Sunday, May 1, 2005

I thought this would be a good place to keep a record of what my hair has been up to lately...what I'm doing that works/not works, etc., etc.  Then I can refer back to it and get ideas for the future, or something...

Well, on Friday night I oiled my hair with coconut oil after washing/towel blotting it.  Then I blowdried it and braided it.  Usually I put a quarter-sized dollop of conditioner onto it after I blowdry it almost dry, and then I blow it dry completely--afterwards adding some coconut oil to my braid--this creates instant "fat hair" and volume and shine. However, I wanted to see what just the oil would do, and in the morning I discovered why I had started adding the conditioner in the first place.  Totally thin-looking/feeling and slippery and un-voluminous hair!!!  That night I did not wash my hair but I added the customary conditioner.  It soaked in fast and I did not have to use the dryer.  It instantly felt fat and thick.  I braided it and coiled it around the top of my head, and I was not disappointed this Sunday morning!  I was grateful that it looked good for Mass.  I just don't feel happy all around if my hair doesn't please me.  I like it to look soft and feminine and romantic at ALL TIMES!!!

It's almost 8:30 pm now, and I want to get in a half hour of dancing before bedtime.  That would be at 10---I have resolved to be faithful to this appointed time no matter what!  I even forced myself to read the Sunday paper this afternoon instead of my usual late-night hour.  No more of that for me...10 sharp it is.  So I had better sign off for now and start dancing, and then maybe do some other relaxing thing until 10!  BUT 10 IT WILL BE!!!!!!!!

Tuesday, May 3, 2005

I made a mistake yesterday, about my current hairstyle--drawing back the hair ABOVE the ears and gently draping it, before pinning it at the neck, is what works for me.  I had tried it drawn back starting at the temples and also below the ears--each way gave a different variation of the style.  Definitely *above* the ears is what works and looks best, hanging "just right".

I washed my hair last night, and remembered to slather on a palmful of coconut oil BEFORE the wash. This keeps the length from getting too dried out and listless looking.


It is DAY 2 of my coconut oil face moisterizer trial.  So far, so good!  My face feels soft and healthily glowing.  I hope this keeps up...today I mixed aloe vera with the CO.  If I don't do that, I have to use way more oil to get all bases covered and I don't want to overdo it. First I anointed my face with witch hazel, of course.  That stuff is great, it really seems to do a good job on my face!

I don't think I like the 5-inch rule for curling my ends after all.  It looks too kinky/frizzy.  Well, maybe I can smooth out the frizz with a little coconut oil!  It does do wonders!  The benefits of the 5-inch rule are otherwise good--more waves near the ends of my hair.

Thursday, May 5, 2005

I never did wash my hair last night--too tired!  I really messed up on my 10 pm deadline for getting ready for bed.  Instead I shampooed my bangs and the hair around the front of my face--that got me through all right.  Sort of a mini scalp wash.  Maybe I should do scalp washes more often?  I haven't found a really good method, though.  I often end up with practically my whole updo soaked even though I try to place my head strategically under the shower spray. 

Day four of the coconut oil face moisterizing trial--I can't believe how good this is going so far!  Just so I remember for all posterity:  first rub witch hazel onto my face, followed by a fingertip's worth of coconut oil melted in my palm, and a dime size amount of aloe vera, mixed together well.  I spread it all over face and neck, plus a TINY amount of CO around my eyelid area.  Can't get too much near my eyelashes, for fear of inflammation.  I have to soak and scrub my eyelashes every day with baby shampoo and Q-tips or else they get inflamed.  I had to give up makeup forever last year after a bad infection, sties, etc.  Now I'm used to it, and it's great.  So natural and free and clean. 

I was researching the safety of aerobic dancing on concrete floors--that's what I have in my room, covered with tile of course.  It's supposed to cause all sorts of problems.  I'd better make sure not to leap around barefoot or sockfooted anymore, or even dance so much in my heels.  My pair of old, tight leather tennis shoes might be a better option for dancing and working out--but you just can't leap gracefully in tennis!  The shoes are not tight fitting, but I can draw the laces tighter and wear thick socks. Better that than shin splints, back problems, foot and leg problems, etc.
I watched a behind the scenes video of Riverdance once, and the lead dancer was practicing in tennis shoes!  So I'll give it a try.

Saturday, May 14, 2005

Hi diary, it's been a couple days.  Here's what's new:

HAIR:  I think I am going to try COing.  Shampoo (currently Pantene) seems to leave my hair sort of dull.  Then I have to use lots of leave-in conditioner to give it volume, and coconut oil for shine. Problem is, my scalp gets oily after a day or two.  Will COing work for me?  Diary, I'll let you know!

FACE:  Forget coconut oil.  And soap.  Coconut oil is not a sufficient moisterizer, I don't think.  And the soap I have been using is what is irritating my skin--not the store bought moisterizers I first suspected!  I think!  Am I right?  We shall see.  Last night after washing with soap some bumps on my face started to bleed, besides being red and rough.  I smoothed on some Cetaphil lotion.  Ahhhhhhhhh, instant relief.  By morning my face looked and felt great.  I gently soaked my face with hot water and a washcloth this morning, and then applied Dove Day Lotion, adding the heavier Cetaphil over my "bad" cheek.  What shall I do tonight?  Shall I "CO" my face as well as my hair?  I'm going to try it.

"Fickle is woman"--is that how the old saying goes????  I don't know if it's me or my skin or what!!!  Something's always changing!  Except my hairstyle.  It seems not to be happy any other way than in it's current fixture.  I added a new accessory to the clip (in the low back) that holds the drape of the sides, though---a backwards-facing 2-inch black butterfly clip gives a neat look over a plain black barrette, adding lift and keeping hair neatly in place.

Well, it's almost 4 pm...time for a nap!  I have to mow the lawn tonight, the grass is SO tall...I wish my hair grew as fast.  I am going to start pinning up or braiding my hair when I work outside.  I used to just wear it down, but I think I am risking breakage that way.

Gotta go!!!!!ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Tuesday, May 17, 2005

Actually I've been COing for a while now--my length only.  I've just never tried it on my scalp.  I tried it last night and knew as soon as the conditioner failed to spread on my scalp that we were headed for trouble.  I used my customary palmful of shampoo on my head instead.  I have lots of oil in my skin/scalp, so shampoo is really necessary. 

Before I washed I remembered to thoroughly drench my hair, especially the ends, with coconut oil.  Afterwards:  SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO SMOOOOOOOOTH and soft.

I towel dried my hair, then blowdried it a bit and added aloe vera.  I braided it and pinned it up for the night.  Morning:  flat and limp, no volume.  Nix that.

My face:  washing with Noxema at night, soaking with warm water in the morning and applying lotion is working! 

Monday, May 23, 2005

Feeling much better today!!!  Was able to get up and about!!!  Plus:  an AWESOME HAIR DAY!!!  Here's what worked:

Last night:  A generous saturating with coconut oil.  Good thing it's cheap and you get a ton of it in a 2 pound tub, because this stuff is SO effective on hair!  A non-greasy oil----amazing!  Rubbed it onto my length and ends before shampooing.

