complete stats homework, read in Asian American Studies, and catch up on some sleep.

Today I had Subzi Briyani from an Indian Restaurant.  Oh my goodness, it was SO GOOD!  I was in the mood for a good vegetarian dish. (I'm not vegetarian, but I do order a ton of vegetarian/vegan dishes because they're awesome.)

I wish my vegetarian friends would eat a bit healthier.  I'm worried that they skimp out of fiber and protiens.

My room smells like my leftovers.  I don't want it to go away!

Hair:  My hair is a tad crunchy at the ends.  I haven't been thinking about it that much because I'm so busy in school.  I just need to oil it and braid it -- and it should be fine.

My braid is starting to look thicker.  It used to look weird when I braided it because of its length.  It doesn't look so stumpy when it's braided back. ;)

I'm still debating about growing my bangs out.  On the one hand, I like having them around because I do have a high forehead with a hairline that starts a bit farther back, but on the other hand, I want my braid to be thicker and have one-length hair.

I think I'll just start growing them out, because I can always cut them back.

I debate with myself quite often. :D

Camera:  I've been reading up on my camera.  It's been rainy/cold here, so I haven't been able to try nature shots.

Other stuff: The days have been flying by since school got back in session.  I went out last night to a place called The Highdive and danced/hung out with my best friends.  It was so much fun!  I was so tired this morning.  I like to go to bed before 2am.

I think that about covers everything.  I haven't been able to be on every day, which is a bummer.  I'll make the best with what time I'm given.

Best wishes,
Megan

I've been sooooooo busy with school.  I just finished an identity project for a salon called H₂O.  I'll have to post some screenshots.  School is supposed to be easy the first few weeks! :p

Hair:  Ends are starting to taper more than I would like them to.  Maybe I'll trim in a week or so.  I'm going to use the gabi rule.  I hope that gabi is doing well irl.

Concert:  My good friend is the lead vocals for a band.  I'm going to check out her show Thursday.

Sleep:  My sleep schedule is really out of sync.  Tonight I'm going to try to get a full 8 hours.  Last night I only got about 4~5ish.

Food:  The cupboards are bare!  I need to see if someone will take me grocery shopping.  I have no car on campus.

Jewelry:  I bought a pair of cute silver-looking miniature keys to use as toppers for homeade hairsticks.  I took them out of the package -- and noticed one of them was broken!  I need to go back to Hancock Fabrics and exhange them.

Boyfriend:  His birthday is February 10.  I don't really know what to get him.  I would like to draw something for him but I don't have enough time.

I wish that today was my easier day for schoolwork. :/

Quote:

School is supposed to be easy the first few weeks!

Who on earth told you that?  :P  ;)

Ahhh poor Pan. Welcome to the twenty-something life. *sigh* Unfortunately, bare cupboards, empty refrigerators, lack of sleep and working yourself to death just come with the territory.  :-/ Sux, doesn't it? I wish I could tell you that it gets better...

How lucky you are to have rain!!! It's been one big Santa Ana out here for weeks now & that sure takes a toll on one's hair & skin.  :(  >:(
   Incidentally, I've found rainy weather to be a pretty optimal time for photography. The water has a way of amplifying colours and the darkness and texture of the sky makes for a lot of drama.  ;) Just be careful not to drench your camera.

BTW, what type of camera do you own?

A_S: I own my dream camera.  A Canon Digital Rebel XT.  I'm petrified to take it out even if there's fog/mist because I don't want it to taint the body.  ::)

I got groceries today!  Wuwuw!  I went with my good friend Aaron (his nickname is Doukas--it's cool nickname/last name.) He had me try some onion dill bread.  It's awesome.  I just wished that I had a serrated bread knife down here at school. It is so difficult to cut.

Hair:  I used Paul Mitchell's "Shampoo One" today.  It feels really mild on my hair and on my hands.  I think I like it.  Only problem is -- every shampoo makes my hair feel a bit dry.  I think it's because I do not produce that much sebum.  It's starting to get to a more "attractive" length.  The bangs touch my jawline.  First layer hits my shoulders, scond and third are 2'' past collarbone.

