Wednesday, February 27, 2013

February '13 Length Check

13 Months Natural

It’s been another month...time for a length check!!

January 30, 2013 = 1 year natural, 11 weeks since the BC
What's the BC? See here


February 25, 2013 = 54 weeks natural, 15 weeks since the BC

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Tuesday, February 26, 2013

First Things First

Hey guys!! You know how much I love these things, so I won't even get into it today!! So, I'm linking up today for First Things First!
 
First beverage of choice: This is a no brainer!! My first beverage of choice is ALWAYS Mountain Dew and no Mello Yello will not suffice. I love this soda and drink at least once a day. I haven’t always liked Mt. Dew like that and I can’t really pinpoint when I did start liking it that much, but now that I do it’s engrained. I know soda is bad for your body…and I know that Mountain Dew is the worst of all sodas (blah, blah, blah)…but I usually try to treat myself with one every night at supper time (I don’t actually say supper…but I think it’s hilarious, so I wanted to use it).  Now that I’m fasting for Easter (no soda, fried foods, sweets, or junk food), I don’t drink my soda at night...and my body knows it! I’ll be cooking dinner and my taste buds  will be revving up for Mt. Dew getting ready. If you read my post here you’d know about my grocery shopping escapade. During that escapade, I decided to drink outside of the Mt. Dew box. I got a box of Pepsi and Fanta (Orange). I didn’t really enjoy the Pepsi too much and there are actually about 2 or 3 cans of it left. I have, however, gotten on the Fanta train. We’ll see how far this Fantasea goes! LOLOL…I crack myself up :-)

First breakfast of choice: Since this is "of choice" I will give my ideal breakfast (that I never have time to eat!). My breakfast of choice would be Ihop's Pick-A-Pancake Combo with Strawberry Pancakes, either bacon or ham, hash browns, and shelled eggs scrambled. I love IHOP's breakfast. My best friend Nicole does too. Every time we get together we go there...except for recently. I've had a little bout with eggs, so I've tried to steer clear of them. I'm slowly working my way back to a place where I'm in love with them again! Eggs are my absolute favorite breakfast food!!

First dessert of choice: Since I don't really eat desserts, per se, I don't really have a preference. Whenever I get a taste for something sweet, I make a run to Krispy Kreme!! Who doesn't love doughnuts?? The last few times I've gone to Krispy Kreme, the Hot Now sign wasn't on, but that didn't stop me!! I think I got a dozen doughnuts each time. The last time I went, I was trying to hide them from CB, but he surprised me and ending up catching me with the doughnuts anyway. He didn't know that (but he does now ;-)! Other than that, I recently went to this local restaurant and had warm apple pie a la mode. It was the most delicious thing I'd ever tasted. It almost knocked me off my feet...but I was sitting down, so I was good! 

I hope you guys enjoyed this visit!

IOh, btw, what are your first drink, breakfast, and dessert of choice?? I'm curious to know!




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1000

I JUST HIT 1000 PAGEVIEWS!!!

THANKS TO ALL WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THAT NUMBER!!
...
ESPECIALLY MY FOLLOWERS!! SPECIAL SHOUT OUT TO ALL OF YOU!!

WHAT'S BEEN YOUR FAVORITE POST SO FAR??


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Monday, February 25, 2013

I Wanna See You Work Out For Me....

I HAVE AN ANNOUNCEMENT TO MAKE and I'm pretty excited about it!

I went to the gym today to work out. I talked a little bit about my gym woes, here, but today I have good news to report. Here was my normal routine for the gym, pre-straightened hair:

NORMAL ROUTINE
Treadmill: Speed 4; Incline 2; 15 mins
Adductor: 90 lbs, 12 reps; 100 lbs, 12 reps; 110 lbs, 12 reps
Abductor: 100 lbs, 110 lbs, 120 lbs (all 12 reps)
Leg Extensions: 50 lbs, 60 lbs, 70 lbs (all 12 reps)
Abdominals: 65 lbs, 70 lbs (both 12 reps)
Simultaneous dumbbell lifts: 12.5 lbs, 3 times, 12 reps each
Alternate dumbbell lifts: 12.5 lbs, 3 times, 12 reps each
Oblique side weight lifts: 30 lbs, 3 times, 12 reps each
Leg press: 160 lbs, 12 reps; 180 lbs, 6 reps; 190 lbs, 5 reps