Shampoo:  a squirt of shampoo in my empty squeeze bottle that lives on the shelf in my shower, plus half a bottle of water. Shake together thoroughly, apply to scalp.  Cleanses VERY effectively. Saves on shampoo, too.

Condition:  a straight palmful of conditioner as usual on the length, running my fingers through to detangle.

Drying:  Towel blotted dry.  Gentlly rubbed scalp with towel, let air dry as I made my final preparations for bedtime.  Blowdried for a couple minutes.

Braiding:  I tried something different--I added no conditioner or gel or anything.  I scooped my hair into a banana clip way on top of my head, and braided it into a single braid.  The banana clip somehow draws your hair right to the top, and you get waves close to your scalp.  I braided almost to the end of my length, then took about half of the braid plus the end and coiled that around near the base of the braid--not real close to the scalp, but farther down.  I enclosed the coil with a piece of material and secured with a claw-clip.  Then I pinned the coiled braid against my head with smaller claw clips.

Sleeping:  I found a 100% silk scarf in my dresser drawer last night, and I tied it around my head for sleeping--securing the knot near my forehead.  What a pleasant sleep it was--the silk was so smooth and comfortable! Best of all, good for my hair--no snagging or tearing!

This morning:  Oh, oh, oh, the curls and waves were gorgeous.  I made a little poof in front and let my length flow down my back, without drawing back the sides any.
Some squirts of hair spray completed the look and gave volume/hold. 

I think I may start shampooing EVERY night.  I certainly have enough oil on my scalp...my grandfather is 84 and he still has an oily scalp!!!  I guess I'm set for life, then! 

When I was a young teen (I'm in my 20's now)  I shampooed every day, brushed and curled and dried and colored and teased and tore, and my hair grew magnificently.  Now, it seems the more I pay attention to it, the less it grows.  While not intending to be harsh to it, I am going to just wash it every day and see what happens.  It's summer now, after all...

Oh yes, one more thing.  I NEVER brush or comb my hair now, and I never will.  I massage my scalp in the shower, and besides, whatever hair needs to come out comes out in the shower.  I think brushing needlessly damages one's locks.

Thursday, May 26, 2005

I tried something new last night:  two side braids before I went to bed, with the ends curled up and clipped in place onto the length of the braid.

In the morning:  stunning results.  I was shocked.  The waves were nice (though not as close to my head as when I make a single high braid) and the end curls were simply fabulous!!!  I sprayed and scrunched with hairspray to make them last.  They are still here as I write!

I will try this tomorrow (or tonight, rather!) and see if the results are the same--or better!  Now if only I could find a scalp wash method that pleases me...

Also, I gathered up the hair from the front lower part of my ears into a poof on the top of my head.  It seems nice...better than gathering it by the temple area. 

Thursday, June 2, 2005

Last night I bleached my dark brown bangs with peroxide.  I figured some highlights would look nice, especially in summer, and so I did it--figuring, of course, that it wouldn't really be permanent since I trim my bangs maybe a half inch every month.  HOWEVER...I got some bleach farther up than my bang line, and I have sort of a neat looking highlighted streak in the little poof above my bangs!  But....

I wish I'd never done it!  Yet, part of me thinks it adds flair to my hair...

I wish I could get the bangs part a little blonder.  Probably if I peroxide it again and go sit out in the hot sun, it will bleach lighter and lighter.  Maybe I'll try it, maybe I won't...God knew what He was doing when He made me a brunette.  And my natural color is so nice.  Why am I not satisfied???

Well...I justified my actions this way: I have nice natural black eyebrows, and I figured that a lighter bang would show them off even more!!!  They say your eyebrows should be lighter than your hair color, but I disagree.  I think darker brows with lighter hair is nice.  Not TOO dark or out of place, but a little darker...

Okay, the deed is done.  Might as well go all the way. I'm going to apply more peroxide on the bangs and go sit out on the porch in the sun for a little while, before supper. 

Saturday, June 4, 2005

Would you believe it, I think I am actually going to enjoy my bleached bangs.  I'm starting to grow rather fond of the highlighted look.  I just wish my dark roots would show up around the "poof" above my bangs.  That part is a bit too light for my taste.  I like the lighter bangs, though--they look nice and soft and sun-kissed, swept across my forehead.  Mmmmmmmmmm....if I decide I REALLY like them, maybe I can touch them up every once in a while!

Can I BELIEVE I am SAYING this???????????   

The highlights are not so bad, really...and after being sprizted with hairspray, they are darker--and NO ONE in my family has commented or appeared to notice!!!  Yay!!!!!!!      ...............

PROBABLY because I have natural reddish/gold highlights on my ends.  When my sisters were younger, they always colored pictures of me with "orange" hair, though when it grows out from the roots it is actually quite dark!  I never thought of myself as being a redhead or blonde, but I have been actually called "blonde" before--must be those highlights.

SO.....my little bleaching escapade seems to have gone unnoticed.  Which is exactly what I was hoping for.  In my teen years I was quite the hair fanatic in more ways than one and I DO NOT want to revive that reputation!!!

I am not trying to hide what God has given me, only enhance what is already there. 

Wednesday, July 8, 2005

Oh, won't I ever be satisfied?  I'm not pleased with the way my bangs hang.  And when I spritz them with hairspray, I feel like I'm getting an allergic reaction from having them/hairspray so near my eyes.  But if they are too far above my eyes, they don't look right...what to do???  I am going to have to devise a new way to wear them.  And soon.

WHEN are the dark roots going to start showing?  I know that "a watched pot never boils", and that little saying obviously applies to hair as well.  In a couple of weeks I'll casually look in the mirror and...

I found some of Mom's old perm curlers.  I intend to use two of the smaller ones to curl the ends of my braids tonight.  They should just fit perfectly. 

I did a complete wash/light blowdry last night.  I oiled generously beforehand.  I don't shampoo my length, so I wonder how much of the oil actually stays on the hair during my shower period?  After washing my scalp and rinsing, I apply conditioner, finger comb, twist into a bun on top of my head and cover with a shower cap until I'm finished soaping up all over etc.  Then I lightly rinse my hair, and blot dry.  I hope not too much oil gets washed off during this process.  I have found that oiling on my dry hair makes it a bit too limp.

I will post the results of the perm curlers tomorrow--if possible for me to get online!!!!

Saturday, June 11, 2005

I really should be in bed by now, but I just took a late shower and washed my hair.  I wanted it to air-dry a bit before I blow-dry...if I go to bed with damp or wet hair,

1.  I get a sore throat/earache/headache

2.  No curls or waves, just limpness


***I found some 1-inch claw clips that should hold my curls overnight.  Better than the littler claw clips.***

I am SOOOOOOOO frustrated with my bleached bangs!!!  I can't believe I did such a thing.  To make matters worse, I trimmed them too short yesterday--maybe.  I will have to discern tomorrow whether I really like the length or not...

