Till Next Year...

I have considered on several occasion removing my blog because I have a Fotki where I post my pics. I am still considering it. I will leave it be for the moment.

This has been a very progressive and productive year for me and my family. I have been promoted @ work (with nappy hair), I have gotten through another stage of my lock journey and I have endured a full case load as a student (will be finished in spring)among other achievements....

I am on the cusp of my four year nappyversary and my two year lockversary. Going back to when I did my BC for the last time (because I'd been natural off and on for many years) I absolutely knew I would lock again after having been lock previously for five years. It was only a matter of time. When the time drew near, it came down to a matter of what method I would choose to lock again. I was really in love with the thought of Sisterlocks, and even made an appointment for a consultation. After doing more research and checking around blogs and fotki's (via nappturality), I ran into the concept of braidlocks. I am soooo happy I ran across blogs such as TRA's and cheleski's to name a few, which gave me the encouragement I needed to go on a start on my own.

I look forward to what is ahead and encourage all to "except your own and be yourself." For me that translates to staying black, nappy and real. We all have our own journeys to take. No two are a-like so embrace what you are faced with because it was specifically designed just for you!

Here's to accepting the future and learning from the past.

Peace and Blessings!

Braidlocks

Transformation

"Texture and Tones" (for chels)

I have been using the same hair color since I can't remember. Even before I returned napptural I used this product.It's Clairol's Texture & Tones. I have never in all my years of using this product experienced any problems with it. Some folks experience excessive dryness but I have not noticed that most likely because I deep condition on a regular basis any way. My experience was, when I colored for the first time, I didn't get the color I currently have. As I continued to dye, the color became more and more evident. I also think that the type of shampoo(clarifying) I use probably has something to do with some of the color becoming lighter, along with sunlight exposure. Because I don't color on a schedule or regular basis, I end up with variations in the color. The streaks or "high-lights" are a result of simply uneven coloring. I purposely stopped coloring the very back of my locks for contrast. That is the only thing that I have manipulated in the process.

Before applying the dye, I use old fashion vaseline around my edges and sometimes a put a small bit on my scalp because I hate the look of a dyed scalp. The vaseline helps to protect my fragile hairline and keeps it from dying to bright. After the vaseline application, I mix then apply the color with gloved hands. All I do is squeeze a bit onto my fingers and apply to my locks. I always focus in the base area close to the scalp since this is where the dye is needed.

After letting the dye sit, per the recommended time on the instructions, I rinse very thoroughly several times and then I proceed to wash... very thoroughly, several times. After a good wash, I proceed to deep condition for an hour or more to restore and moisture lost from coloring, and then every week after.

Some people experiment with different products and "boosters" to lighten the color. Personally, I stick to what works. I wouldn't dream of switching products. Once I have found something that works, I am very loyal to it. And as far as the color booster goes, to each his own. I'm not knocking it, but I won't do it.

Some folks feel like it is "anti-natural" to color. Eh... get off your high horse and live a little! Others claim that coloring changes your hair texture. It may for some depending on the product, but my uncolored hair is the same texture as my colored hair.

Have fun if you decide to color but be careful and take the necessary precautions.

Good luck! ;-)

Issues

As you can see, I definitely can't keep an every day log of my fitness journey. Waaayy too much to do in a day. Short up-date: I have been paying better attention to my daily diet. I have had weaknesses of course because right-out-of-the-oven cookies are the devil (and my weakness)! I have been doing a great job at the grocery store as of late, but I had a breakdown this weekend. My daughter asked why I hadn't purchased any more cookies in a while and I used that as an excuse to pick some up. Well.. at least I didn't lie to myself and say I wasn't going to eat any ;-)

I don't always have time to make it to the gym so I make the best of what is around me. Again, I always opt for stairs instead of elevators and I continue to park further away at work and stores. I push myself more when i get lazy with small things like taking things up and down the steps at home when I usually call my son to help or taking carts back at the store parking lot when I think it's too far a walk... I think those extra steps make a difference. Especially when it's done on a regular.