I don't really know how long I am going to go.  We'll just have to wait and see.  The ticker is there for me to keep track of my growth of virgin hair.

Wow, I haven't replied for 4 days, and my journal is at the bottom of the list.  That means more journals are popping up on the forums.  Wuwu!

I've been so busy with school.  I have an abundance of homework -- that is almost impossible to keep up with.  I have been neglecting some of my readings.  =(  I need to get back on track.

Graphic Design Project --- We're doing a 50 year timeline.  I decided my timeline is going to be "Popular Hairstyles 1920-1980."  I sketched out a few ideas.  I think I will go to the library this weekend to check out a few books so I can fill my idea out a bit more.

Cold --- I woke up the other morning with a sore throat.  Ack!  I hate it when this happens.  It has been getting a bit better, though.  I took a 2 hour nap today and it didn't feel as sore when I woke up.

Weather --- I'm thankful there is no snow on the ground.  (I can't believe I am saying this!)  It is so hard to walk to class in the snow.  I hope that the white stuff stays away.

Boyfriend --- His birthday is coming up!  I have a great idea for his birthday (I can't post it on here, since he sometimes reads my journal.) but when I give his gifts to him, I'll let you all know. ;)

Bar Scene --- My friend's birthday was Saturday.  She turned 22.  We had her party at Joe's Brewery.  I'm not a huge fan of bars, but Joe's was a fun time...until they closed the bar because someone got stabbed on the dance floor.  I'm unsure of the details, but I believe it was drug/gang related.  I'm unsure though.  There was alot of blood on the dance floor. ><

This never, ever happened during my time at UIUC.

Niece --- She turned 4 on January 24.  She's got hip-length hair now.  She still rarely lets me touch it.

I'm going to try to get to sleep early.  I want to kick this cold's butt.

Feel better soon Pan :-* try a bit of honey- really helps with a sore throat.

OMG WOOOOOT~

I won the salon logo competition! ^^~  I don't know if I posted any of the details in my previous entries, but my identity project was chosen by H₂O Full Service Salon.  So that means, my logo along with my identity project is going to be on everything they use --- letterheads, t-shirts, aprons, business cards, banners --- and I designed it all from the ground up.

YAAY!  This is going to look so great on a resume.

The logo will be unveiled at the salon on March 7.  I'll have to post some photos of it then.  I didn't think I was going to win.

Anyway, the salon is really, really interesting.  The lady who does manicures and pedicures actually mixes the lacquers out of pumpkin pulp, grapeseeds, strawberries, and other organic compounds.  I don't know the details of it yet, but I am going to have a manicure done and figure out what she does --- and when I do, I'll post it here. ;)

They also have a gallery so artists can hang their work.  I'm going to get in on that, too.



Edit: January 22nd has details about the logo assignment.

FANTASTIC!  Congratulations!

Hard work is always rewarded!

WOW [glb]Congrats Pan!! :D[/glb]

That is so great, i'm really happy for you :)

That's wonderful!!

Congratulations, Panpeus!!! ;D ;D ;D

Awesome!  I can't wait to see!!

Congratulations, Pan

[glb]Congratulations, Pan!![/glb] ;D

Thanks so much, ladies! ^__^

School really picked up this week.  I still have to write an essay and study for an exam tomorrow.  Yuck.

Anyway, I've been doing some code for one of my classes (Artistic Programming.)

I had an assignment to make systematic art with interactivity functions.

www.processing.org

The code is made for that program.  The BF had to help me with the assignment I wanted to do, but the finished product is this.  The one comment is from "spaceballs."  Heehee!

int num_snowflakes = 100;
int x;
int[] horiz_pos = new int[num_snowflakes];
int[] vert_pos = new int[num_snowflakes];
int[] vert_speed = new int[num_snowflakes];


void setup()
{
 for (int i=0; i<num_snowflakes; i++)
 {
   horiz_pos[i] = int(random(500));
   vert_pos[i] = int(random(100));
   vert_speed[i] = int(random(10) + 2);
 }