Since I was out of the gym for 2 weeks, I've been trying to ease my body back into the normal routine with this adjusted routine:
ADJUSTED ROUTINE (changes from normal noted)
Treadmill: minus .2 from speed
Adductor: minus 20 pounds from each
Abductor: minus 10 pounds from each
Leg Extensions: same
Abdominals: same
Simultaneous dumbbell lifts: minus 2.5 lbs
Alternate dumbbell lifts: minus 2.5 lbs
Oblique side weight lifts: same
Leg press: same lbs, minus 2 reps; minus 10 lbs, minus 2 reps; minus 10 lbs, same reps

I felt like a wuss on the adjusted routine, even though there wasn't significant change in my workout. I knew what I was capable of and I wished I wouldn't have stayed out those two weeks. But what was a girl to do?! 

The gym is usually jam packed during the week. Because I felt like my body wasn't ready, I didn't want to do my normal routine while there were so many people in there because I didn't want to embarrass myself (in case my body gave out during the workout).

I went to the gym today, and it was heaven. It's usually a lighter crowd in there on the weekends, so I feel I can work out like I want to (see here for some comic relief related to this subject)! I usually go to the gym every Saturday and Sunday I'm in town, but the break did just that to my workout schedule too...broke it! So, along with working on getting my body back to the regular weight sizes, I'm trying to get my motivation back too.

I got tired of the wuss routine and pushed myself today. I was very proud of my accomplishments today! Here's what I did:
TODAY'S ROUTINE
Treadmill: adjusted
Adductor: normal
Abductor: normal
Leg Extensions: 60 lbs, 65 lbs, 70 lbs (all 12 reps)
Abdominals: 70 lbs, 80 lbs (both 12 reps)
Simultaneous dumbbell lifts: adjusted
Alternate dumbbell lifts: adjusted
Oblique side weight lifts: 35 lbs, 3 times, 12 reps each
Leg press: 170 lbs, 10 reps; 180 lbs, 8 reps; 200 lbs, 6 reps!

I lifted 200 pounds with my legs!! That's the most I've lifted ever. I was so happy and excited when I did it. I did it with a type of ease that's not exactly easy but it's not unbearable. I've discovered the best feet placement to give me maximum coverage for lifting the weights, so I'm eager to life more...but again, I will not push my body too hard! I will work up to more weight with time.

In case you haven't noticed, the leg press is where my main focus is with working out. My workout routine is centered around my midsection (stomach, thighs, butt). My goal for the upcoming month is to get all my numbers at least back up to the Normal Routine numbers, then to surpass each of the normal numbers by the end of the March. Also, 250 will be my leg press goal!

I'm excited and I feel I deserve some applause! For those of you who have set workout goals for the year, where are you with those? Share with me; I'd love to hear from you! :-)

Check out the I Love My Online Friends GFC Blog Hop at The Things We Find Inside (button on the sidebar). Happy Monday followers and visitors!


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Sunday, February 24, 2013

Sunday Social

It's Sunday Social y'all!!

Sunday Social

Here we go!!

1. What was your biggest middle school fashion mistake?
Middle school fashion? I can barely remember what I wore yesterday, let alone thinking about what I wore all the way back in middle school. Thank goodness for pictures, right?! Because of the pictures, I vaguely remember wearing way too big jeans and way too big shirts. I remember a lot of plaid shirts. And, I also remember wanting these platform Reeboks sooooo bad. I begged my mom to get me those for the longest time and when I finally got them, I don't think I wore them but a hand full of times...lol. Kids!


2. Who were your best friends in high school? Pics?
I had a number of friends throughout middle school and high school. But the ladies who have been with me since middle school are my three best friends to this day: Dorothy (affectionately known as Dottie...my longest friendship - since 5th grade), Nicole, & Tia (list in alphabetical order...lol)! We all bonded through band. Me, Nicole, and Dottie played the flute; Tia played the clarinet. We've all come such a long way and I am extremely proud of each of these ladies!!