In other (random) news, I had an epiphany. I have far too many bras in my drawer with one wire. Seriously. I mentioned a while back that I am very thrifty so yes, I am one of those ladies who buys cheap (not too cheap but cheap enough)bras. Well no more! Besides being a waste of money, after looking at my collection of one-wired bras I realized that I deserved better. Come this weekend I am going to high-tail it to a store to find me some really nice, quality brassieres! Because I'm worth it! ;-)

I am honelsty at this very moment suppose to be doing a home-work assignment. I am very easlity distracted and sometimes have a great deal of trouble gettign started. Once I do get started, I'm on a role and hate to be bothered until I'm done. It gets pretty intense. The family knows not to bother me when I am in the middle of an essay or any assignment for that matter. Every one is very helpful and has been from the start. I am looking very foward to this up-coming winter break from school. I need it and my family needs it.

Whats that you say? What about my locks? Nothing new under the sun. But here are a couple pics:

3+6=9

I will be 36 this month... What significance does the number 9 have?

Support

Day 3

I haven't decided if I am actually going to post every day but I am inspired to for now. I did not make it to the gym today but I made the most of what I had available. I parked further away in the parking lot at work and didn't take the elevator one time. And... I managed to stay away from that dreaded vending machine!

Yesterday, I went to the store to purchase food that I can snack on at work and fix for lunch. Anything that keeps me out of restaurants kitchen is a good thing. Besides, I love my own cooking. I just get lazy sometimes because the type of food I cook takes prep time (w/veges and all). Although I have started to purchase a few frozen veggies in an effort to maximize the time I have available.


While at work, I usually succumb to who ever is ordering lunch. Today since I cooked for myself, others asked all types of questions so I indulged them and told them what I was trying to accomplish, stressing that I am NOT on a diet. A good thing happened when I shared, a couple folks wanted to join in with me! Cool! I can always use support. Having folks around me that has similar goals my just help me stay on track on the days that I feel blah (or it may turn on me and they will get on my nerves). I'm open.. for now ;-)

I figured maybe I should weigh myself... What do you think? I do know that it would prolly be a good idea to start counting calories.

Day 2

Sundays are usually busy with chores and homework. I usually lay back much like Saturdays until the afternoon. Today I got out of the bed at around 9, stretched and headed for the vehicle to go to the gym. Wait! Stop the presses! I couldn't find my MP3 player. I had just downloaded new music to work out to yesterday so it couldn't have gone too far. I was determined not to leave without it.

Music helps the time pass by for me so I am focused and on point. it also serves as motivation for me. Alas... I finally located it and off I went. Today I hit the tread for 30 min again just to pace myself. I was sure to use the incline after 15 min. Boy, could I feel it. Afterwards, I used the weights again and did 20 reps on each machine. I found out that my weakest area is my arms, poor things. I didn't even care that folks where gawking while I attempted to lift x amount of pounds. (you didn't think I would give a number did u?) LOL

I am a bit concerned with tomorrow because the busy week starts. I have to find a way to carve out time to focus for at least 30 min to work out. I plan to increase my work out time in the future. For now I am working on getting my body back used to regular physical work outs. Off to fix a bowl of my fav; brown rice, tofu and broccoli.

Commitment

.

I cleaned up my kitchen. I had so many loose hairs in my nape area that it just got to the point that trying to combine them was a practice in futility. When I wear an up-do the fly-away stubborn loose hair that refuse to join with the others would just curl up and laugh at me when I'd try and brush them into place. They had to go!

Funny thing is, they where actually long enough to twist or braid but because they where so soft str8t and thin, they would never hold any type of form.

I have also decided to twist the front while I continue to latch the back. Maybe it's a phase but I like the way it works for me right now

I will be finished with school in May 2009! I have decided with my family's support that I will continue on to the next level. I have also decided it was time for me to get my self back to physical fitness. I am healthy in that I have none of the ailments that run rampid in my family like HBP, heart disease, diabetes and obesity, but I know if I don't start working my heart, I may get myself in trouble. I used to take Karate to keep me active but because I spend so much time at work and in school, I have not focused on my body as of late.

There are spurts when I decide to take the stairs at work and park further away at stores and at work, but I need to quit play'n and really start working out again. I feel tired a lot and I hate that.

So my goal is to create a regular work out regimen for myself. Something I know I can stick to. I love walking out side but the reality is, it's about to get cold and I know I will not have my self out there trying to walk in the winter Mid-west weather... and that's real. So I will be going to my local community center to sign up.

Although the plan is just to get back in shape in general, I do have a goal in mind. After reaching that goal I will continue my regimen just to maintain and stay in shape. It's all about healthy habits. I don't do diets. My eating habits are fine (except those dang break-n-bake cookies I love so much) so I know it's a matter of being more active and burning more calories than I put in.

