Happy Holidays

I am taking this time to wish everyone in blogger land a happy holiday!! I hope that everyone had a great Christmas celebrating the birth of Jesus. I pray that the new year bring many positive changes in your life filled with love, laughter and prosperity. If 2009 was great well 2010 should be awesome.

One day at a time one goal at a time.

Happy Birthday to me December 22...

My sister and I are visiting family out of state...Long six hour drive with kids.. no need to say more..four kids( 1 yr old, 5 yr old, 7 yr old and 11 yr old)..six suitcases.. and tons of gifts...

ROAD TRIP...yeah!!!

23 months

"Penny" Before work
"Penny" locked 23 months( after work)

My younger sister locked 25 months

Well I have been locked for 23 months. My sister has been locked for 25 months. I really love my hair most days.I like full hair. I need to color it again so I will do it next weekend so I will have a week for it to settle before I reti for the holidays.. I am starting to have a little problem with lint. So I will have to get a lock sock. So unattractive.. Any other ideas. My satin pillow cases wont work any more and for some reason the satin scarf never stays. I cant thank Nihu enough for the style she posted. Thats my favorite. However it does not last very long and I don't do setting lotion. I don't like hard hair.

Truthfully all of my locks look differently some are micro. I can't stand those but I look at the location and I say well that makes sense because I don't want my hair to fall out cuz it be too heavy later. If it becomes an issue I may sew it together or join it with another one. I have a few that are open and not sealed but not that many. All locks are different but I won't do like the last time and start over. This is my second time and I know what to expect. I don't trip on my hair. I take pics to monitor the progress so I can truly see the changes.Wow I am so amazed at it. I look through the pics on my computer and I am truly in awe.. Some of those early stages are a hot mess. I will keep posting until I get the length I want.

Recently I was annoyed at two ladies at the store for freakin staring at me in the parking lot. I saw all through out the store. As we were walking out the store. One lady was very curious. I saw her catching a quick glance in the store however her girl with the fake bun wasn't interested (so what). Outside they were talking like I am freakin deaf. The one who was feeling it asked do u like it( meaning my hair) I think she was trying to get her friends approval cuz her hair was short( I mean one hair cut from a big chop). Her girl said I like em on men. I stopped and looked like fool I can hear u so she got in her car. Locks are not for every one..

Day Two Twist Out

After work
Before Work

I think these pics look better. U can see the fullness of the style..Two strand twist set on rollers and loc loops with water only... I will delete that other pic on the previous post.. I didn't like the way that makeup looked.. It looked white ewww like a gray pasty... minerals huh.. going back to Mac...

Thanks Nihuru!!

In the morning
In the afternoon after work/Dang I look tired after work...

A back shot in the morning

Nihu gave me the best styling tip... So I posted about it.. Most of the time I freestyle but because my hair is not too short and not too long, I have limited styling options. U know how that goes.. Anyway I two-strand twisted my hair into bunches and spritz with water only last night and rolled them with sponge rollers and loc loops... I really liked the outcome because it gave me body and it wasn't super tight like those braid outs which I don't like on me at this time. I chose not to use setting lotion because it makes my hair hard and I have never liked hard hair.My hair is too short for the braid out right now in my opinion but when it gets longer I will try that style and hopefully I will like it but I am not one for putting all of tension on my hair. I love this crinkly look.. I will post an end of the day shot... Thanks Nihu...

Sisterlocked Sisters

Sister before reti-- Friday morning at the Texas State Fair @23 months
Sister after reti--Friday night at Reggae Spot

She curled her hair using the lock loops. I did but didn't like it so I spritzed my hair with water to loosen them or get rid of em. Like the fullness but not the curl too much. Maybe when it gets longer

me( Penny) @ 21 months

Heck all I know is in Jan it will b 2yrs.. I am really bad about keeping up with the months.

Been really busy at work and no time to blog but I will try to post a picture..

Random Pics

Recently the boys and I went to the circus.Actually I believe it was Tues. Aug. 4 which is the same day I got my hair done. Fresh parts ewww. U know I was looking at the trailer for Chris Rock's movie Good hair and it looks really interesting. It's such a taboo subject black women and their hair. In the clips they talk about relaxers and weaves and the origins of the frustration that we have. Man it's like all these famous women are coming out of the closet about their extensions. Find the clip on U tube. I will try to download it later.

In the salon this lady had a TWA and she wanted to do something quick fast and in a hurry cuz she had always worn weaves and the people at work probably didn't know what was under that weave. She was there looking for natural styles.While I was sitting in the chair, she was observing as Elaine worked her magic. She quickly stated I need that "those kind of twists". My consultant said that is permanent and they r locs. She looked and was stuck on sisterlocks.She looked in amazement so the sisterlock video was popped n. She and her adult daughter were impressed. She had sample locks put n but was in shock when she learned of the price. I noticed her mouth stayed open when the card was handed to her with a dollar amount. I injected by saying it is worth it. She left with out n e pressure. However within 5 minutes she called back and said she wanted a full installation by the end of the week. Wow just by looking at my 18 to 19 month locs !