I guess we thought we were Charlie's Angels...lol! :-)


3. What was a typical weekend like for you in high school?
Well, I haven't changed too much from high school to now. I was a homebody then and I'm still a homebody now. I don't know if this is by choice or if it's by circumstance...LOL. If I could have it my way, I'd be much more outgoing than I am, but I digress. Typically, especially in the fall, my weekends would be full of marching band activities (hear more from me about band here). We traveled almost every weekend for band competitions. The band was really good and at our largest during my first two years. The last two years things were changing. The atmosphere was changing with each new class that entered high school...and it was downhill from there! LOL.


4. Did you have any boyfriends?
Tell us about that.
I did. They weren't anything extraordinary, just your typical high school relationships. Not really too much to tell there.


5. Did you have any secret codes with your friends?
Spill your secrets!
I'm trying to think back to high school and the things my friends and I did and said. I'm sure we had our little inside jokes and sayings, but I'm drawing a blank!


6. If you could relive one day/moment/experience from middle school or high school, what would it be?
There are three moments I would relive (I know it just says one, but I have to make up for questions 4 and 5)! First: The summer before my senior year, my friend and I were able to go to this program called Project Uplift at UNC. While there we just so happened to meet two young men, from the next city over from our hometown, who were attending the program as well. We all hit it off and ended up spending some time together once we all got back home, but it was high school! We hung out a few times and lost touch. By some bizarre twist of fate, years and years later (after high school, college, and grad school!), I ran into the guy I liked the most out of the two. Fast forward to today, me and my CB are doing well! I would relive those moments because who would have known that those moments would be so special for my future! :-)

Secondly: I would relive getting my acceptance letter from the greatest school in the nation! That's right, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Once I read that letter I felt as if I had the whole world ahead of me. I would go off to UNC, become a pharmacist, and stack money!! LOL. Needless to say, things definitely did not happen like that, but I would relieve that moment because it was the beginning of a new chapter for me.

Thirdly: I would relieve graduation day! Just as the acceptance letter was the beginning of a new chapter, graduation was the kick start. It made me realize that things were about to get real. I was going to be on my own. I was going to leave home and never come back!! (That was my slogan in high school...my mom brings that up from time to time...we get a kick out of it now) I would relive this moment, but I would want to change it a bit. I wish I could have gone into college like a blank slate, instead of going in thinking I knew everything. I wish I didn't know what I thought I wanted to major in and I definitely wish I wouldn't have taken both Calculus and Chemistry during my first semester there...big mistake!! LOL. But, I learned a lot of lessons from my college experience. I pass these lessons on to every young person I know entering college (at least the ones who'll listen...lol).

What are your answers to these questions?? I'd love to hear!

Join the Sunday Social at A Complete Waste of Makeup (button in the sidebar).
You'll enjoy it!
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Friday, February 22, 2013

5 Question Friday

I found this little gem through a site I follow and was ecstatic! I love these just as much as Blog Hops!! So, let's get started!!


1. What is a hobby you would love to learn and why?

I would LOVE to take up ballet. I watch Dance Moms all the time. I love watching ballet and I can see myself moving like ballet dancers (in my head, that is...LOL). Ballet is so artistic and expressive...it's amazing! I don't know if ballet is the best for your body, but it's definitely beautiful. If my body were more agile, if I had the time to devote to the craft, and if I knew I could dance like I see myself dancing in my head...I would totally do this!!




2. What do you wish you could have delivered to your house but does not deliver?



Good question. Right here recently, my life has been on the fast track. I've had so many things going on that I say almost everyday "I need an assistant!". There are many things I wish could be done for me. Now, to think of just one thing I would love to have delivered to my house, I would pick groceries. I'm in the grocery store a lot. I try to keep a running list of things I need to avoid forgetting things. I always end up getting the opportunity to go to the grocery store when I don't have my list with me. I'm a "once-I-get-in-the-house-I'm-staying-in-the-house" kinda girl. I hate having to back track, especially for a list! Ha! So I rehearse the list in my head until I think I at least have enough items remembered to make the trip worthwhile...only to get home and realize I missed the one item I really needed! If I could get groceries delivered, that would totally eliminate my problem. For kicks, check out some of my grocery escapades here and here!