Along with my lock journey, I will be sharing my journey back to physical fitness.
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Day 1:

Forced myself out of bed. I usually just lounge until like 11:00 am or 12:00. I know I can do better than that. I figure if I just get up, stretch, and walk for 20 to 30 min, that would be a good start... So here I go!

Later that day:

So I got up and put on the sweats, stretched while watching Clean House than left out to go to the community center. I let my purse at home so I wouldn't have to worry about putting putting it in one of those lockers and wouldn't you know it, I got there and they said I needed to renew. Of course, since I didn't have my purse, I didn't have proof of residence so I had to high-tail-it right back home.

By the time I get back home, I'm starting to loose motivation. But, I push forward. I get back to the center, re-new my membership and enter the weight room. Now I'm motivated again! Put on my MP3 w/ my fav music and do 30 min on the tred. Feels good.

I'm surprised that I'm not all winded after my 30(guess taking the stairs helped) so I move on to the weights and spend about 15 to 20 min there. Day one is going great so far. Let's see what Day 2 holds.

Looks Like Locks!

It's been a min.
Life's busy... of course.
Eldest daughter is preparing for higher learning (whered the time go?).
Youngest is preparing for kindergarten (yay! no more day care $$!)
Son is taking up the trombone (mo $$, but yay!)
Being a "boss" at work is challenging and nerve wrecking... but I like the challenging part ;-).
Luv being in school but I'm ready to be done so I can move on to my next venture.

My locks are finally starting to look like locks now.
I love them of course but I honestly get frustrated with the length from time to time as of late. I just want to be able to pull them into a pony and call it a day. I have a goal length in mind(shoulder length), and I know I'm not far from it... The journey is never ending.
I haven't dyed my roots in a while or latched... maybe some pampering time is just what I need right now to boost my spirits... and maybe a new blouse too ;-)

Be back with more pics soon.
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Tag.. I'm it!

Rules:
Link the person/people that tagged you.
Post the rules on your blog
Share 6 non important things/habits/quirks about yourself

Tagger: http://happilynappilynish.blogspot.com/

I'll try to make this diff from that last...
1. I would never consider my self a "fan" of any one but I am really digg'n Rahsaan Patterson! His voice is just devine IMO!
2. Since I have 5 children, I have no desire to be around babies right now.
3. I have two personalities.. one public (social) and one private (anti-social).
4. The real me is very anti-social ;-)
5. The older I get, the more things I become allergic to.
6. I luv myself in general, but I don't like how small my ankles are.

It may be a while before I tag others...

Non Traditional Student?

I am currently in school to complete my BA in Education. I am a Hygienist by trade but my first love is teaching which I currently do. I teach and am Director of a Dental Assisting course and I Instruct First Aid/CPR and AED classes for the American Red Cross. Both of which I enjoy immensely.


Because I work a full time gig, plus... I had no time to complete my degree but I always longed to. I was told by a friend, that it is possible to do it all online. That was unbelievable to me at the time. After doing research and weighing my options, I found it to be completely do-able... so I signed up!

I am now close to the finish line but it has been difficult to juggle family life, work and school. They all demand so much of me. I have had times where I have almost completely lost my memory... seriously. I must function on a pop-up calender or whatever needs to get done, wont! I am an avid procrastinator so I have the added tension of completing things at the last minute. Unfortunately, it works for me to a degree because I work well under pressure. Sad but true.


While the journey to completing my degree has been a challenging one, I wouldn't change a thing. I am enjoying it but on the other hand, I am looking forward to completing it. Although... I am giving serious consideration to going forward with a Masters. But I often ask myself, at what expense? I don't spend as much time with my family because of work and school already but on the other hand, the benefits in the end justifies the sacrifice. Or does it?

My children see me working hard and I am hopeful that I am a positive influence on them. I also hope that this journey will serve to encourage them to complete their education well before they start a family, which we discuss often.

I have always said that I consider my self a life-long student because I am always open to learning new things whether I am in a formal school or just the school of life, but should there be a limit to formal schooling when you already have a family established that needs your attention as a mother and nurturer?

What do you think?

~Month 16~

I must admit, after a minute there isn't a great deal to share because it becomes more of the same... but here are a few new pics anyway ;-)

1 year lockversary pics

What a transformation right?

Blue Lotus

*Blue Lotus (Skt. utpala; Tib. ut pa la): This is a symbol of the victory of the spirit over the senses, and signifies the wisdom of knowledge. Not surprisingly, it is the preferred flower of Manjushri, the bodhisattva of wisdom.