 size(500, 500);
 background(200);
 ellipseMode(CENTER);
 smooth() ;
}

void draw()
{

  if(keyPressed) {
   if (key == 'f')
   {
     // increase vertical speed
     
     
     // Ludicrous speed?! Sir, we've never gone that fast before.
     // I don't think the ship can take it.
     //What's the matter, Colonel Sandurz....CHICKEN?!
     for (int i=0; i<num_snowflakes; i++)
       vert_speed[i] = vert_speed[i] + 1;
   }
    else if (key == 's')
    {
     // decrease vertical speed
     for (int i=0; i<num_snowflakes; i++)
     {
       vert_speed[i] = vert_speed[i] - 1;
     }  
   }
 }
 // Calculate new positions - boyfriend helped me here...
 for (int i=0; i<num_snowflakes; i++)
 {
   if (vert_speed[i] > 0)
     vert_pos[i] = vert_pos[i] + vert_speed[i] + int(random(3));
   if (vert_pos[i] > 500)
     vert_pos[i] = 0;
 }
 
 // Redraw the screen
   background (134, 142, 155) ;
 // draw all the circles
 // make circles twinkle
 for (int i=0; i<num_snowflakes; i++)
 {
   noStroke();
   x = int(random(3));
   if (x==0)
     fill(190, 201, 221);
   else if (x==1)
     fill(109, 117, 130);
   else if (x == 2)
     fill(236, 242, 251);
   else if (x == 3)
     fill (137, 144, 157) ;
    else
    fill(134, 142, 155);
   ellipse(horiz_pos[i], vert_pos[i], 10, 10);
 }
   fill(229, 229, 253);
}

I coded snow falling.  You can speed it up by hitting the f key, and you can slow it down by hitting the s key.  My boyfriend helped me get it turned in on time...one minute before the deadline! >__<

At least it's done, I'm going to bed now I think.  I worked out today so I am tired.

Congrats Pan! You have a real talent!

Yowza, that's a lot of work! :o  Is your project on that website? I took a peak, but couldn't find anything that looked like your creation.

Thanks Juri and C_G! :)

I don't have any source code posted on their site, I just posted it to show what program I used, I'm not that good.  :-[


Ahh, the grand opening for the salon is set for this weekend.  I thought it was much later.  I guess I will let you guys see it before the public does ;)

http://img234.imageshack.us/img234/1442/logo1dm.jpg

That's the second-to-last save of it.  The brackets surrounding the text are moved in a bit.

Since the salon is so artistically oriented, I figured that a signature for their store's name would be perfect for it.  It can be changed into any color and modified to any size.  I also had the logo with a gradient effect, but it's on my LaCie drive  -- which is not compatible with PC's >: ( -- so tomorrow I could swap out the real deal with this one.

Thanks again for the congratulations.  I was always a bit timid about my design work, but now that I finally won something, it gave me some more confidence.

Edit:  I will definately take a picture of the signage and the T-shirts when they are sent to print.  It's incredible to think that my artwork is going to shape another person's small business (and large dream.)

It's really nice, very...original....classic, and i can see why they piked it  :-*


Wishing you more success in the future :)

Your artwork is fantastic!  I can see why they chose to use it.  I can hardly wait to see the other graphic uses for it.  

Congratulations again!

Nice work! I love the overall downcurve of the lettering. Congratulations Pan!

Pretty, Pan.  :)  Very chic.

[quote author=panpeus link=1119204001/300#301 date=1140050801]Thanks Juri and C_G! :)

I don't have any source code posted on their site, I just posted it to show what program I used, I'm not that good.  :-[/quote]
Sou desu ka! Still, compared to a non-html person like myself, I'm sure your project must look amazing. :)

You made a really nice logo for the salon! I wouldn't have guessed that it was made by a college student. Again, congratulations, Pan!

3:39 am.  Need to go to bed.  But I can't.

I was going through a few albums of photos that I have, and I stumbled on a few pictures of me with my natural, past BSL length hair.  So bummed out.  My hair right now is making my face look different.  It's werid to describe.  Anyway, if it was cool to shave my head, I would so do it.

I think I just need some sleep!