3. What's your favorite snow day activity? Inside and out?

It doesn't usually snow here in North Carolina, but this year we've had more than a good helping of it...check it out here! I hate cold weather. If I could have it my way, I'd live in Florida or California because neither of those states have a real winter (although they have their fair share of hurricanes and earthquakes...smh...you win some, you lose some...lol)! Needless to say, I don't have any favorite snow day activities outside...LOL. When I'm inside, I long for my moma's vegetable beef soup and peanut butter sandwiches. Since, I can't make it like she can (or because I don't try...lol...which I have good reason for but that's another story in itself) I usually wind up on the couch, watching TV, rummaging in the cabinets and fridge for food (since I never believe it's going to snow, I never prepare). I enjoy the snow because it gives me a reason to have lazy day on purpose!



4. Would you meet a stranger from an Internet dating site?

I definitely WOULD NOT. I watch enough Criminal Minds, Law & Order, and local news not to do that. People are CRAZY these days. I know there are numerous sites that boast about being the best match makers on the web. I know they promote "happy couples" who found each other on their websites. I just don't trust it. If I don't know you, if I don't know people who know you, if I'm not around you on a daily basis to see how you act (in public and with other people), I'm not believing anything you tell me through a computer. PUHLEASE!! It is 2013. It might work for some and I'm not knocking it if that's what you like, but I'm a skeptic and I WILL NOT engage in such activities...lol. I'm good with my CB ;-)


5. If you had to spend 35 hours in a car with 4 other people, who would you choose?

35 hours? Do we get bathroom breaks, food, and and/or sleep?? Geez!! And 4 other people in addition to myself...are we in a Suburban?? We better be! LOL. If I had to choose 4 other people I would choose (definitely in no particular order) my CB, my mom, my sister, and my best friend Nicole (at Pharr Away). I would choose these people because they are the people I talk to the absolute most. I love having fun and I always have fun with them all. That's a very long trip...I wonder where we're going! :-)

What are your answers to these 5 questions?? I'd love to hear it!
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My Afro Is Back!!

I finally washed my flexi-rod curls out Tuesday night. I'm so happy to see my hair again! I think I could've held the curls in for the whole two weeks, but those curls just were not sitting right with me!

3 months after the big chopThe first picture shows my hair the day after I washed it. I set this hairstyle as I normally do (I didn't realize I didn't have a blog about my setting process for this hairstyle, but it's a mixture of here, here, and here. I'll write one soon.). I think it might be about time to get my ends trimmed though. They feel really rough and don't seem to moisturize as well as they used to. It's been a little over 3 months since I've big chopped, so I definitely think its about time.

When I do a wet set for the night, I think my hair turns out dryer period; not dry as in under-moisturized...it just has a dryer feel to the touch. As a result, I over-moisturize...and my face does not deal well with the over-moisturization of my hair!! I douse my hair with a mixture of moisturizer, moisture butter, and coconut oil...next thing I know, over a couple of days, I start growing mini unicorn horns. (Read about my past problems with this issue here)

A twistout hairstyle with a flat twistThe picture on the left shows a sample of the mini horns! Looking at this picture, I don't know if my iPad has a camera or a microscope on it!

I've been dealing with dry skin this winter. I don't know if it's just that cold, if I'm just getting older, or what?! I've started drinking more water and I've started using coconut oil on my skin, which includes my face too.

The coconut oil was doing okay on my face when my hair was pulled back and away from my face. Now that my hair is getting some length to it and hangs on my face a little more, whenever I wear it down, I need to be more aware of how much product I'm using. There's something about the mixture of products on my hair that my face doesn't like. Either way, my face is currently breaking out, so I need to figure out what it is because I don't like feeling, or looking, like a unicorn!