The roots of a lotus are in the mud, the stem grows up through the water, and the heavily scented flower lies pristinely above the water, basking in the sunlight. This pattern of growth signifies the progress of the soul from the primeval mud of materialism, through the waters of experience, and into the bright sunshine of enlightenment.

Though there are other water plants that bloom above the water, it is only the lotus which, owing to the strength of its stem, regularly rises eight to twelve inches above the surface.

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This is the 12 month celebration of my 2nd loc journey.

The journey from day one to now has been steady, predictable and not without it's ups and downs. For the most part, I have zero complaints. There where days (more recently)that I was just not happy with my hair, but then again, I had those days with loose napps, str8t hair and everything in-between. I am quit sure I will have more days in the future that I won't be pleased, but I will deal with it as I have dealt with it in the past.. .and that is to just ride it out.

I am really pleased with my results thus far and have no regrets in choosing the method of locking that I chose. I still maintain with latching and wash and condition every week. The products I use now are the same ones I used from day one. They are: water, evoo, castor oil and Organic Root Stimulator "Replenishing" Conditioner, for my deep conditions, along with Bio-infusion Rosemary shampoo. Every now and then, I use ORS olive oil shampoo. I am in no way a product junkie... I'm way too thrifty for that! The simplicity of my routine works perfect for my locks.

I do still have some braids that are not fully sealed and locked yet... in due time. I'm in no rush because I know it will happen. There are still some curly ends... I like um just fine. I think it adds unique personality to my locks.

At work, I haven't received any negativity at all. I have even recently been promoted to Director of my program with locks and all! (It's amazing I am still able to maintain a blog with how busy things are) I know there are Ladies who are concerned with whether they can wear locks and natural hair in general in the work place and still look professional and be able to achieve their goals. BE bold! Take a chance... it is time for you to set the standard and re-define what beauty is for the Black Woman! They must learn to except us for who we are and get over the notion that our hair will dictate how far we will go... when the determining factor should be our intellect, dedication and hard work. Do you ladies and represent your locks and nappy hair to the fullest! I know I am. Only when we decide we will no longer have to conform to their standards, will things begin to change.

*On a side note: there are no shortage of men flirting with this sister with natural hair that is locked. My husband luvs my hair because I luv it! Be confident that you are just as sexy or even more, with your natural hair, than you where with str8t hair... Ok? Ok. ;-)

P.S.
Thank you cheleski68 for your endless and continued inspiration,

Pics soon.

To My Best Friend & Mentor...

My Homage to You.

...Many ask when they see the picture above, "what or who has you smiling so genuinely in that picture?" My response is always "the Prince behind the lens."

There have been many friends in my life, but none will ever compare to you.

You are my mentor and my inspiration. The constant voice in my head prompting me to do and be better.

I knew from the day I met you that you where special and served a special purpose to our people.

Everything I experienced while in your presence is now and 4ever touched with an aura.

I will never 4get Marrietta. I will never 4get the need for new boots. I will never 4get group meetings and navy bean dip. I will never 4get hoodies with Kente lining and a Kufe that barely fit. (*smile*) I will never 4get my first viewing of Khalid Muhammad on tape. I will never 4get the purchase of a guitar. I will never 4get rent being paid and Sunday meals at Soul Vegetarian. I will never 4get plastic on a toilet seat. I will never 4get the buying of diapers. I will never 4get Kinkos. I will never 4get the presentation of beautiful dresses on a balcony. I will never 4get "Strong enough for a man... but made for a woman." I will never 4get a blue car! I will never 4get a daughter, long drives, sacrifices, tears and pain.

I will never 4get I owe you... but for now, this is my homage to you.

Love always,

~Malaika

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COLOR

I always use the same color product every time because I have never had a bad experience with it to date and I am always pleased with the results... so why change? I am always careful to keep my locs moisturized to keep them from over drying, by spritzing daily and deep conditioning every week.

Every time I color, I leave the back dark. I kinda like the contrast with top light and back darker. Also my locs are purposely bigger in the back because it was much thinner back there and more curly.

The Day The Earth Shook

The yellow dots on the map identify earthquake locations. Most earthquakes occur where the continental and oceanic plates collide with each other, so mapping earthquake locations identifies the plate boundaries.

While earth quakes are common in parts of the world like California, there are some of us who have never experienced one.

