Hi folks.

Hair: I figured with all the experimenting I am doing, it would be a good idea to track what I'm doing - then I'll know what works!  

So, it was two weeks ago I swore off my hair dryer and flat and curling irons.  Except for my bangs - they are totally unruly without being dried and I'm not ready to grow them out yet. I went through mild anxiety attacks leaving the house without "doing" my hair, but I got used to it. I figured out my hair works well with -cones, but the other things I was using on my hair had WAY TOO many alcohol ingredients - so those have been pushed to the back of the cabinet until I crawl under there to get rid of them.

Last Friday (5/16) I used Manic Panic's Ultra Violet for two hours - I love the purple/black color my hair gets.  I must have missed the end saturation, but now I have shades of red, purple and black.  Not bad!!  

I bought my first bottle of jojoba oil two nights ago.  I don't have anything to wrap my hair in yet, so I didn't oil before bed.  I sectioned my hair yesterday morning, oiled and braided the sides back and went to work.  When I got home last night, I oiled and braided the rest of my hair, then three hours later, I went to bed.  I figured by then the oil had pretty well soaked in, and there wasn't any oil on my pillowcase this morning.

This morning, I washed with color safe shampoo, then used a small amount of Pantene Color Safe conditioner.  

Because of the *lovely* rainy cloudy day outside, I had to give up the dream of straight hair today.  Well, my curls started, and then they frizzed.  I refused to leave the house like that, so I put a little more oil on the ends, and the frizzies were controlled.  But now my hair still looks wet.  It doesn't feel heavy or greasy, but I think it kinda looks like it.  I'm going to try to wash it again when I get home and see if I can braid it again to tame it to go out tonight.

In other news: my friends in the band are in town for this weekend, so I don't have the option of hiding at home with bad hair.  One of my guy friends asked me to explain my "mild goth" side to him.  I told him I haven't figured it out yet, but when I do, I'll let him know!

Any of you prayer warriors out there, I have a friend taken to the hospital two days ago.  They are not sure why she is sick, and they are trying to figure it out.  Today they start testing her heart.

guys: this is not really a subject for me.  Had my eye on a singer, but was completely blown off last week.    But, it's his loss!!  

school: Gotta write another program this week - it's due Saturday (ooo - that's tomorrow!! ).  I'm hoping to spend an hour or so on it tonight, and then all day Saturday until it's done.  My Math class doesn't officially start for another week, but I'll get the 2nd chapter finished anyway, so there is no pressure.

I love learning from all you Rapunzels, and someday I hope to join the ranks!

OOPS!  I forgot about the oil removing color.  I'll have to hold off for a while then.   
Thanks Sakina!

It's odd for us to have rain, but it's nice because it doesn't happen too often.
It's pouring right now!!!    
But it reaks havoc on my hair.  Maybe if I were to just accept that I have sorta curly hair it wouldn't drive me so crazy!

Today is looking so beautiful!  We had a wonderful weekend - hopefully the weather will hold again.

Hair:  It was a busy weekend!  I used the anti-frizz serum Friday night and Sunday morning after a gentle wash.  Last night I rubbed (lightly) Midnight Expressions conditioner into my length and braided it.  This morning was a color safe wash with another application of Midnight Expressions.  I'm slowly accepting my waves.    Three people this weekend pointed out how shiny my hair is and asked what I used on it!  I told them "More importantly, I DON'T use hairdryers or irons on it anymore!"  

In other news: My friend was released from the hospital Friday evening!  The doctor is "guessing" she had a bacterial infection.  But she's home and feeling much better!

The guys have left, and won't be back until August!!    I'll see them in Text Land, but still....

On the drive home on Friday, my truck decided it wasn't going to like first and second gear, so it's being towed to the shop this morning.  Fingers crossed!!

guys: Saw the singer at the show this weekend.  Had his arm around a girl that later turned out to be our waitress.  Now I know why he wasn't attracted to me!    She and I have are NOTHING alike.  But he made a point of coming over to tell me that his band is getting back together and would I come see them play?  Sure!    Dream on, dude.