The second hairstyle also kind of sparked my creative juices. Whenever I do my hair myself, I do an afro (or some variation of it). When I was transitioning, I used to experiment with flat twists, and it would look good. I threw some flat twists in my hair today, which is what that is at the front of my hair (I know you can't tell from the angle of the picture), and it turned out well. So, I have until Dilemma Tuesday (what's Dilemma Tuesday) to play with different flat twist styles, wish me luck!!
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Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Pencil Skirt OOTD

So, I'm excited about doing an Outfit Of The Day post!! I posted a picture of myself this past Sunday on Instagram and got some really good feedback from Jessie at Blogging While Single and Over 30. I thought it would be a great outfit to share as an OOTD. I'm sure I won't be doing these often because I feel like once you capture an outfit (such as posting pictures online - Facebook, Instagram, etc.) it lessens the bang the outfit has when you wear it again! LOL...maybe that's just my flawed thinking, but I digress.

The outfit, or shall I say outfit(s) of the day are a play off of each other. Okay, the secret is out!! Whenever I find a good piece (whether it be clothes, shoes, etc.), for a decent price, I'm very tempted to buy two. Most times I refrain, but there are a number of instances where I do not. LOL. These OOTD shows two instances where I did not refrain. Items - the blazer and the skirt!



Top Picture
Blazer: JCPenney
Shirt: I don't remember. If I had to guess I'd say Charlotte Russe or Forever 21
Scarf: I don't remember...lol. If I had to guess I'd say Rainbow
Skirt: Ross
Tights: Charlotte Russe
Boots: Payless
Earrings: Body Central
Michael Kors Watch: My CB *smiley*
Bracelet: Claire's





Bottom Picture:
Blazer: JCPenney
Shirt: I don't remember. If I had to guess I'd say Charlotte Russe or Forever 21
Necklace: Beauty World
Skirt (with belt attached): Ross
Tights: Charlotte Russe
Boots: Payless
Owl Earrings: Gift from a good friend
Michael Kors Watch: My CB *smiley*
Bracelet: Claire's



I don't know if you guys know this or not, but I'm a very frugal shopper. I splurged on a few items for these outfits, so my point won't be made today. But my cutest and biggest saves were the skirts. They were $6 each! Very cute and sheek; and can be used for both work and play.

What do you guys think? I mean, cute - I know, but other than that...LOL...jk, jk!

Seriously, what do you guys think?

This is pegged as my favorite post for this week!! Check out the blog hop:

Life in a Break Down
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Tuesday, February 19, 2013

First Things First

Good Day All!!

It's Tuesday. The week has just begun and Friday cannot get here fast enough! First things first, I set up this post to automatically go out this morning...AND IT DIDN'T WORK!! Lol, so this post is 4 1/2 hours late going out *mad face*

Now, Hallie from Life: Oceanside did a First things First last week and asked these questions. Although she has not yet posted for a link up today, I'm still going to give her a shout out for it anyway!!

First thing you do when you get home
Well there's a routine I follow when I get home. I walk in the house and the first thing I pass is the TV. So I turn the cable box on then turn the TV on. There are very few days when I turn neither of them on (you guys know the kinds of days I'm talking about)! Even when I'm not watching TV, I like to have the TV on for background noise. Helps me feel like I'm engaging with a friend who's talking nonstop (you don't really have to listen!!..lol).

Your "first" date with your now significant other
Wow. The first date CB and I had was a lunch date at Olive Garden on Christmas Eve! How can one forget a Christmas Eve first date?! I can remember parts of it like it was yesterday. I remember where we sat in the restaurant and everything. When he first asked me to go on the date, the first word that came to mind was shock! I have a bad memory for some things, but I tend to remember special things like this a little more than I can remember anything else.

Your first email address
Ha! My first email address was mlh03cutie@yahoo.com. This email stands for: my initials (mlh); the year I was going to graduate from high school (03); and I guess I thought I was cute (cutie)...LOL! I was a teenager when I opened that account...probably around 14 or 15! It seems like so long ago! I still go into it every now and then, but it probably wouldn't hurt to deactivate it.

Ah, reminiscing! What are your firsts??

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Thursday, February 14, 2013

Boring Straight Hair

I had my hair straightened for my Naturalversary. For the last two weeks my hair has been straight...and it was VERY cute to start with, but after about a week (and after my boyfriend saw it), I was ready to call the straight hair thing quits!!

This past weekend I wanted to wash my hair sooo bad but I convinced myself not to because there was no point. I knew I'd be getting my hair done Tuesday, so I felt it would a waste of my good products!!

