Since I have neglected this site for soooooo long, what I would like to do is post a thought each day, as well as a picture...this way not only do I get a chance to vent, but you all get a chance to see my hair in it's good (and sometimes not so good stages). Here is my photo for today.



My sister and I went clothes shopping today (with our mom tagging along as a Stacey London style critic). As a former BBW, it's kind of a culture shock for me to be able to buy clothes that don't have a Lane Bryant or Ashley Stewart tag in them. For me to effortlessly try on size 14 and 16's from a regular store (New York & Company) and be able to zip them up was a liberating experience for me today...so liberating that I spent $300 today. Tomorrow...underwear from Victoria's Secret!!! :-)

I know it's been a long while since I've checked in here, but believe me I've been busy. In the large space of time since I posted my first blog, I have:

1. Returned to school and received my MS in Emergency Management from Jacksonville State University (Jacksonville, AL). Trying to decide now whether to pursue a Phd or go to Law School. If any of you have been through this decision-making process, please chime in with your thoughts (they'd be greatly appreciated).

2. Become a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (Lambda Epsilon Omega Chapter - Decatur, GA); now I'm Pretty in Pearls...All Day, Every Day!!! ;-)

3. Started my own Judgment Recovery Business (still in its infant stage, but I'm still moving forward each day.

Those were the high points in my life. There were also some lows:

1. I was demoted at my job, which meant a significant pay cut. I was bitter at first, but then I realized how blessed I was to still have a job in this economy. I now thank God every day for keeping me employed.

2. I got ill and was hospitalized (for 2 months) due to diverticulitis. I ended up having colostomy surgery. I am now about to have the reversal surgery done, so I am extremely blessed and thankful for good health. I have had to change my eating habits, so I've eliminated red meat and introduced more fruit and vegetables. My doctor would like for me to become a vegetarian, but as a carnivore from birth I find that request very difficult to accept.

I suppose the best thing that happened through all of my highs and lows is that my sisterlocks never suffered; in fact, I think my hair flourished quite well with minimum maintenance. Check out my sisterlock phases and see how my hair has grown and changed over the years. Thanks to Calla Johnson for keeping my locks on point!!! :-)

I knew that I wanted to do something different, yet carefree because I was tired of going to the hairdresser! Every Friday I would go to the hairdresser for my usual wash and set (which would take no less than 4 hours; if I was getting a touchup, 6 hours). I was spending on average 832 hours a year at the hairdresser...that is no way to live!! I also knew that I wanted to change my look prior to my 40th birthday (November 18th). I found the SisterLocks website back in August and was immediately hooked! After looking at the website about a hundred times, I decided to do the "Damn Thang!" I had my SLocks installed on October 30th-31st, 2006 by Calla Johnson, who is an absolute treasure. It took 17 hours (or two days) to completely lock my hair. As my hair settles in, I'm trying to recover from my initial OMG, I look just like Pinhead from HellRaiser moment (LOL)! I'm ready for my SisterLock journey to truly begin, so stay tuned...