School: Wrote the program on Saturday - took me 5 hours!!  I'm still not sure if it's right, but it's done...  I have another one to write this week.  I'm hoping to figure this out soon!  The math class is going ok - doing homework problems on my breaks at work and studying for the next test.  What else is new?  

Quote:

A Rob/White Zobmbie Tribute Band would be cool, I would go to something like that

Jerry

I haven't had any static problems to try it on, but if I do - I'll let you know! 

Still haven't tried the sponge rollers yet, but I bought some Pantene Restoratives stuff today.  The hair mask, the fortifying treatment, and the S&C.    Maybe I'll try them tomorrow...

Thanks for the "boost" for my cake!  I took all three levels of the Wilton Cake decorating course back when I had time and money to spare, but that just taught us how to make it look pretty!  I guess I passed that part!   

If I make it to the Zombie show, I'll let ya know how it went.

Hair: Today, I have two mini cinnamon buns behind my ears.  I applied a fair amount of fortifier and wrapped them up this morning.  I'll wash and condition at some point this evening.  The last few days have not been the greatest of hair days.  My braids turned out really sad this week.  I actually had a ponytail day!  It only lasted till after lunch before my head started to hurt.  I'm hoping to be able to leave hair down tomorrow.  But if I take my first walk to the bus stop, I'll tie it up and protect it instead.  I'm not having all my hard work ruined by wind and engine exhaust!  There won't be any sun damage though.  

I also found a small fact - my short layer is only 15".

School: Another day starting with studying at 9:30 am.  I stayed home from work today for this again!  I have re-worked the lesson 4 program again and submitted it.  I still have to write the lesson 6 program, take the lesson 6 test, then take the Chapter 3 test for math.  At least if I don't get it done today, there's always Saturday.  

In other news: Little Man's official birthday was last night.  What a joke!  I'm so happy he had his pizza party last weekend.  Brother Luc called last night while we were all there.  He only had a couple minutes, so we all shouted "We love you!" so he could hear us.  I may have to miss the AstroCreep show - Brother Luc comes home that day and I am his ride home from the airport.  That's ok - I'd hang out with him over a show any day and I can catch the next AstroCreep show.

I'm considering riding the bus to work for a while.  It'll give me a half hour in each direction that I could be using to study, plus there is a half mile walk each way from my house to the bus stop.  That would give me extra money (that's always good) and a guaranteed bit of walking.  My bunny friend asked me how I was going to handle that length of a walk in the sun, when I'm always dressed in black.  I was thinking of carrying an umbrella and changing my shoes so that I'm not walking in my boots, but in tennis shoes instead, and layering on the sun block.  I'm not sure yet. I guess I'm still in the "thinking about it" stage, and I need to work out the details.

Well, back to studying.....

Hair: Yesterday was spent studying, and all I did was tie it up in a claw of death.  It was SO hot - 113 yesterday, and we were trying to use the swamp cooler and not the A/C.    We finally gave up around 7:00 pm and switched on the A/C. A few hours later I rubbed in fortifier, braided and went to bed.  Normal W&C this morning, put two drops (!) of oil on the ends and went to church.  After coming home to a nice and cool house, I got restless.  I dampened my hair with a spray bottle, and began kinda pin curling my hair. It took me an hour and a half!    I put a dot of aloe vera gel on each section before I pinned it up.  My layers were a little tough to work with, and I must have used over 100 pins (hair pins and brand-new bobby pins), but it's all up.  I misted all the curls with the spray bottle again once they were all up.  I figure if the idea doesn't work out, I can always wet it again tomorrow and no one will know!    I used bigger sections of hair so that my curls wouldn't be too tight, so consequently the pin curl pins laughed at the idea of holding the curls in!  

School: Literally spent 10 hours yesterday on homework.  Got a 60% on the Chapter 3 test.    Oh well, I'll just have to keep trying.  I got the Lesson 6 program written and submitted and the test taken.  (I don't remember what I got on it.)    I couldn't bring myself to even crack a book today.  I'm too tired!!  