Pinterest Pic
of Comb Coils
I'm going to start calling my salon day Dilemma Tuesday. I never know what I want to get done to my hair...it's become quite ridiculous! This time I had it narrowed down to two styles. I knew I either wanted comb coils or a flexi rod set. I was originally going to get the comb coils. I hadn't seen a finished product of the coils in person, but I saw one picture on Pinterest that convinced me that it would be a good look for me.

One: this picture is a deceptive because this lady has WAY more hair than I do! Two: this picture is a deceptive because her hair is a reddish color. For those that know me or may have been following my hair journey, you know I had red hair for about 7 years.

I LOVED MY RED HAIR. When I decided to get red hair, I was trying to be like my Mom. She started rinsing her hair with a deep purple color when I was in high school. A few years later, I was in college and craving a different look. I decided to try this hair rinse. Since I didn't want to be exactly like her, with the purple, I chose Ruby Red. If you read this, you know red is my favorite color! I rinsed my hair the whole time I was in college and it was extremely gorgeous. I didn't realize how much I loved it until I got used to it. There were two occasions when I stopped rinsing my hair. One was my senior year in college and the other time was during grad school.

Jazzing Ruby Red Hair RinseEach time, I went right back to the red. I felt it gave me flair!! People always commented on my red hair. I like to stand out and having red hair was different. Since my natural hair color is so light, when the rinse was applied it stood out more than it would on someone with darker hair. Rinses are a lighter form of hair dying. Because it's not permanent, the down side is all the run off. If I were to sweat or get my hair wet...or even for the first few days after getting the color redone...red dye would be all over the neck of my shirts, coats, blazers, etc. When I washed my hair at home it was like a bloody scene because the dye would run like crazy!! Anyhow, I digress.

My whole point is I changed my mind about the coils because I didn't think my coils would look as nice as they do in that picture. I went a step further and googled other pictures of comb coils because I know some of those pictures on Pinterest can be very deceiving. I was not pleased with the additional pictures I found. They were not as gorgeous.

SO, because I have an important appointment on Thursday, I didn't want to chance it with a so-so hairdo. I went with the flexi rods. 

Sitting under the dryer with flexi rods Every time I try a new style I get so nervous. I like to know how things are going to turn out because I don't like being disappointed, no one does! But I think this turned out pretty well. I went in; got my hair shampooed and conditioned; got my hair set in about 20 minutes; sat under the dryer for what seemed like forever; got the rods taken out and voila! My stylist always compliments my hair and how easy it is to work with. She said that my hair rolled with the rods so well that it was making her job that much easier. She also told me that hair normally grows a half an inch a month, but mine is definitely growing at a much quicker rate...maybe an inch per month! I see my hair every day so I don't feel like it's doing that much growing, but the ladies at the salon say differently than what I think. I guess I'm just craving "hang time" (hair that hangs down from the head).

Flexi Rod CurlsThe curls are extremely cute, but since the style is so new, the curls are still extremely tight. 

I know as time goes on the curls will loosen and I will probably like it more then. I guess I just got used to the straight hair hanging around my face and now that it's not it's kinda like...ehh. So, I guess we'll see with time how much truth there is to this fast growing hair statement and to see if my hair will hang a little more.  But for now, I still love, Love, LOVE my hair!!


And Visit Kerry at Oh So Amelia:
Life in a Break Down
There are many things I love, so it was hard to pick one thing to discuss today. I picked this post about my hair because I've missed blogging about it!! This journey (going and becoming natural) is still so exciting for me. I love sharing my experiences with it and, in turn, I hope to inspire others to do it, educate others about this process, and entertain you all with my stories!!
Join my blog and the Blog Hop, visit Rekita, Kerry...and other bloggers! Share what your favorite posts from the week and what you love!!
 
Also, welcome the "Almost Friday Thursday Blog Hop"!! You never know who you might find!
Have a LOVEly day everyone!!
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Sunday, February 10, 2013

The ABC's of Mi!

I got this idea from Hannah Alexis at from Wonderfully Sewn. I thought it was a quick and fun post and also an easy way to for you to get to know a little bit more about me. I also wanted to break away from the monotony of my Black History Notes!! So, here ya have it:

A = Available or Married?
Tricky. I've never liked answering this question. I'm not married but I'm not available.