Yesterday was the H₂O reception.  It went very well.  I'm going to take photos of the space sometime this week.  The salon looks so great.  It was very stressful to get everything done on time, because my teacher and my clients did not communicate very well with me. >:(  Neither person returned any of my e-mails and phone calls.  I did the best I could do, though.  I don't know of many designers who would go to Kinkos at 2am to get everything printed, and pay $57 dollars out of their own pocket to make sure eveything went smoothly for the reception.  I guess I shouldn't complain though, the ladies at the salon are so incredibly nice.  I don't think it was their fault, at all.

I am very glad it is over with.  They are going to give me a free hair trim :D I think I will go to get my .25~.5 inch trim soon.

I'm glad the reception went well, but it kinda sucks that you had to pay for things when it's not even your salon. Oh well. At least you get that free trim. :)

I'm so glad to hear the reception went well.  I'm sure the communication issues were due to them being a 3way communication, which is never the most efficient.

A free trim is great - hopefully they will give you the trim you request.

Congrats Pan! you have a wonderful talent.

Thanks a bunch ladies :)

The entire experience was one that I definately needed to go through [with H2O salon] because I know that issues like this will come up again.  It taught me how to curb my stress and hold out for the client to come to me.  I'm glad I could learn from this experience.

I've been very busy at school.  I started weightlifting at IMPE again.  I'm partly doing it because I have trouble sleeping at night -- and the other part is to increase blood circulation to my scalp.  :D

I have noticed a difference in my sleep pattern.

Hair:  I haven't talked about it in a while because nothing interesting is happening.  I guess one thing I can comment on is that my bangs are hitting a very desirable length (jawbone length) and my hair has an overall feeling/look of softness.  Hooray!  It only took 8 months for that to happen ::)

I believe that is all.  I'll try to come around more often...I feel out of the loop because I don't check LL everyday.

School is getting incredibly hectic.  I have an abundance of homework and I'm losing motivation to get it all done. =(

Hair:  There is a clear "line" where my processed hair ends and my virgin growth (4 inches, give or take) begins.  My hair finally hit a very managable length.  I might halt growing it and start getting .5'' trims every month or so.  My goal is somewhere around the middle of my back, but I am in no rush to get there.

My friend's hair is officially down to his tailbone now.  I'm proud of him, but a bit jealous, too. =p

I got a B on my Statistics test =/ I was hoping I could get an A because my teacher said it is the "easy" test of the semester.

I'll try to come around more often.  I hope everyone is doing well.

Got my hair trimmed!



She took off a bit more than I wanted, but it's fine with me.  My hemline was in bad shape.  My days and nights are flip-flopped again.  I'm going to bed at 3am-4am every night.  I don't mind it too much, though.  It's fun to feel like you're one of the only people up and about. :)

School: Our plotter is on the fritz again.  I went to print out my timeline and instead of it printing a nice warm sepia, it printed out a cold, dark grey.  *sigh*

Good thing I only did a test print!

I had a stats final today.  It was incredibly hard.  I think I got a C but I'm not sure.  I hope I get a B.

I'm going to lay down soon, I think.  :)



EDIT:  Got a B on the test!  Woo :)

Wow.

I never thought my journal would be located in page 2.



Felt like doing an update before I headed off to bed.  Sorry it isn't really hair-related.  My hair is hanging out and behaving. :)

It's been a long night coding.  I finished my final project, it can be found here: https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/mesevers/Breath/index.html?uniq=-hfnudt

Since I am at college, I figured a breathalyzer test and bartending service would be a perfect physical compting project.  Even though the majority of students walk to the bars -- I see so many kids stumble home rediculously drunk.  It makes me nervous.

The source code is also present in the applet.  It is ugly. It's driving force is basically a random number generator since I don't have the ability to make a working prototype. The source code for a BAC test is under lock and key.  Someday I could write my own. >: )

To get a new test, refresh the screen.

Cool project - but what about those of us that use our left hand on the mouse?   ;D

wrote on May 2^nd, 2006 at 6:59pm:

Cool project - but what about those of us that use our left hand on the mouse?   ;D

I never really heard of people using the mouse with the left hand O__O I might have to take that into consideration!  I'm left handed and I use my right hand.  Thanks for the info!

I'm sure there aren't a lot of us who use the left hand, but it was a habit I got into from using a calculator with my left hand - it leaves my right hand free to write things down.  ;D