In other news: Talked with our class helpers today about the church women's retreat.  She agreed to go to the spa with me!  I really did NOT want to go alone, so this will be fun. We are both going the mani and pedi route.  I kinda want to get a facial too, but I'll have to see. My mom and her mother-in-law are also going.  I'm so nervous about this!!  But then, I have an anxiety disorder, so that's nothing new!  

It's kinda noisy in my head sometimes.....

I love the heat, too.  Unfortunately I'm in Michigan right now missing out on those triple digits.  I'll be home soon, though.

I agree, a walk home in the afternoon heat would suck no matter what!

Hair: Going to wash today.  I really should have done it yesterday!!  Going to try CWC and see what happens.  If it's over done, it still wouldn't be worse than what I had yesterday!    The base of my hair (& my face for that matter) have been getting really oily.  I rubbed fortifier in the length before I braided last night.

School: Been studying.  Have a test due and another program on Saturday.  My instructor told me to "Stop being surprised." when something works.  HA!    He has NO idea who he's dealing with!

Weight: Two people at work commented that they think I've lost a little!    I'm refusing to weigh myself for a little while longer now.  Started walking leg lunges this weekend.  I'm up to 10 per set!    I'm hoping to get to two sets by July 4th.  Still following the carb diet - mostly.

In other news: Did not go to AstroCreep.  Just didn't have it in me to go by myself this time.  Also turned down the Motorhead concert in August.  I'm not sure if I just don't want to go outside or what it was.  The guys return in August, and I'm hoping to make it to plenty of their shows, but I'm going to be in big trouble if they return during finals.

I'm trying to be low carb, but will all my food allergies, its not very easy.     I was really good at counting fat grams instead of carbs, but I'm trying.


Hair didn't turn out too bad today.  I have a top half braid.  I applied some anti-frizz, since those clouds outside that made such a beautiful sunrise this morning mean that it's a little humid out there.
Yes - I was awake at sunrise.   

Argh!  My computer froze and I lost my post!

Sakina:  I had to fly to San Luis Obispo in May once for work, and I didn't think to pack anything to keep warm.  I ended up buying a sweatshirt at the college to keep from freezing!  When I stepped off the plane in Phoenix, my coworker and the other folks on the plane thought I was insane because I accidentally said out loud "Oh yes. I'm home!"  

Hair: I haven't been very good this week.  It's only been washed once, and either pulled up, braided, or just there.  It was in side 'tails for work on Thursday, with RWB ribbons.  I'll treat it today though.  Some deep conditioning, and up so it can all soak in.

School:  Spent another 10 hours on it yesterday, and I'm not much better off.  I found out that I'm also too far into the class to drop it.  So, my choices are: drop it and see what kind of grade I get, continue and see how I do, but either way - I can re-take the class in the fall semester.  I'll just be out the money.

Weight: Not doing bad, but not great either.  This week was so insane I didn't get ANY walking leg lunges in, but all the running around at work should count for something!  My dieting is going good, and I think I'm losing a little.  I might get on the scale when I measure my hair.  

In other news: I wore a skirt for the first time in over a year, and boy did I get razzed for it!  My favorite two comments were "Wow.  I didn't know Goth could look that pretty." and "That vampire look does well on you."  I guess those were compliments, but they made me laugh.    I'm considering wearing a skirt again before the next 15 months are up.  It just that I'm now the IT person, and crawling under a desk/workstation because a connection goes out is kinda difficult.

I miss my hair straight to!
But I think it's only cause it's soo very short.

Hair: Still doing daily scalp massages, but still shedding like crazy.  Oh goody - and no length to add on for December.    I'm down to Brunette Expressions shampoo, and Midnight and Brunette Expressions conditioner.  CWC twice a week and daily Breakage Defense leave-in.  I haven't decided how I'm going to even out my color yet.

School: Well, ASU finally accepted me!!  But - my first choice of majors did not.  I was accepted to my second choice, but I'm still calling the first school to find out what I can do or what I did not do to get in.  I am signed up for three classes, One all semester, and two that are only the first 6 weeks, and another one in the second 6 weeks.  oh boy....  