I live in the Mid-West where we rarely feel the "earth shake" so when it does happen, it's a little unnerving to the community. At 4:30ish this morning, I was awakened by my bed literally shaking. having not experienced an earth quake before, I was I bit startled and wondered what was going on. For a minute, I thought I was dreaming but as I lay there, the shaking lasted for what seemed like a while but turned out to be no more that a minute. I instantly got up to check to see if any of my children where up. All but one where still sleep. I asked the one that was up if she was ok and reassured her then went back to my bedroom to turn on the local news.

The news did indeed confirm it was an earth quake that registered at 5.2. I find it funny that depending on where we live, we tend to get used to the local occurrences that happen where we live, be it: tornado's (which I have never experienced either), hurricanes, torrential rains, snow and earth quakes. I am personally used to the unpredictable weather and snow here where I live, so it kinda tickles me to hear folks ooo and awww at the snow. I am sure those that are used to experiencing tremors are probably giggling at us and saying "aww... get over it!" None-the-less, it was something that I will never forget having been my very first official earth quake.

What are some of the local weather (etc) occurrences that happen where you live and have you ever experienced and earth quake?

Loc Loops

I don't buy things off the net often but I have seen some good results from the Loc Loops and since I curl often, I figured it would be worth a try if they where a bit more comfortable than the rods I normaly use... Here are my results:
Before




After

The bob is back!

I have always loved the bob cut as a permie... now I find that it is achievable with locs. I received my new Essence mag in the mail today, and to my delight, I find the cutest loc style!


Not sure if I'd ever do this (prolly will in about 3 or so years), but it's certainly nice to know how many style options we locked heads have isn't it?

Whats your fav lock style so far?

Thank Goodness for Saturdays!

Got my classwork done first thing this morning and now all I have to do is chillax! (seriously, I have things I could be doing theoretically, but I don't wanna)

So, my 15 year old makes a lil cash baby-sitting and/or doing hair. She does a fab job with hair and she only does natural hair or braid/twist extension's. I don't particularly care for when she has to do either because when doing hair, I find strands of hair all over my home days after her client is gone and I always end up helping when she baby-sits, so I feel like I'm babysitting too...

Today she is baby sitting and because I have officially made today my "I'm not doing a darn thing today" day, I refuse to help her with her job! Every time her lil cousin who is 3 years old comes to ask me for something, my reply is: "go ask cousin Naj". Usually I help her, but how is that helping to teach her responsibility? (that's my politically correct explanation and I'm sticking to it!) But surprisingly, she is doing very well with out my help.. bless her heart.



I have officially decided that "The Office" is my favorite(see above t-shirt) show... for now. I think it is so hilarious. I actually rented the entire second season to watch today. (I was serious when I said I wasn't doing anything) Since I am taking a break from watching the show, I figured I would post a tutorial or two but I couldn't decide on what exactly.

If you would like for me to post instructions via pics, just send a request, give me a lil time and I will post it for you.

Here is a list of styles I can do a tutorial for:
1.loc bun
2.loc twist-out
3.curley locs

I thought about instructions for latching but decided against it. Those of you who latch know why. ;-) Now back to my show. I'll check back for any request... Later.

Random Thoughts, Confessions and other Ramblings

Let me just start by saying, I miss my fro *sigh*

I miss the wash-n-go/co-washes, I miss having big hair one day and then a twa the next because of shrinkage, I miss the twist-outs, I miss the way my hair would twirl around my finger, I miss wearing a puff....

Ok, there. Now that Ive gotten that off my chest, here's what I don't miss:
I don't miss the time and effort it took to style, I don't miss having to detangle after a co-wash/wash-n-go (especially if I wore it for a week), I don't miss seeing lil curly hairs in the sink from regular shedding.