I definitely look better with my natural dark brown bangs.  At least I HAVE hair, though--and so much more to be grateful for.  My punishment consists, then, in waiting for my mistake to grow out.  Oh God, I have learned my lesson, please have pity on me!!!! I will NEVER do such a thing again!!!

I think I was suffering acutely from PMS at the time.  Wouldn't you know, it always clouds my vision of reality. 

I guess I can try to enjoy the look for a little while!

Time to go, it's waaaaaaaaaay past my bedtime.

Tuesday, June 14, 2005

AGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!  I AMMMMM  sick, just like I predicted in my last post, written at some odd hour of the veeeeeeeerrrrrrry early morning.  Way past my bedtime.  Wouldn't you know it.   

Remedy:  A STRICT adherence to bedtime, which is going to be (RE-)set at 10 pm.  This is going to be tough, because I have major energy spurts late-night, but things are starting to spiral all out of control.  What if my waking time was as erratic as my bedtime??? 

So--I'll have to get my dancing/workout/internet/reading accomplished before 10!  A challenge, but I think I'm up to it!

HAIR AFFAIRS

I'm struggling with my style, mostly my bangs.  The bleached color isn't bothering me so much now--of course I wish I'd never done it, but I discovered that I can "disguise" it quite efficiently if I brush the bangs over and across my forehead a certain way.

More experimentation is in order for the styling of them.  If I feel like it, I may try something tonight--before 10!

Used NO hairspray on my curled ends today--or yesterday either!  The first day after a wash, I released the spiral curls (with no product on them) and rubbed maybe two pea-sized amounts of coconut oil onto the ends of my curls. (Instead of hairspraying them.)  It did not flatten them but rather enhanced them!  That night I spiral curled them (with the morning's application of c-oil still on them) and the next morning the curls were FABULOUS, and they held all day!  I didn't add anything else to them.  I hope this keeps up...

No more hair news to report.  I need to find a way to wear my bangs that doesn't drive me crazy.  I'm tempted to give up on wearing bangs---but I think they flatter my face.  I feel so bare without them.

Saturday, June 18, 2005

THANK YOU JESUS, I HAVE A NEW STYLE !!!!!!!

The last time I tried this, was last summer...my hair was of course a bit shorter then.  The style:  (I wonder how long I will remain enamoured of it?) Gather front of hair, beginning at temples, and secure with combs and a clip.  Flip head upside down and insert banana clip. Clasp high up on top of head.  Insert a long metal barrette underneath top section, under hair, for added security.  Finger-style hair to give a sort of "tousled" look, covering the edges of the banana clip.  

I used to wear this style all the time when I was a teenager, and recently too.  But now it looks even better than ever.  A great, cascading updo/downdo for summer!

Oh yes...pull out some side hairs to frame face and spritz with hairspray, twist.  So nice.

Well, I really should be cleaning my room right now, but I could not resist the urge to post this in my journal.  I can't wait to wear my new style to Mass tomorrow morning!!

Also:  thanks be to God dear brother came over and volunteered to mow the grass!!!  And Dad edged the yard too!  Whew, now I don't have to wash my whole head of hair tonight because I reek of gas fumes and am covered with debris.  

Gotta go---clean my room???!!!!!!!  YES I WILL DO IT!!!

Tuesday, June 21, 2005

I wore the banana-clip updo today, to the noon daily Mass at St. John's--and I know now that I am definitely a longhair downdo person forever!!!  I felt positively naked from about the waist up.  And my ears felt cold and exposed.  I don't like that feeling...I like feeling sheltered and enveloped by my long hair.

At least I learned something new!!!   As soon as I got home, I unpinned the whole thing and spritzed my hairsprayed curls with water to soften the hardened spots (of hairspray.)  And oh, THANK YOU JESUS!!!!!!!  I discovered a brand new style just as I was on the verge of desperation!!!  I will describe it here for all posterity--or at least until I change my mind about what suits me.  PMS time here-----agh!!!!!!!!!!!

New Style:

1. Start with hair long and loose.  Make a side part about 1 1/2 inches up.  Hold that hair in mouth (it's easy that way) while gathering up hair at sides and securing in a soft pouf at top center of head with combs.

2. Take the hair in mouth and sweep it up and over the pouf to the other side, and slide in a barrette behind the combs to secure it.  My shorter bangs fall out underneath the long swept-up section, which makes for a very nice frame, but I think this would look great without them, too.  I'll have to grow out my bangs!

TA DA..........a really nice, soft, semi-tousled look.  Thanks be to God--I may have ended up CUTTING something, and that would have been a disaster!!!

Dinner tonight will be a disaster if I don't sign off NOW!!!

Tuesday, July 13, 2005

This is my first journal post since returning from vacation!!!  8)  My hair DEFINITELY noticed the difference between the Mid-west and the Mid-south!  The water quality in Memphis was SOOOOOOO soft, and my hair was too when I washed it, but it would NOT hold a curl.  I don't know if it was the water, the high humidity, or both.  Now that I'm home, I have my all-day spirals and waves again!!!   

NEW OILING METHOD that works   After a hairwash, blot hair dry.  Let it airdry a LITTLE before melting a pea-sized portion of coconut oil in palm.  Gently rub onto the damp ends.  Let hair dry some more or finish off with a quick blowdry, then braid and curl as usual.  The results are fantabulous in the morning--for some reason the ends don't get too oily or too dry with this method.  AWESOME!!! 

Speaking of which....my hair has just been washed/oiled, and I was waiting for it to dry as I browsed LongLocks.  Now it is dry, and I don't have an excuse to stay online!  I must get into bed or ELSE.

This journal is a great relaxation tool for me!  Ha ha, and it just happens to be way past my bedtime.   I hope to post more about what my hair went through on vacation, later... 

Gotta go!!!

Tuesday, August 16, 2005

Well, last night's new method of curling was okay  ...when I unwrapped the bundles in the morning I had two scrumptious fat sausage-spirals,  , but they sort of quickly morphed into waves.  Maybe it was the heat and humidity?  ???  I know my hair can do better than that...

All right, tonight I will try sock (rag) curling where you roll your hair up on a sock or rag and tie.  I hope it stays in as good as last night's experiment...no muss or fuss, and it was in perfect place when I woke up.

It's my turn to cook tonight...pork loin. I can maybe take a nap until 4 o'clock, which is when I need to start cooking, or I can write that long-promised letter to Grandma...

Hmmm...maybe I can write that letter this evening?  I can't mail it till tomorrow anyway!  Better go take a rest...my hair and I could really use it!

Thursday night (almost Friday) August 18, 2005

Okay, so it's almost midnight, and I'm heading off to shower in a few moments.  Just wanted to take a therapeutic journaling hit, though!  