In other news: Last Monday - power walk 1.5 miles in 22 minutes.  Wednesday - power walk 1.5 miles in 18 minutes and ankle weights.  Saturday - walk/jog to the park (half-mile away) with Little Guy on his scooter.  Sunday - bike ride to and around park with Little Guy.  Tonight (Tuesday) - bike ride again with Little Guy.
Going to an FBI recruiting event in February - can't wait!!    

Hair: CWC only once this week.  I put in up in a bun yesterday with some breakage defense.  Before bed, I combed it, applied some Midnight expressions, then braided.  This morning, more leave-in breakage defense, and back up into a bun.  I'll CWC tonight before going out to play.  I can't wait to see how happy it is with all the moisture.  

School: Last night was the "Spring Welcome" at ASU.  Jeez, was I clueless!  I went there hoping to speak to an advisor and get a grip on some classes.  Only to find out that I was already supposed to SEE an advisor since classes start Tuesday.  At least someone there gave me the phone number to call the advisors.  
Also - I found out why I didn't get into the CIS program:  I've never taken the SATs.  Or ACTs for that matter.  The only way "in" without those tests is to have graduated in the top eight percent of my high school class.  Well, yeah - I'm sure there were LOTS of people that applies to - just not me.  
So, now, on top of Unix, Business Ethics, Statistics, Accounting 212 and the Microsoft Certification, I have to study for the SATs.   Holy cow!!    
Did I mention I work full time?  and help my nephew train for his karate classes?  I think I'm losing my mind....

In other news: Little Guy is loving our twice a week trips to the park on bikes.  He's getting pretty good at it, so I'm actually getting a little exercise, but not much.  
But Somebody must be smiling on me - Weighed this week and saw 126.  
Also, I walked to ASU from my house, and it was exactly one mile from my house to the building I needed to be in.  So maybe walking 2-point-something miles twice a week on top of whatever else I'm doing will help me out.

The band is here!  I can't wait to see everyone tonight.  I'll be late tonight because of Little Guy's belt ceremony, but they'll understand.  

Hair: Not really taking care of it well this week.  Breakage defense and bun during the day because of the space heater, and then finger comb and leave down all night.  Tomorrow will be lots of conditioning.  Using the mask, probably braided until time to shower before going out.

Thank you to the popularity of low-rise jeans - I found out this week that I am 2 inches away from waist length!!    

I'm getting lots of pressure to cut it. Especially since another long-hair just cut hers to swing above her shoulders.  She lost 11 inches!!  I just keep saying that I'm not ready to cut it yet.  I do keep toying with the idea of having my Trinity hair back - wicked short and dyed black.  I don't know.    Not sure if I have the time to maintain that kind of hair.

School: Holy cow.  Unix is going just fine.  Started two other classes this week.  MW 5.45 - 8.30, TR 7.10-9.55.  I must be insane.....  But turned in all first week assignments on time!

In other news: Got to hang out with the guys all week!  Tuesday was acoustic night - way amazing!  Stayed almost all night.  Wednesday and Thursday (after class) were incredible!  Can't wait to see tonight's show, but still bummed that there won't be a Saturday show.

Also, returned Crush Singer's CDs to him.  He asked what I thought - silly boy   -  so I told him that I cleared my MP3 player, and only have his music loaded to it.  I really haven't listened to anything else all week.

Going to the get together.  Mark is going to try to cook for me without killing me - have to give him the official list of food allergies.    Packing lots of drugs for the overnight - they have animals too - and taking a set of epi-pens just in case.    Being a total girl and trying to figure out what to wear.  He told me to bring a swimsuit - do I even OWN one that fits?  The upside is that this morning's weigh in showed 125!    Going to see Pelvic Meatloaf after dinner, and then back to the house for hot-tubbing, wii, and drinks.  I so can't wait.

