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?