I was absolutely, positively with the way my curls turned out this morning, after twin braiding them and curling the ends, and instead of clipping them, using the "Easy N Quick Method for Curling Long Hair" tecnique of inserting coiled ends into socks and securing with looped rubber bands.  AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  And they stayed in ALLLL NIGHT!!!  Which wasn't that long of a night, because I was BAD BAD BAD and stayed up WAYYYYYYYY so late past a normal bedtime.    Now I have a stye on my eyelid, which I think is a result of being tired and not sleeping right for weeks on end. Something has GOT to give here.

If nothing changes, NOTHING changes.

Well, that would be me of course.  So off I go.  I think I still have a few minutes before.......

MIDNIGHT!!!

Tuesday, September 6, 2005

(Okay, so it's ALMOST midnight and Wednesday, but...just as I was about to get in the shower at 10:30, dear brother beat me to it.  So I just got online here accidentally--yes, I hit the My Documents button to look at the novel I was working on, and instead my internet connection window came up!  A definite sign from God!!!  8) )

Well, a great new curling method is being used my me every night.  I don't know if this would work for anyone but me, since I have such fine, thin hair, but...it's awesome!  I get real "Irish" curls by putting hair in twin braids and braiding about down to my chin, and then wrapping/twisting the rest of the length around a large, long perm roller.  OH OH OH the results are FABULOUS!!! Thank You Jesus, this SO works and it SO works WELL!!! 

And my new style...again I am recording this only for my own delight, since I don't think it could be replicated by anyone else.  Flip head upside down.  Place inverted clinch (aka banana) clip at very top of head.  Clasp.  Twist horizontally to  the left.  Insert the large comb/clippy-thingy (it came unnamed even on the package) in the center of the hanging curtain of hair.  Voila, a very easy and classy looking updo that behaves as a downdo if your hair is long enough...the curls hang down my back and around my neck.  Perfect... hair doesn't get in the way and still appears long and "down".  Again, thanks God, I appreciate the inspiration and the hair help!!!  Now I'd better get to the shower...and in bed!!!

Sunday, September 18, 2005

Thanks to you, hair journal, I see that I last trimmed my bangs on June 9.  I must have trimmed them pretty short...   They still have short layers on them!  What's up with that?  Yet I know they are still growing because my dark roots are QUITE grown out--I still can't believe I actually peroxided them, but...all is well now, all is well. 

My hair is actually looking longer.  Thank You Jesus,  I appreciate it SOOOOOOO much.  I've waited so long for this!!!  And the new method of curling is working SOOOO well.  The curls last all day.  I'm glad Mom didn't throw away those old perm rods.  They work wonders for my hair--two side braids half braided, half coiled around a perm rod. 

The front of my hair is looking better now, too, since I discovered that fluffing out the hairs at my temples to frame my face really works.  The top is always worn pulled up in a poof with a bit of bangs hanging down over one eye.  Can it be for once in my life my hair is consistently behaving and I am satisfied with it???   

I wore 2nd day hair to Mass this morning, after having sprayed and massaged my scalp with 1/4 cup vinegar--1/4 cup water mixed in a spray bottle, last night.  I will have to experiment with other scalp cleansing options.  My length is so delicate and fragile that I would like to JUST wash my scalp sometimes, if I can.

I think I can get in a quick nap before supper...or maybe I can make some of my new homemade smoothies?  No, I'll wait until AFTER supper for that,when everybody is together--that way anyone who wants to taste them freshly-made can do so.   

Monday, September 19, 2005

Hi Khrome!

In my smoothies, I put a container of yogurt, whatever fresh fruit I can find laying around that will reasonably go with the yogurt flavor, and half a yogurt container of juice--grape, orange, apple, etc. 

I just started making these recently and needless to say I'm ADDICTED!!!!!!!  I just sort of made this recipe up so if you put something different in yours, I'd be most interested to glean new ideas. 


**********************************

Oh, my hair...well I didn't wash it last night--that would be day three---but instead saturated/massaged scalp thoroughly with vinegar-water.  In the morning, I felt like a giant greaseball and was really regretting that I hadn't washed it.  I was fixing my hair to get ready to go to the noon daily Mass at the basilica and I just kept thinking about what people's reaction would be to my oily roots--especially the folks sitting near me or standing behind me in the Communion line:  "Doesn't that girl ever wash her hair?.....  Maybe it's too long for her to wash it? ....... Maybe she's too lazy?.......  Oooooh yuck...what gross hair..." 

Okay, so maybe I'm a little too lazy.  Having long hair means accepting willingly the price to pay for its care. I would NEVER give it up and I DO want it to look good, so....I'd better just give myself some extra time in the evenings to oil and detangle and scalp wash and condition and dry etc.......

Thanks be to God for this great gift of long hair!!  I need to show that I really AM grateful and not try to skimp by on experimental "vinegar sprays" to keep my roots looking good.     But I'm glad I tried it.  And after Mass I came home and looked in the mirror, and it wasn't as bad as I'd thought--I think the vinegar did do something, but very LITTLE something.  That's to be expected.  I know for a fact that I have oily skin, and my scalp needs the shampoo treatment often.  Fine!!!  A small "burden" to bear, really.  Am I complaining?  No.  Just recounting what I've learned. 

Gotta run...it's 3pm, nap time, and do I ever need it...I feel like I'm catching a cold but hopefully it's just allergies.   And now, zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...

Mmm that smoothie sounds good.  I'll have to give it a try with yogurt.  I usually get the frozen mixed fruits that come in a bag, in different combos.  (Not as nice as fresh fruits, but it stays nice and chilly!)  Then I put Minute Maid Pinapple, Orange, Banana juice, and a couple scoops of vanilla ice cream. 

I use an ACV rinse when my hair gets dull.  It makes it shinier because it causes the cuticles to lie flat.  Have you noticed any extra shine?  I'm not sure if it's different for a leave-in though. 

Cynde

Tuesday (1 a.m.) October 18, 2005

It's been almost a month since I posted anything!  I've been SOOOOOOOOOOO busy--thanks be to God.  For life and health and everything, everything, everything,



I trimmed my bangs after a hiatus of months.  What's up with that???  They didn't seem to grow as fast as usual!  I used to have to trim every month!  Actually, I KNOW my hair is growing...about the lack of apparent bang growth, my theory is that when I peroxided my bangs in June, I damaged them...and now they are paying me back by being fragile-ended and breaking off at the tips. Hence the appearance of not growing.

(If it wasn't for this handy hair journal, I would never have remembered when my last trim was.   )

However...it is waaaaaaaaaay past time to sign off here. I just finished doing a total hairwash and I am online as I wait for my locks to dry a bit--but it's past one in the morning now!  Baaaaaaaaaaad Christiana--BADBADBAD!!!  I really need to be in bed by twelve.  It's great to have faults and failings, though...they keep me humble.    

Early Tuesday morning October 25, 2005

Hi Greek Lady!!!  Oh, believe me, I would really like to post some pics of those things, but I don't have a digital camera (or any other camera, for that matter)...I will have to see if I can borrow one from my Dad.  And figure out how to work it.  And load the pics.  And transfer them from his computer to mine.  I will let you know if I am successful!!!