B = Book?
I'm working on reading The Bible cover to cover.
I have a schedule I use; in one night I read verses from the Old Testament, New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs.

C = Cake or Pie?
Cake.
I haven't really put my finger on what's my favorite kind. I used to think it was pineapple cake but when I put requests in for it, I never know how what it's going to come back tasting like...LOL. Everybody makes it differently. So...I think I'm going to change my mind on favorite cakes and start saying that strawberry shortcake is my favorite. You can't possibly mess that up!!

D = Drink of Choice?
MOUNTAIN DEW!
Hands down!! If I don't have anything else in the refrigerator, you can bet your bottom dollar there's Mountain Dew in there!

E = Essential Item?
CHAPSTICK!
I always have it and I'm lost without it. Strawberry and cherry flavors are interchangeable.

F = Favorite Color?
Red.
Even though it shouldn't be...(I'm a sorority woman (an AKA) and our colors are pink and green. One of the "other" sororities color is red, so it's supposedly off limits to us!! - in a playful way :-). Red is my favorite color because that was my favorite color skittle as a child. I would always save all the red skittles and eat them last...either one by one or all at once. Whenever I find myself eating skittles, I still find myself doing this!

G = Game to watch or play?
Ruzzle.
I'm kinda like a pro at it! (Ruzzle me at mlhender if you're up for the challenge)

H = Hometown?
Kinston, NC.
Or K-Town for those who already know what's up!! K-Town stay down!

I = Indulgence?
Great question. I would probably have to say Reality TV.
As much as I hate to admit watching it. Most of the shows I have in my weekly lineup are Reality shows...and not the most wholesome Reality TV shows either.

J = Job
I work for a government agency. We're not supposed to say what we do :-)
I will, however, tell you that I have three degrees. A Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the greatest school in the world, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill!! I have two Master of Science degrees: one in Substance Abuse and Clinical Counseling and the other in Rehabilitation Counseling, both from East Carolina Univeristy. I am a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (or CRC) and I am a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (or LCAS). I can be called a Counselor, Therapist, Licensed Professional, etc...but I like to refer to myself as a Clinician. I am working in my field.

K = Kids and Names?
I wish...
I do, however, have a fish named Fino!

L = Life is incomplete without?
God and Love

M = Music group or singer?
My favorite genre of music is rap/hip-hop.
I'm a music person. I played the flute for 6 years, the piccolo for 2 years, and the mellophone (the marching french horn) for 2 years. I have a ear for any kind of music. I could even say that, for the most part, when I listen to music, I'm probably listening more to the music than the words. However, I like Kendrick Lamar, Drake, and Kanye (to name a few). Check out my profile for more information about my music faves!

N = Number of siblings
I have one younger sister (from mom and dad) and a number of half siblings (from my dad).

O = Oranges or apples?
Apples.
I had the best Apple Pie A La Mode the other day...O.M.Goodness!! Although oranges are good, I can't stand the smell of them...or lemons.

P = Phobias or fears?
I have many...but the main fear I have is death.
I know death is a normal part of life that we all must go through. I'm afraid of dying...more importantly I'm afraid I won't get a chance to experience the things I've wanted all my life before I die. I'm working on becoming more comfortable with death through understanding God better.

Q = Quote?
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

R = Reason to Smile?
Ah, excellent question and well needed right now. I'm alive and able to take care of myself, by myself. I have people around me who love me and care about me and I KNOW my future will be brighter than my present.

S = Season?
Spring.
I was born in the Fall, so I'm not a fan of anything weather that's too hot or too cold. I love both Spring and Fall because both seasons are in the middle. I picked Spring because things are warming up during this season. I always said I wanted to live in either Florida or California because neither of these states have a real winter. Every day that's not a cold day, is my favorite. Spring has more of these days, so it's crowned my favorite season!