Go Sisterlocks!

Swimming with Sisterlocks

I love my hair. No hair drama. Just swim and go and when it dries it still looks good.

18 months

Sorry no time to blog or type about my hair. Most of the time I am on Facebook!!. My hair is growing so I am told. I can tell by pics. Seeing is believing because to me its still the same ole same ole...I really like the new color. However my buddy Nihuru always colors her hair and its nice.. Not to over the top and nothing harsh and brash looking to look dry and if I do say GHETTO. Yes there are some colors that should belong in the crayola box and not on ur head. I become personally ashamed for black women when we don't carry our selves in a regal manner whether it be ur hair, ur clothes, ur speech etc... Represent at all times.. If that came out snooty tooty oh well its my blog. Back to Facebook!! I am addicted to that. Kick me a personal email if u wanna be friends on Facebook.

Keep Lockin

So Long Brown and "Hello Jet Black

The picture in brown is before the color. The second is the end result.

So long brown

Hello Jet Black

I had to color my hair last night! I couldn't stand the brown hair on me and my locks. My natural hair is brown and when I used to have a relaxer my hair would turn reddish-brown and people thought I had a color but it was my natural color. After looking at the close up of my hair and my sisters hair last week I knew I had to color it. Dark colors in my opinion make my hair look fuller and richer. I am pleased with the finished results. I think when you have really light locks you see too many knots and imperfections. Not to say that the locks will be perfect because they wont. At least with black hair or darker hair it is camouflauged. In all honesty I saw three gray hairs in my temple area on the right side and my my sister told me she noticed my gray hair on the left. Imagine my surprise when she said that because I was only noticing one side and she pointed out that it was on both. The lil curly area in the front was gray and I wasn't having it. I am not ready for the gray hair just yet. Nope not yet!!

I used two boxes of the Textures and Tones color because the last time I colored one box is definately not enough. One box was enough when I had a relaxer but not with locks. It took me 30 minutes to apply it and I left it in for the recommended time.

Dang as I look at those pics all I can see is that dang bump that I had to go and mess with on my forehead. I scar very easily so I have to keep my hands out of my face or I will break out.

****

I locked my hair in Jan '08. I have been locked for 17 months! On lots of my posts I usually give estimates of the time I have been locked but everyone is so precise so I said I guess I should be too.

A Great School Year

The school year is finally over for the kids however not for me. I will continue to work through the summer. This past weekend I went to Atlanta to see my little sweetie graduate from High School Clayton County Schools in spite of the issues they continue to have. She was in 7th grade when I moved and I promised her that I would make it to her graduation because she was always asking when I was coming back so I had to keep my promised.It was fun seeing all of my girlfriends and shopping and doing grown up things without the kids. I went shopping, went to friends homes for food and spirits(if ya know what I mean). I really miss ATL. I laughed a whole lot and got to be my true self (loud &, silly willy) . I would post pics of my friends but I am sure they do not want to be all over the internet so I won't put them out there. (ok I will call some and see if its ok)The difference between Atl and Texas to me is that in Atl people are friendlier because no one is really from their and true friendships occur at work unlike here in Texas where they tend to visit only family and talk to only family.. So lame in my opinion. I missed the get togethers. Thanks ladies for the fun weekend.

I have put pics of the boys during their awards day programs. I am so proud of them. My oldest scored commendable on all three areas of TAKS tests as he recieved honors for the A honor roll and my little one recieved an award for best grades also.

The summer should be interesting. I have never worked in the summer before so I will c how it is.

I am getting my hair re-ti on Friday. I just freestyled the whole weekend and let the steam from the shower plump them up and since they needed a re-ti they were extra thick looking. I cant stand how they look right after a fresh reti. I didn't bring lock loops cuz I didn't want to be bothered and by the late early mornings I was getting to bed I knew I wasn't going to roll any hair .

Sisterlock Sisters

These are updated pictures of lil' sister's locks... Too cute! I love her hair it is so thick. She let me trim off some of the ends however this is the before look. We tried to to take pics of the after but my camera needed charging. I will post some later.She still wants to keep a little of her ends. She likes the curl it gives. If I remember to take my camera. Maybe if she comes over later to bring back my two CDs(Keri Hilson and Ciara) and my book"Never Again Once More". I know you're reading this!! You jacked my book!!! We are in a book club and she threw hers in the trash can.

Sister's locks are 17 months. She doesn't do a darn thing to her hair... I think she puts rollers( those bendable stick thing-a-ma-jigs) in the morning and two pony tails at night and thats it.... The pics do not show the true thickness of her hair. I need a better camera honestly.

Bring my book so I can be prepared for the meet up/book club... I love you!! (remember the end of Grey's Did you say it? Drink all of life in and take a look around and be grateful and thankful and remember to say it.)