--Christiana

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Well, here I am up again at half-past midnight, after my shower and scalp-wash.  I just went upstairs to look out on the deck and see if the ENORMOUS RACCOON was feeding there, but alas, he has not stopped by yet to eat his macaroni-and-cheese, apple, and ham bone that I set out for him.  Feeding/observing coons is my new hobby.  Trouble is, they can come around any time from 8pm to the early hours of the next morning.  Tomorrow, I am going to install a small windchime in the mulberry tree so that when he climbs up in it, near the deck, I will be alerted to his (or their---how many visit, I don't know) presence.

I would like to have a coonskin hat.  Their hair looks so soft and furrrrrrrry.  Maybe if this enormous coon has a natural death, I can arrange that???  Just kidding.


I have a major (okay, for my fine, fragile hair, it is major) hair-conversion issue to report:  I have started combing.  Just my ends, and only after they are lathered with coconut oil PROFUSELY.  And only at the end of the day, when  I am finger-detangling my length before getting ready for the shower.  A few loose hairs come out, but I figure it is better to comb them out rather than have them just build up and fall out on my sweater, coat, floor, food, etc, which is what they used to do.  For years.  Now that my hair is getting longer bit by bit, I am getting more tangles, and combing the long ends seems to help keep the length smooth and orderly.  There is no need to comb or brush my scap or length--my fingers do an excellent job by themselves.

It's nearing one a.m....ughhhhhhhhhhhh, it's my own fault and I know it.  If I hadn't stayed up waiting for that coon so long, I could've been in bed long ago.  I'm going to slip upstairs again though, one last time, and see if he's there....so, gotta go!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Juri!  You get to see neighborhood cats, I get to see neighborhood coons.  Here in my midwestern state we have a law that prohibits cats from being outdoors, so I never see any!   I live in the suburbs too, would you believe it?  You just never know what kind of creatures are lurking around after dark, even in suburbs!!! 
(However, I live very near a woodsy park and a wooded cemetary.  I've also seen deer, possums, and foxes around here.  There are even reports of mountain lions    I wouldn't want to run into one of those!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

UGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH Veeeery Early Wednesday morning, October 26, 2005

Will this late-night thing never cease with me?  Here I am after my shower again, with a tee-shirt turban on my freshly scalp-washed head.  Thanks to all the wonderful tips I have gleaned on LongLocks over the months, my hair is doing sooooooo well.  I am so pleased with it, and therefore my overall temperament is improving!!!    We are truly body AND soul.  And that includes hair.  It has to be "right" or I feel totally out of kilter.  May God preserve me from vanity though...may my hair always and only give Him glory.

Coon News

I installed the windchime in the mulberry tree today!  And I added a little feeding cup in the middle of it, to make SURE SURE he caused it to jangle.  This is in addition to his usual plate on the deck ledge, filled with the leftover mac-n-cheese and apple peelings.   

Sure enough, and earlier than usual, at 9:30 pm I heard the chimes ringing.  I dashed upstairs, and there he was!  He even ate the little marshmallow candy treat I put on the chime.  They do like sweets.  I heard the chimes again at 11:45 pm.  He was back, but scurried away when I shone my light on him.  Doubtless he will be back again tonight/this morning.  Rebecca saw a coon on the deck yesterday morning at 7:30!!!  It was still dark out of course.   I wonder just how many coons are visiting us?  Interesting, cute and funny they are, but I am getting waaaaaaaaay distracted here.  Must go and get ready for bed--and RESIST the temptation to run upstairs one more time for a possible coon sighting!  Plus I've got to dry my scalp and braid my hair.  Must run......................

Wow, I don't think I've heard of a no-cats-outdoors type of law before. I wonder how it would be reinforced; the police have better things to do than report loose cats. Anyways, the mountain lion sightings sound scary! I'd totally freak out if I saw one in RL. But seeing deer and the other animals you mentioned sounds cool. 

Hey Lisabelle, Juri and Khrome!

About the cats, I forgot to mention that's only in the city that you can't have them outside...I think the country cats can do what they please!

Lisabelle, I envy your coon family...I hope to see many more now that I am a dedicated observer!  We have city issued garbage cans here, and they are ENORMOUS...no creature could open one easily. I'd like to see a whole clan come to the coon feeder together.  I wish I could have seen you run from that skunk...I've never seen one around my house!  Lucky you!!   

Khrome, I too grow herbs and tomatoes! Hee hee, catnip is a herb, right...well, it came up wild and I just sort of cultivated it.  It's supposed to keep AWAY pests! We used to have a mouse problem but it never seemed they bothered our "crops".  They were probably content with stuffing themselves on the copious amounts of dried corn and birdseed from our numerous wildlife feeders.  Oh those creatures!!!!!!!!!!!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Early Thursday morning  October 27, 2005

Well, I was actually out of the shower at around 12:30 a.m.  Cheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeers, I'm doing better!!!  I could've gotten into bed sooner, but for some reason my plastic bread bag leaked in the shower.  My ponytail got pretty wet, along with my freshly washed scalp.  I wasn't anticipating that, but oh well...a small enough trial to bear.   


I may as well mention Mr. Coon.  Unlike last night, tonight he wasn't at ALL afraid of the light I shone on him.  Either that or he speedily got used to the jingling chimes.  OR it was an entirely different and uninhibited coon!  I watched him eat from his little cup attached to the chimes.  He disappeard down the tree.  He reappeared on the deck ledge to devour his plate of goodies.  He left his candy on the ledge and disappeared.  He reappeared to eat his candy!!!  He sent his dish crashing to the ground--I fear it's broken.  He checked out the bird feeder, made the rounds of the deck, and crawled back down the mulberry tree.

What kind of hobby have I gotten myself into!!!  Answer:  a really fun one!!!!

Gotta get to bed!!!

Quote:


Hey Lisabelle!   Oh myyyyyyyyyy, that is hilarious! Yeah, you are right, I would definitely enjoy those coons!!!  And I think I might enjoy your 150 year old house, too...I have a thing about old buildings.  
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Saturday, October 29, 2005

HOOOOOOOOOOORAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY, I finally figured out a way to wear banana (aka clinch) clips without having them tear my hair out!!!!!!!!  I like the look of long spirally curls dangling from a high-placed banana clip.  Oh it is soooooooooooo me, soooooooooooooo perfect for daily/festive use.  I used to like my hair down always, but it is becoming impractical nowadays.  I never realized before how harmful it was to have it all the time catching on stuff.

The bottom part of the clip was what always snagged and tore my hair.  To remedy the situation, I looped a short piece of black ribbon-like material over the offending piece and secured it with a little black clincher-ball thing that holds the ribbon tight.  If somebody happened to see it under my hair, it would not look at all bad.  NOOOOOOOOOO lost hairs getting caught!!!  Thanks be to God!!!  For YEARS I have struggled:  to wear or not to wear banana clips.   The thing I like best about banana clips is that they give the appearance of a long, cascading mane, while keeping your hair up and out of the way.    