Hair: Gotta love this rain..     CWC Yesterday with a vinegar rinse.  Breakage defense in the length.  Today, no wash and more breakage defense.  It may end up in a bun today.  Still trying to use up Pantene's Brunette expressions.  Big Brother asked me what I was going to do about my roots growing out.  I told him if anyone is close enough to see the line between Espresso color and black color, they better be interested in things OTHER than my color line.  

School: Business test - 80%, Accounting test - we'll see, UNIX - 1st section done - need to take test.  Hoping to call ASU and get an advising appointment for tomorrow.

In other news: Took the day off for Mom's birthday.  We went to lunch and went shopping.  She had a good day.  This weekend was Munchkin's 19th birthday - not the most horrible experience, but not too bad either.  
Tomorrow is the recruiting event.  Have my interview outfit ready, and my resume polished up nicely.  Still debating what to do with my hair.  Big Brother and Mom think it should be ironed to look professional.  That won't be an option if it's still cloudy.  I was thinking of maybe braid the top/sides back, and tie the tails together.  That way the length can wave or whatever it wants to and still look ok.  

Had an allergic reaction at work to the air fresheners installed in the ladies room.  In my defense, they installed TWO automatic dispensers, when one would have been plenty.  Quick thinking and quicker foot work got me out of the room in time, but I was then dealt a horrible coughing fit, and then had to use my inhaler a few times later during the day.  Also meant I had to leave the building to use the restroom.  Management told me today that they'll try a different scent and only one in there this week.  Of course, then I'll have to go in there and see if I can still breathe.  
I hate my allergies.

Hair: Same ol' same ol'.   Two evenings this week with added breakage defense and rolled into a bun.  I think I'm still recovering from my trim.  Nice and soft though.  I can't wait for the length to come back.  Maybe I'll measure again for March.

School: got my appointment - I'm a Junior!    I'm so thrilled!  We layed out my academic plan, and since they are beginning to close the West campus, I'll have to take courses on-line or downtown.  I'm not so happy about that, but hopefully I can stick it out until (if) they re-open West.  Another Law test next week.  Looks like I'll be able to finish in two years, if I work myself pretty hard.  The bummer part - the FIVE classes I'm in now will not count for the degree.  

In other news: The recruiting event was only open to the students and alumni of the school that was hosting the event.    I looked good though!!    I ended up letting my hair just do it's thing.  It was long, dark, wavy, and very shiny.  After leaving the place, I tied it up so that I could walk to campus.  I'm going to keep training and working on school. I'm back to that waiting thing again - and I'm not very good at it.....

Hair: Pretty good with the every other day CWC.  Tried some soft rag curls this weekend...  not bad, but I need practice...  Thinking of dying it again.  My growout line is really getting far, and I'm not ready to be natural..  

School:  Not really a topic yet - major holding pattern here. 

In other news: The Captain (pilot) has become a major part of my life in the last couple weeks.  He is so awesome.  He passed the family test!    He absolutely loves my hair and told me to never cut it. Ever.  I had to laugh.  It was just too funny.  We have so much in common.  I don't want to ramble too much and sound like your average 'tweener with a crush, so I'll just bow out .... mumbling "wow".......

Others tell me they roll their hair up every evening and practice makes perfect.  Some can roll their hair up while watching the news and not really pay attention to what they do. 

Nothing wrong with being a 'Tweener with a crush'.

Hair:  The Garnier products are almost used up.  I'm stretching out the conditioner and using up odds and ends again.  I bought new bottles of Pantene's Curl product.  Maybe it'll help my waves a bit?    But I really hope the shine stays.  The Captain loves to run his fingers through my hair, and if it begins to tangle, I'll have to come up with something else!

School:  Actually cracked the binding on the first book.  Not too many notes to be had, but the book is vaguely interesting.  Still gotta finish that Unix class - soon!