** I decided to change the side of my part and I like it.. Looks fuller to me... Just wash and go...

Hair-mazing

July 2008
May 2009
(The last time I wore this shirt )

I am simply amazed at how my hair grows or transforms. As a look at other ladies blogs and track their growth and changes I am speechless. Dewdrop,Chosen Vessel, and Knots and Locks and Adoration and so many others that I like... I eagerly anticipate each month to add yet another milestone. It's easy to see the current styles and looks that everyone has but look at where they started. Some pretty and others well .... others that you say I am glad I don't have that problem or glad that your hair don't look like that... Either way...Its a trip... A fun one that is full of discovery. You wake up and discover new stuff that you can do to hair.. You discover hair styles by accident and roll with it...

I have very soft hair so some of ends are curly and do not have that lock feel but no one know but me.. I will have to post some before and after pics of my sisters extremely thick locks...She hasn't cut her ends off though. I will do it for her this summer. I think she is ready. I wanted her to wait one full school year but they need to go...

Happy Sisterlocking or Locking

Penny's Secret

I am no longer in denial. I am a thick girl. I decided to post some full body shots because this past year I have gained thirty pounds. I am sick of it really. I am tall so my weight looks different on me. I guess I wear it well. I am officially on a diet or should I say life change. My weight keeps me from dating among other things and since I am not dating I might as well eat but the weight keeps me from dating.... It's a crazy cycle. Bad enough I used to have the brown girl issues which I will not speak about but you know what I mean if you are a brown girl. Let's put it this way when you get played you begin to critique every thing about yourself..... I feel like Oprah with the weight thing. I excerise yes not a fan of it. My second address is not at the gym. I am starting to eat right as of last week but I back slid this week. I am an emotional eater or snacker. I snack all the time. If I am mad I snack if I get my feeling hurt I snack and if I am in deep though I snack. When I am really liking or feeling myself I work out.Hmmm what a connection I just made! So I am saying today!! I like myself way too much to be this new person. I will loose this weight by the end of the summer so consider this my before shots. I will not post progress shots nor will I say what I weigh. I am 5'7 so it stretches. My sister had a baby and lost all her weight. I still have mine..... However I don't really compare my self to anyone but my former self. I am working on the inside to transform the outside but old habits die hard.

In all fairness about 15 lbs is due to steroids and the other meds I take on a regular basis. The rest of my assests is all on me.

My hair looks good since I can see length. I only see length through pictures in person I only see flaws. Today this man was talking to his son and I guess they were talking about my hair cuz I heard the son say something that he wasn't shaving his hair off. The conclusion that I drew was that he wanted locks and his father (old school shallow black man) was asking him if thats what he wanted while looking at me. You know I gave him the evil damn eye like don't stare at me and talk cuz I ain't deaf you know...... Any who....

locked 15 months

wash and go hair and pulled back

sprayed with Carols Daughter Tui leave in conditioner

My Big Boy Baby "Daddy's Dreams Part II"

My baby couldnt wait to tell me how it went. I couldn't go and watch. I get nervous for my kids. I don't want them to know what rejection feels like. Today their dad said it was totally packed. All of the professionals were out with their sons and he said they were riding my son because of his height and size. I said he has never played. He is shy. Dad said he did a good job.

Daddy's Dreams

Good job kids!

My poor baby didn't want to get weighed.

Dad is standing next to him with the big head. Why did his dad tell him to make a football face.

A little pep talk in the "Cotton Bowl Arena". Thats my son on the end with the white and black shoes.

There he goes to the next station. That kid on the end was good.

My child loved tackling!! I wonder why. I told him to pretend he was a wrestler. His dad said pretend it was him. Who knows which one worked?

The man of the hour Deion Sanders!! Prime Time

Me and my sisterlocks in the mist. Just took and shower and freestyled. I didn't worry about an umbrella when it started to drizzle. :)

Sisterlocks 15 months




" The Tryouts"

The things men do to get their kids in sports. My children's father signed the boys up for try outs or should I say selection for a football league. Deion Sanders former Dallas Cowboy and Atlanta Falcons player has this football league a non-profit organization that emphasizes academics and sports and character development. My ex is an all sports freak so of course he wanted them to be a part of this like so many other parents who went out the wet weather for possible selection. All of the dads were giving their sons pep talks on the side lines like "run fast" "be tough" "follow directions" and "have fun" which is my personal favorite.The ages today were 5-8 year olds and tomorrow will be the older kids which my 10 year old who has never played a lick of sports is stressing over. I hope he gets selected. My sons are tall and big for their ages so people always assumed they were much older than they were. Their dad wants my oldest to tryout early tommorrow which is Sunday. I told him no. My order of importance is Church, Academics(excellence is the expectation), then Sports..... On our way out there were other coaches from other leagues asking parents to sign their kids up if they don't get selected. "Recruitment" for 5-8 year olds go figure..... I guess tommorrow I will post some pics of my oldest.