Well, I've got to go take my 3 o'clock nap.  Fortunately for me it's 3 in the afternoon!  NO MORE late nights for me.  I think I am starting to break out more because of it.  I heard your body heals itself at night.  Definitely need more sleep.  Now on to the nap...

Oh yeah, coon news. I can't believe these critters.  Bought some cheap dry cat food, and Mr. Coon LOVES it.  Last night he stayed on the deck for over an hour.  I walked out on the deck and he wasn't fazed a bit.  When I let the Golden Retriever out, though--that's another story!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  He climbed up in a tree and sat there watching us.  Tonight I'm going to take his pic up close.  Dear brother loaned me his digicam.  I tried to take pics of my hair but NOTHING turned out, absolutely NOTHING. DB even installed the software and stuff on my computer so I can use the digicam whenever I want.  Even lets me keep it in my room!!!!  SOOOOOOOOOO generous.  God bless him.  But WHY won't the camera take pictures of everything but my hair??????????  

What a cute coon!  I wonder what he uses on his hair.  He looks so soft and fluffy! 

Cynde

Wednesday morning, November 2, 2005

Wow.....November already!!!  First journal post of the month.

Tonight I sprinkled baking soda on my scalp, concentrating around the hairline, and rinsed my scalp in the shower.  My hair feels SO soft.  What a great scalp-wash method!  Much better and easier than using shampoo.  And such a clean, soft feeling I have now, on my head!  As I sit here and type, when I'm supposed to be in bed...................

Aww poor squirrel.  Though I'm starting to lose a tiny bit of sympathy for them.  The ones on my campus have been known to attack people, since they let people get so close to them.

Tailbone length hair?! I bet it must look great!   

But if you're still having a hard time, maybe a half-inch trim wouldn't hurt. You'll clean up the ends a little, but wouldn't loose too much length. However, I can relate to not wanting to loose length. I tell myself a trim wouldn't hurt, but a part of my brain screams: NOOOOOO!!!!! *shakes head*

Saturday, November 19, 2005

Well, I've decided it...the only way I feel good about my hair is when it is up in a banana (clincher comb) clip.  I use two hair combs to keep the sides from billowing out too much.  And two barettes to keep the clip secured on the top of my head (I can't stand it sliding down lower) --plus a barette and two combs for my "temple poof."

I guess dancers need all these things to keep their style intact when they leap around!!!  I am usually dancing all throughout the day...Keeps the blood flowing and keeps you warm in this winter weather.

Tomorrow is Sunday.  I'll wash my hair tonight and have it nice and fluffy and clean for Mass tomorrow.  I'm giving up on this scalp wash thing...my head just gets too oily and my strands too saturated.   So I'll just do a regular all-wet wash/condition every other day.  My hair dries quickly so that shouldn't be a problem at night, if I get in the shower early enough... There ARE advantages to having fine, thin hair...

I think at 10-10:30 pm I will do my toning workout.  That time seems like a good one for me...then at 10:30 I'll have a nutritious snack, and then--OFF TO BED!!!

Saturday, November 26, 2005

Thanksgiving Eve--November 24, 2005-----was the date of  THE BIG CUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   And I am SO grateful for it!!!  I feel a billion percent better.  And my naturally straight hair is now sleek and straight down to the very ends.  Those wispy, dry straw ends could be curled into the tightest spirals, but I now see that was not "natural" on me.  Those ends were SUFFERING.  I tried curling my "new" hair and it barely holds a curl now!  That's fine with me, though...I like my straight hair, now that it has been properly trimmed.  

HOW I DID IT: (Remember to check back here next month to refresh your memory, Christiana)

Separate hair into two sections.  Lower head until chin touches chest.  Hold one section and cut straight across.  Repeat for other side.  You get a nice layered look from this method!  THANKS BE TO GOD!!!!!!!

And oh, wonder of wonders--I lost NO hair in the shower after my trim!  With my "old" hair, I had tangles and knots, and a clump of hair came out when I washed.  I can see now that it was all the dead, dried ends coming out.  I don't think I ever would have come to this awesome hair experience if I hadn't seriously perused and pondered the posts at LongLocks so faithfully!!!

Must go get some exercises and dance in before...before I keep putting it off until it's too late!  

First Saturday of the month
December 3, 2005

TRIMMED FOUR INCHES!!!  HAIR NOW AT BSL!!!

And it feels/looks thicker, too!  It has slightly layered, V-tapered ends. I think BSL is long enough for me, with my fine hair.  What if I trim it EVERY WEEK!!!  Just a WEE LITTLE TINY BIT to keep it?  Or should I go with once a month  (the first Saturday of the month would be handy...)

Ughhhhhhhhhh, I don't feel so good as I sit here typing this.    Not much sleep last night or the night before...must be suffering from exhaustion.  I WILL get in bed on time tonight!!!  Must get up at 8 to have breakfast before Sunday Mass...

Heeyyyyyyyyyy,  thanks, Mom! (Mom pops in room and hands me a bowl of popcorn!!  That should help settle my tummy and this weird sickly feeling...)

I'll sign off for now and go hang out with Mom and sisses upstairs.  Mr. Coon hasn't made an appearance for about a week, it's been SOOOOOOOO cold.  Poor guy, I hope he's staying warm!!!  Another plus to my new haircut--my head feels warmer.  The hair sort of "hugs" my neck and ears better.  Mr. Coon's "hair" should be helping him, too...

Very Early Sunday morning
December 11, 2005

Just washed/conditioned my hair with my new White Rain product--Fruit Fortifying, it's called.   I think it was "love at first wash." 

Hair is nearly air-dried as I sit here typing--a bit of a blast from the hairdryer and two loose braids for sleeping, and I'm ready for bed!

It's about time...............

Tomorrow, (oh, ahem, I mean, today) for Sunday Mass, I'll wear my hair up in a banana comb clip.  I use it to create sort of a messy updo that is both casual and formal looking.  It keeps my hair "up" while being sort of fanned out around my head, as though it was partly down long.  While being up at the same time.  Oh, I'd better sign off before the hour gets any later...any more hair news?  I can't think of anything.  I just remembered I needed to coconut-oil my ends before I braid for the night.  Better go...more hair news later.

Just past midnight
Wednesday, December 14, 2005

I trimmed my bangs last night, but apparently not too much.  They COULD be a bit shorter, but I think I shall wait a little while before I chop again.  It's PMS time and who knows what damage I could inflict on my hair, while I'm in this state... ???

I just finished working out, but I probably shouldn't have, since it was late to begin with and I had already had a tiring day.  I helped Mom put up the Christmas tree and decorations.  We ended up sticking the tree in a large bucket and anchoring it with a big slab of brick and lots of sand.  Very nice, and much easier than that frustrating commercial tree stand that drives one into a mad frenzy.  

I also hung up some little white lights all over the curtains, framing the big windows in the living room.  The display looks like icicles and is very pretty.

I arranged the Nativity scene, too, and made it look like it was nestled amidst a forest.