In pilot news:  The Captain left this morning for his first assignment since we've been together.  He'll be back sometime Saturday.  I cannot believe how incredibly difficult this is!    We've only been seeing each other for about a month, and holy cow this four days feels like it's going to be forever!  I got to talk to him a little this morning before he got near the plane and had to start working, and I'm doing my best not to let him hear me pout.  He doesn't need that.  He knows that I'm going to miss him, and he said that he will miss me too.  Awww..    I guess I had better get used to this, and get good at it, cuz this is his world.
I played his keyboard for him Sunday night, and he liked it.  I've placed a few calls to piano tuners so that I can play my piano for him someday.  I watched him shave last night.  Since he's been on vacation for a few months, he had a jaw-line beard and full goatee that had to go.  It was so different.  I've hardly ever seen a man shave before, and this was such a huge change.  It was almost like his voice was coming out of a different face.  But again, this is normal for his world, so I will get used to it.

Hair: CWC every other day, leave in Breakage Defense, and Aloe Gel.  Same routine.  I guess it's ok.  Although I'm getting mixed reviews now.  I have friends that can't keep their hands off my hair and tell me how pretty it is, and then others that tell me it "just doesn't look healthy like it used to" = used to being when it was shoulder length, layered and multi-color-highlighted.     My Captain likes it, and I guess right now, that's what matters.  Still aiming for waist length by Christmas, but at this rate - who knows?

School: First official day of school!     Can you believe - our first assignment is to read FOUR chapters of the book and take our first quiz tomorrow!?  Holy cow.     Good thing I already read the first three chapters...

In pilot news:  He is back only for today and tomorrow and then gone for another 7 days.  I guess I could look at it that I'll have plenty of time to study and try to work ahead in class so that when he's off for a week later this month, I won't be doing school work while he's home.  He has brought me something from each trip he's been on.  He got to fly to Cabo for two days!  He got to visit our friends in Colorado, and he got a surprise night at home once.  My family still thinks he's just awesome - and so do I!   

In other news: Massive allergy attack last week left me without a voice.  Why is it that when you try to talk to people, and you're still in the process of losing your voice, they ask "What happened to your voice?"  I started telling people "I left it at home - it was getting me in too much trouble."  Then, when my voice was totally gone, and all I could do was whisper, THEN people felt the need to whisper AT ME because that's how I was talking!  People are funny - simple, but funny.   

Off to see my captain!!!

Hair: Gotta share this - my biggest critic of growing my hair out finally caved today - well, almost.  She told me "Your hair is really starting to look pretty and healthy again.  It's not stringy anymore.  It could probably still use a bit of a trim just to make sure it doesn't start looking stringy, but it looks good.  Whatever you have been doing is really working well."

Please keep in mind that this is a family member, so she feels she can be brutally honest with me.  I think it's hysterical, because I've been following the same routine for months now!   

Side note: My aunt has been very sick, and I've been visiting her in the hospital and now the rehab center, and about 6 people have stopped me in various places and told me that I have beautiful hair!  Maybe this family member is listening and trying to see what all those other people see!  One of the ladies that stopped me told me that my hair reminded her of when she was young - but hers was never as pretty as mine!   

The only thing I'm thinking of is starting to use oil more.  My dye job from Halloween is way grown out, and while no one else seems to be able to see it, I can.  It's grown about 5 inches from my scalp, so I'm thinking I could get some pretty decent oil on it.

I'll post this question somewhere else too, but I'm thinking about it now:  If I oil before I go to bed, do I wash, then ACV rinse, then condition in the morning?  Or would that be overkill on the moisture?  Is that possible??   

BTW - the Captain is still a wonderful man.  I love spending every minute I can with him, and I miss him so much it almost hurts when he leaves.  I believe that he is a gift to me from God that I really don't deserve.

Glad you are enjoying your time with the Captain!  You do deserve it!
See what your hair likes,as far as the oiling wash,acv,contioning goes.  If you need to tweak the routine,your hair will let ya know!  
Wishing the best for your aunt!

I hope your aunt responds quickly to the treatment.  (((hugs)))

I wish the best for your aunt's treatment.

Glaad to hear that she's doing well!!

If she says she'll be there,have faith she'll be there!!
Sounds like an exciting time is in store for you!  Enjoy the trip,your honey and his parents!!  Don't sweat it,you'll be fine!

Good to hear from you,Luc!  Sounds like things are going smoothly!