well, all three sets of sticks are done, and I'm actually rather pleased with my experimentations... One set is dirty pink, one is clear polish/varnished, with a pink dot to cover the end grain, and one was covered in black polish, then the black polish was removed, and the wood happened to be stained a very pretty walnutty color with black streaks... which was then covered in clear and left as is. Oddly enough, pair #3 is my favorite. Anyway, My hair has been behaving perfectly, for the most part. I washed my hair, looked at the clock on the wall, and decided to leave my conditioner on for an hour (as NCIS, my all-time-favorite-show, was about to start). It has made my hair softer, silkier, and shinier than usual.
I've also made myself a satin pillowcase since my last post. I was given a satin nightie by a friend who was clearing out her clothes, which unfortunately could not fit me even if I were sawwed in half lengthwise. It (with modification) fit a pillow perfectly, though. I think that has been adding to the shine and lack of splits too. (Not to mention it is quite snazzy looking!)
I've also been increasing on my endurance with crunches - I went from barely able to do 25, to doing 50, in about 2 weeks. I've been eating healthier too. A salad with or for almost every meal, and smaller portions of everything. I've even finally cut out all carbonated drinks from my diet, now it's lightly sweetened iced tea. Honestly, I think it's much tastier anyway! Unfortunately it's been heating the house, with as much as I have to boil water! With myself, my gentleman and his father all chugging on tea, I have to make two or three pitchers a day  I guess it's worth it though.

Also, I've re-learned a lesson... tomato juice+open wound=pain. And that salad can be dangerous.
I've also been bitten twice by a devil-cat in the past few days. When voodou is in heat, she's sweet, and affectionate, and cuddly. As soon as her hormones recede........ *chomp* Honestly, if the government is really serious about removing troops from the middle east, they should consider replacing them with clones of this cat. I'd swear she was more dangerous than a guy with an M-16!

Anyway, that's all for now. Sorry for the rambly, long post.

Slim-The-Kiraela-project: Oh, yes. Not only does cutting the crap out of my diet help me physically - before I started this campaign my belt was on the second to last hole (drilled specifically for that length) and now it needs new holes drilled - But it also helps me mentally. I've always had a confidence problem. Specifically, I never had any.  Being more in control of what I eat and do has, oddly enough, made me feel more in control of everything else as well. I know that I can do much more than I had thought, if I only set my mind to it.  I don't want to weigh myself yet... I know I would be discouraged if there's not a marked decrease.  I'm just going to keep doing what I'm doing and letting it work. 
Injuries: my thumb (that got sliced instead of a tomato) is infected.  I'm going to rinse it with saline and keep it bandaged, and hope that kills it(the infection, not the thumb  ). I don't know what it is about this thumb, though. I've had to have stitches on it before from tomato accidents. You'd think I'd have learned the difference by now, right?

Life:Argh. I wish the move would hurry up and happen. My guy interviewed with a shop in BR today. Right now we're just waiting to hear back on how much they're willing to pay him. He's pretty much got it in his pocket, if the offer is enough. Now we've got to step up looking for an apartment. and saving up. Which means all my harp savings is going to have to go towards the deposit, but it will be worth it. If I can't have a horse, I'd rather have no grass or trees for miles.  Also, I think I'm becoming a harp dork. I've never even played one, but I've found myself listening to things and air-harping(like air guitar but with more class, LOL).  Anybody else been so obsessed with something like a hobby or instrument that you dream about it? Except my dreams always end with my harp dissapearing, or never arriving, and me searching and not finding it.

Anyway. Off to wash the hair and braid it. G'night journal.

I was talking to a friend who is a professional body piercer, and according to her, salt water is actually better at cleaning piercings than peroxide! I didn't know that, but I've seen it work often enough that I trust it now.
Oddly enough, I've had enough cuts and scrapes to notice that for some reason, if I use peroxide, I'm more likely to scar. 
And I've definately been using a triple antibiotic . . luckily, It wasn't a bad infection, and it's already healing well. 

Hair news: Not much to report, been letting it go unwashed the past few days, and keeping it in a figure 8 when I go out somewhere. It's not gotten as dry as it usually does with limited conditioning.

Other news: My harp quest might have just been solved! My stepfather called around 9 this morning. "what would you do for a harp?" me: "almost anything" "good! I just got you one!" after about five minutes of excited-teenage-girl-eeking, I found out that it's fairly large (couldn't give me an actual string number as he didn't count, and was, at the time, driving) but it will need new strings and probable re-finishing. Heck, even if it needed a new neck, I know people who would be more than glad to make one. The only problem is, of course, that stepfather (and harp) live in missouri, so shipping will likely be expensive.   So now I'm sitting (and bouncing) and waiting for him to get home, so my mom can take a picture of it and email me.

My stepdad and I have had our differences, but in all, he's a great guy. And I'm not just saying that because he bought me a harp

That sucks about the bass, though Angel Spun. Do you even want to play, or is it being forced upon you?

Ah, yes harp. Finally got my pictures. It will indeed need refinishing, possible re-staining, and new strings, but I've had a darn good woodworker check over the photos in minute detail, and from what he can see, It's in good condition (no cracks, dents, structural damage, etc.) He and my guy are trying to figure out whether it was made by a furniture maker or an intstrument maker. It has details that would suggest both. Right now, I'm still trying to figure out whether it's a paraguayan harp, or a celtic. It has details of both of those, too. The pillar is paraguayan, and the basic style indicates that, but the neck and string attachment is definately celtic. *shrugs* It's an antique, made in mexico some time before 1950.. the previous owner knew that much, at least. It's got 37 strings, and stands 54'' tall without the foot tall legs. Which means, of course, that it is too big to ship UPS package service, and the freight calculator on the website was for some reason not working at all, so I have to wait until monday to see if it will come UPS, or motor freight.  Motorfreight could be $100 or more. Of course, We'd still be making out well on the deal, having bought the harp for all of $5.00. yes. five point zero zero dollars. Anybody who reads the Wheel of Time series would probably think, 'Ta'veren?' right away. At least, I did.  And if you don't/haven't read the wheel of time, and you enjoy a good story, you should.

Oh yes, this is my new baby.


Edited to add a photo.

Wow!  Its really beautiful!!!  Are you going to teach yourself?  Good Luck!!

I was reading peoples' journals, and Roomtogrow had a marvelous idea of making a portrait of herself with long hair. Unfortunately, my drawing skills aren't good enough with people yet to accomplish that monumental task. Instead, I took a more digital route, and I'm quite pleased with how it came out. Actually, I can only hope my hair will be that pretty in however many years it takes to reach classic.

I've decided to post it here, to see what you ladies and gents think.

Now:

Later:


Oh, and I did my first ACV rinse today... I think my hair liked it. It still vaguely smells like the vinegar, which is making me crave salad.   Ohh, hey, I just looked at the time and it's time for cooking. (and salad!)