Tonight's bedtime snack:  instead of gorging on a bag of chips (you can tell PMS is approaching when I start eating chips before bed)  I poured just a little Cheetos in a bowl, and then topped it off with a much more nutritious shredded wheat biscuit, slathered with butter, sliced in four wedges.  Yum!!!  And I got to satisfy my chips craving when I finished the wheat biscuit.  Plus, I had a glass of milk.  And a banana covered with chocolate Nutella.  Oh yes, it's PMS time  all right...

Then I did some exercises, which I probably shouldn't have done right before bed.  I have to be careful not to overdo it.  Irish step dancing is quite a workout.  I probably should have just gotten in the shower, as Mom suggested...


Well--------------gotta go!  So long for now, o therapeutic journal.  

Eek!  Sorry about your tree. 

You do Irish step dancing?  How cool!  It looks so simple when you see pro's do it, but when I actually tried it (in the privacy of my own home as not to make a fool of myself) it actually seems difficult.

Cynde

Midnight
December 20, 2005

BAD BAD BAAAAAAAAAAAAAD Christiana, I should have been in bed an hour ago, but here I am on the computer.  But my excuse is, I won't get to see LongLocks until NEXT YEAR!!!!!!!  We are leaving for Tennessee to celebrate Christmas with family, and I won't have internet access till we get home again.  So farewell for now...

One of my sisters trimmed her waist-length hair to about mid-back. (Same as me!!)  It's good to be a role model...

All my things are packed for the trip.  My hair always LOVES it in Memphis, because the water is SOOOOOOOO soft.  OH it is soft!!!  Back when we lived there, we didn't have to use conditioner. 

Now that I am wearing my hair straight, I don't have to worry about the curl falling out.  Memphis is humid, and combined with the soft water, my hair would not curl very well.  No worries now!

In fact, I am soooooooo happy with my hair right now.  I am planning to do a micro trim on the first Saturday of January.  That's my monthly trim date. 

Current style:  I use three small hair combs.  I gather the temple hair and secure.  Then I draw up the sides and insert a comb on each, near my crown.  It gives sort of a messy/dressy look that is perfect for all occasions!!!

So long for now.  I'll be back--in January!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a wonderful Christmas and New Years!

Cynde

January 1, 2006


We had a good, safe trip and and a good time--thank you for your well-wishes!

It is good to be back!!!!!!!!!!!  At home, and at Longlocks!  The water in Memphis left my hair feeling like...like, I don't know the word to describe it.  SOOOOOOOOOO soft.  I discovered a new style that is basicly a "messy updo" using a banana clincher comb clip, leaving some hair down at the back of the neck and the rest clipped up high.  I like the "messy" look, partly because it fits my personality and partly because I don't have to worry about hairs being out of place.  When you wear the "messy" look you can just relax and LIVE.

I'm actually going to trim on January 7--the first Saturday of the month.  Just a micro trim for good end-health and thickness.

My hair was actually satisfactory most of the time during vacation.  I wore it clipped back in a bun in the car during the long road trip (long hair and long car rides just don't mix)  but once we arrived at Grandparents' I could be "myself" again.  I wore it up in the banana clip every day, with the ends cascading around the side of my head.  I don't see many women besides myself wearing banana clips these days...I wonder why?

(I add a few hair combs and a barrette to the style, for staying power.)

Thanks be to God, I am starting out the NEW YEAR with  a hairstyle I really like and that seems to work!

It's a quarter till 11.........must get to bed!!!

Welcome back, Christiana!!  It's good to see you around once again, and it sounds like you found a hair care regimen that really works for you.  I hope you had a happy holiday season.

Thank you, Pan and Juri--it is good to be back!!! 

Tuesday, January 3, 2006

My hair felt sort of lifeless and wilty today.  It could have been the cloudy, dreary weather, or it could have been emotional factors too.  Today would have been my brother's 22nd birthday.  He died in July of an accidental overdose.    Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh it hurts to think of him--------to think of him is like scraping open a wound with a very fragile and tender scab on it.  It is better to just leave him in God's Hands and keep on going with life.  But if I can save one person's life from drug/alcohol abuse and addiction, I will use whatever opportunity I can to speak out about it...or be a witness.......or SOMETHING..................

So, I'm feeling frustrated with my hair.  But.....hair is a good distraction when you are tempted to fall into sorrow.  Not that sorrow doesn't have its place, but you can't let it get the best of you...

I may have overconditioned it last night, too--thus contributing to it's limp, wilted appearance.  I have read that you shouldn't put conditioner on your roots, but I did that last night--and I don't usually.  Hmmmmmmmm, do I see a connection there??

Must sign off for now!

Oh, I'm so sorry about your brother, Christiana. Many hugs to you.

((((Christiana))))

Almost midnight, almost Thursday

Thank you for your kind words, Sakina, Juri and CurlyGirl...

Ughhhhhhhhhh, I guess it was emotions from yesterday that made my hair act so weird.  Today it feels SOOOOOOOOOO thick.  Bizarre.

Well, I'm up late again.  So what else is new. New Year's Resolutions down the drain again.  Ha, I'm about to take a shower and wash my hair. I can contemplate that fact while I sit in the shower. (Fortunately I'm the only one who uses it downstairs now, since brother #1 moved out...)  Does anyone else but me sit on the floor of their shower and inhale the relaxing steam, I wonder..........it does marvels for the sinuses, if you have problems in that area--which I do.  So I guess I'd better go sit in the shower and clear my head before bedtime.  And wash my hair...but no conditioner on the roots, I think.  That HAD to be why my hair was so unmanageable yesterday, rather than due to emotions...

I just found out that there are going to be not one, but TWO trials involving the police going on the day I have to report for jury duty.  How interesting..........................just when life is getting good and quiet and uneventful, God throws a curveball at you.  Or is it a monkeywrench?  I forget the expression. But whatever it is, I'm sure there's a reason for this happening to me...

I MUST start getting in bed earlier...tomorrow for sure.



 

I'm glad your older sister didn't die, Pan...OD'ing is SOOOOO scary.  Thank you for your kind words.  +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

To be continued........I just started typing and it's time for supper!!!!!!!!!!!  I'll be back...

I am sorry to hear about your loss ((hugs)).  I sit in the shower too!  I find it easyer to shave with my back and all.  Nice to see ya back!

Tuesday, January 24, 2006

Hair: Must wash tonight.  It's the 2nd day. 

Redken's Ringlet is AWESOME for a light, controlled hold, even though I do not have ringlets.  I got a free sample in the mail.  Formulated for curls, it contains much moisture.  It's like a cream/conditioner/gel in one. 

Diet:   Trying to cut back on snacks until I get into better shape...

Excercise:I feel like I'm slogging through wet cement.  Haven't been dancing for weeks.  Danced a little tonight...that's a good start.  Been sick for a couple weeks, felt weak.  Now my legs and the rest of me don't feel like dancing or doing much of anything. 

Misc:  Might be getting a puppy.  Finished jury duty yesterday.  I was sworn in as an alternate juror but got to be excused before I ever had to say a word.  Earned 10 bucks. 