I feel better already! :^)
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Today is my baby girls 4th b-day! Happy b-day baby!!! (DH and I hopped she wouldn't come on April 1st but when nature calls whadayagunnado?) She is the last (God willing) of 5. I told the hubby if he wanted anymore, speak now or 4ever hold your peace, cause I ain't having no mo after 35, mmm k? Since she is the youngest in the house, she gets all the love and attention a child could want. Her siblings love her to death, which can be a bit hard to believe sometimes because usually the youngest is the one who typically gets on everyones nerves... at least that was my experience seeing as I am the youngest of four... Which brings me to my next thought.
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As I just mentioned, I am the youngest of four girls, and growing up, my elder sisters where just no fun! (well.. sometimes)They picked at me and joked about me, and you know why? Cause I was the only one in the family who hadn't developed yet! Can you believe the insanity? My family is full of "full" women. I was literally the last to develop in my family and that includes my cousins. Well, fast forward to today, I am now a "real" woman now according to some in my family because I used to be so scrawny and now I am fully developed. (whatever!) So, I am at my sisters home one evening looking through her closet and trying on one of her many, many new outfits (her shoe collection is insane). I tell you no lie when I say, if I need a new out-fit and I am unable to go shopping, I can go to her house and always come out with a brand new, never worn fit just like I went to a department store, but I digress...
While trying on this fitted, really cute sweater, I come out to show her how it looks and she gives me such a look of disapproval, you'd have thought I walked out with velvet suite on. Apparently, the sweater didn't look good on me because my back-side wasn't "ample" enough. That comment took me right back to my childhood. While she burst out in laughter, I walked away with the sweater and my less than video quality behind, and went home to get ready for the Jill Scott concert she wanted so bad to go to.... In your face big sis!!! *sticks out tongue*
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~Month 10~

So much to share... where shall I begin?

Greetings! (that's always a good place to start right?)

It has been a fruitful journey so far and I anticipate that it will continue to be. My routine for my BLs has remained the same pretty much since day one:

1. I wash every weekend and do a deep condition for no less than an hour. (plastic bag, no heat)
2. I moisturize with evoo after each wash. Sometimes alternate w/ castor oil.
3. I spritz through-out the week with a mixture of water or aloe vera juice and eo's.
4. I latch when I feel the need. Don't have a certain amount of weeks in-between any more. I just let my locks tell me what they need.
5. Every now and then, I style with rollers. lately I have been experimenting with a basket weave... I'll get it right eventually!

This has worked wonderfully for me! My locks stay soft, pliable, smelling good and moisturized. I love the simplicity of it. I have clipped some locks in the back again. I want to maintain a certain shape (layered) with my locks and since certain areas grow faster than others, I pay close attention and choose very carefully which ones to clip.

I love doing it myself. I can't imagine going to anyone to do anything to my locks. I enjoy everything about being a DIYer from washing and conditioning to latching... yes I wrote latching. LOL I don't see it as a burden because it give me the results I like and I don't try to do it all in one sitting. If there where anything I would say that I would change about my journey, that would be to have started earlier! ;^)









OK, so even though I am pretty consistent with my routine, there are times that I try new things and sometimes they work (new things) and sometimes... well, let me show you:

I tried some Lotta body setting lotion with the above roller set and although I have used it b4 when my napps where loose, this time my skin didn't like it!

This pic shows how my locks brush against my face and the other pic is the result of the setting lotion and my hair brushing against my face. :^(


Well... lesson learned for sure! Clearly next time I shouldn't let my hair touch my face when I use the settig lotion... or was it don't use the lotion?

TMI and Completion

Here I sit, with conditioner in my hair with a plastic bag over my head, watching
Y&R, eating my 15 year old daughters (who's a fab cook BTW) corn bread-baked chili which is a bottom layer of corn bread, next layer of vegetarian chili w/corn mixed in and then a top layer of corn bread... yum, yum!

I have pretty much been lounging around my home all day taking care of business over the phone and doing assignments in my on-line class, doing every thing I can to avoid going out in public. Why? because I have this horrid cold sore. Yep, I said it! As the title suggest, this is totally "too much information" but it's what I feel like blogging about. Woe is me.

I had to leave out once to drop off my eldest to her job (wow, that's sounds weird know that I can see it in black and white... never thought I'd get to the point where I could say "drop my daughter off at work). As I drove her to work, I saw little kiddies gawking at my band aid and it infuriated me! I know it's so silly but I'm really freaking self conscious about this thing.

Any one that can actually admit that they have to tackle with a cold sore knows exactly what I mean. So, while I sit here and pity my self eating comfort food and waiting to wash the conditioner out of my hair, I am reflecting on my being a student again.

I am completing my BA in education (finally) and am unsure of what I really want to do with it. All I know right now is that it is very important to me to complete it. Ever feel that way? Well, so far it is very fulfilling and I am enjoying the challenge, and trust me, it is a challenge sometimes. But I have no complaints. Regardless of what will come of it, I am glad my children see me going through it and doing well. I can only hope I am inspiring them, because they are one of main inspirations to continue on... that and completing something I started so long ago.




What have you started but haven't completed yet?
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~9 Months~