I will try to post here everyday to keep track of my progress, especially pertaining to EXERCISE.  I can't believe I slipped out of that habit so easily and quickly. Hopefully this journal will serve to help motivate me! 

It's still January...the New Year is still young. 

Nice to see you again, Chrisitiana!

I keep meaning to ask you, how long have you been dancing? I remember when Riverdance first came out, I really wanted to learn Irish step dancing, but no one in my state taught it.

Thursday, January 26, 2006

Hair--satisfactory.  Wash tonight.

Diet--satisfactory.  Pork and potatoes for lunch, no snacks.  I'm feeling weak but won't indulge until supper--which shouldn' t be too far off now!  I'm not overweight but I have gotten sooooooo off of my routine.  My muscles feel loose and flabby.  Especially legs.  That would make sense, for a dancer...

Exercise--major improvements.  Danced alot today.  Will do my other toning exercises tonight.  Did some yard work outside--unseasonably warm right now, 50's. 8)

And........

Misc--MIGHT really be getting that Siberian Husky puppy!!!    Mom came home with a puppy gate for me today, so I guess it's serious.  Now just need to convince Dad to drive us out to the lady's farm on Saturday. (Dad, puh-leeeeeeeeze...) Pups are 13 weeks old, with shots/wormed.  175 bucks.  I pray that all goes well, if God wills it to happen.  I'm not going to think too much about it.  I'll just go about my business and respond to the situation accordingly!!!

Heeeeey, it's supper time right now!! What a wonderful situation to respond to!   Later!!!

Quote:


Neat! I used to do ballet and tap, too up until a few years ago. I think Irish step dancing would be good exercise and dancing in general is more fun than regular aerobics.

Good luck with the puppy!

A puppy!  Congratulations.  Yes, you will be busy taking care of your little one.  Good luck! 

Congrats on your new puppy, Christiana! That's so awesome! I wish I had time for any pet!

You should definitely post pics. 

Hey Bikerbraid, Lisabelle, Angel Spun and CurlyGirl22!!  I WISHHHHHHH I still had my brother's digicam, but he took it back...   If I can bum one off my Dad, who has two, and load the software on my PC, MAYBE I can post a pic of my adorable "little wolf-boy"!  Oh he is SOOO cute...

After Midnight   Thursday, February 2, 2006

Hair:  Debating whether to do my monthly trim on Saturday.  I DO want to increase length, but I DON'T want to revert EVEN A LITTLE BIT to my former fairy-tale ends. Probably I'll end up trimming just a weeeee little bit.

Diet:  Still no time for leisurely healthy snacks.  I suppose things will get back to normal later, once Smokey settles down a bit...

Excercise:  Bending, lifting, walking, running after Smokey...no dancing or usual toning excercises yet, this week...must get back to them ASAP.  After the little wolf has been here a little longer, perhaps?

Misc: Smokey pulls me like I'm a sled, when we go walking.    It's bred in his bones to do that, and I don't mind...he's so much fun.  I can hardly believe I have a Siberian Husky!!!   

I am exhausted.  Must go dry my hair and get into bed.  Smokey may sleep until seven, or he may have to go out at 2 in the morning.  So far he's both slept through the night and had to go out at one or two in the morning.  But the sacrifice is worth it!!! 

Thank you for the puppy-training advice, Bikerbraid!!!  It sounds like you've been there, done that!  I really appreciate it, as this is the first time I will have trained a pup.  He won't be little for long, though, so I had better get serious about setting apart some time each day for the training. Before he's a big Husky and it's too late!  "Heeling" is going to take forever, I am thinking...   Can't wait to see him pull a sled or wagon!!!  MUST get pics!!!

Hair:  Smokey loves to chew it.  I think my ends have practically been trimmed by him already.    I have taken to pinning my night-braids on top of my head.  There is just no time in the wee hours of the morn to disentangle braids from a puppy's mouth.  When I go out places my hair stays down;  as soon as I come home, up it goes.

Diet:  Went grocery shopping w/Mom today, and it took awhile.  We always relax w/donuts and coffee when we get home.  I'm not worried.  Smokey is my personal trainer, hee hee.  He sees to it that I burn my calories.

Exercise:  Was heading out to take Smokey for a walk, but he was having so much fun running up and down the yard with the neighbors' dogs across the fence, that I just left him.

Misc:  Housecleaning tomorrow.  BUSY day.  I rarely am online on Fridays, so this is it until Saturday. Oh that reminds me--I need to make Smokey's first vet appointment, for the next Saturday.  Hopefully he hasn't picked up any parasites in the yard, rooting around in the dirt and who knows what else--yuk.  Dogs will be dogs.  I am trusting that his will keep him safe!!!!!!!!!!

Until later..........

Thank you Bikerbraid!!!  The more advice I can get about dog raising/training, the better!!!  I will have to see about getting Smokey into Obedience Class...

Sunday, February 5, 2006

Hair:  Been in night braids since Friday night.  I have been SICK since then, some kind of stomach flu...   Thankfully I live with my fam and they helped manage Smokey while I lay languishing in bed. 

Diet/Exercise:  Sick, not eating/moving around much.  Don't want to think about it.

Smokey:  Veeeery frisky.  Needs a walk BAD but I can't go out.  He's playing in the yard right now.  He seems to understand what things in my room he should/not chew on.  (His toys:  good.  Mine:  bad)  He also is learning not to jump up on the kitchen table while we eat. 

Biggest prob. is the 11-year old Golden Retriever.  They DO NOT get along.  GR acts like he is going to kill Smokey. 

Misc:  Missed Sunday Mass.  But I got some good sleep while fam was at church.  Smokey was good too, sleeping while I slept.  What a joy he is.

Dad gave me one of his digicams!!!  When I'm feeling better I'll load the software and start getting Smokey to pose for pics.

Maybe I can take some hair pics, too...

Must go for now.

Hi Angel Spun!  Thank you, I'm feeling good enough to be up and around now!  And cute little Smokey pics are forthcoming....

Tuesday, February 7, 2006

Hair:  No wash since Friday night.  SOOO oily.  A natural deep conditioning oil treatment, ha ha...and I don't care how I look.  Ughhhhhhhh--nothing does you in like the stomach flu.  Maybe I should venture into the shower and wash up tonight?  But who caresssssssss......

Diet/Exercise:  Blah. 

Smokey:  Fiesty and frisky.  My folks already had the now-elderly Golden Retriever before I moved in with them, so I have no idea what to expect from this pup.  Every day he does something new. And he's MINE!!!  Mine to train, to walk, to sleep in the same room with...but of course everyone else loves him and helps care for him too, ESPECIALLY since I am sick...or recovering...

Misc:  I was supposed to cook supper tonight.  Mom is in the kitchen doing that now.  The flu sure forces you to take a retreat or a rest in the midst of all the struggles and stresses of life, that's for sure...I guess I needed this. 

Oh yeah.  I never did my first Saturday of the month micro trim.  Maybe tonight.

Later!!!