T = Tattoos?
I have my name on my right wrist, facing me, in Monotype Corsiva print, with an asterisk on both the right and left side. LOL...very descriptive I know.
And, everybody always says the same thing..."What? Are you gonna forget your name?
-___-  (that's my are you serious face, or my 'really?' face...lol)
NO!! I'm not going to forget my name for Pete's sake!! My name is very unique and it's very beautiful. It's pronounced like Rihanna's name...or like Meyonna (for those visual people). I can count the number of people who have read my name correctly upon seeing it for the first time on one hand!! Of all the people who have their name's tattooed on their bodies...show me one just like mine and I'll give you 100 bucks (figuratively...only because I've Facebooked my name and I know there are others out there...and who knows what kind of tattoos they have...LOL!!)!! 
Sidebar: Everyone I've found with my name is younger. I also know a little girl who was named after me. So, I like to credit myself with being the first one EVER!!

U = Unkown fact about me?
I may not be the timeliest person for all things.
Saying that is kind of backwards for me because I hate being late for things too. I would say I try to time things so I get there right at the time I'm supposed to be there. For instance, I have to be at work at a certain time. There's a saying that goes something like 'if you aren't on time for something then you don't care about it'. I beg to differ. My viewpoint is, why does it matter what time I get there or leave, as long as I do all I'm supposed to do while I'm there?! Regardless of what my viewpoint is, I don't pay myself...LOL...so getting up on time is one goal I'm working on. I will be writing a post about where I am with my accountability tasks soon!

V = Vegetable?
Broccoli

W = Worst habit?
I've been recently told that I smack loudly when I eat...LOL.
It's funny, but it's not. I've been working on breaking that habit but it's been a lot harder to break than I thought it would. I never realized I did it. I know I can eat pretty ravenously at times (only when I'm in my comfort zone though...I'm not out at restaurants or at dinner parties eating like an animal) but I've never noticed this. Needless to say, I will eliminate this...ASAP!

X = X-rays?
Dental and a CAT scan.
When I first started having issues with migraines, I had a CAT scan (think it was a CAT scan) to rule out other more serious causes of the headaches.

Y = Your favorite food?
FRENCH FRIES!
Even though CB tells me this isn't a real food and can't be my favorite food...I absolutely LOVE french fries and always have...since I was little. I enjoy eating all kinds of potatoes, but I have to say french fries are my favorite way to eat them. I can eat french fries as a meal right by themselves. One odd way I eat them is by dipping them in applesauce!! (You should try it, it's so good!)
Sidebar: Another unknown fact about me is that I burned us out of house and home my Senior year in high school because of french fries. We were out for Spring Break, I believe, and I was home alone with my dog. The whole time I was cooking french fries, she was jumping at the door, wanting to go outside. In a rush to get her outside, I left the grease on the stove...AND FORGOT TO TURN IT OFF!! Long story short, the grease caught on fire. Good news is the fire was contained in the kitchen. That story is an entertaining story to hear. We ended up having to move though. We lived in a hotel for a few weeks and in my parents' rush to get us in a house, they found a short term solution right before my graduation. That house was the worst ever! After I went off to college, they ended up finding something a little better, but it was only a two bedroom. So, I had to sleep in the living room when I visited from college! LOL...Thank God they ended up moving into a three bedroom later...but only after I was already in grad school with my own apartment! HA...the irony!

Z = Zodiac?
Libra, baby!!
All day everyday...and I fit the bill. I don't believe in astrology. This description about Libras is a lot to read, but it describes me perfectly (to be written by someone who knows nothing about me):

(Libras are first and foremost focused on others and how they relate to them. We can call this the sign of Partnership with a capital 'P' because these folks do not want to be alone! For a Libra, everything is better if it's done as a pair. Libras are good when paired up, too, since they epitomize balance, harmony and a sense of fair play. While they are true team players at work, their favorite partnership is at home: marriage. Libras feel most complete when they are coupled up with their lover, forever. 
          It's the Scales that symbolize Libra and Libras want to be on an even keel. Libras are objective, just, and want to do what's best for everyone. It's possible, though, that this penchant for fairness is for a different reason: Libras abhor conflict. The scales study every possible angle in the hopes of achieving peace and harmony, so much so that others may see them as fickle and indecisive. If that's what it takes to avoid a confrontation, that's fine with the Scales. The Libra-born are keen strategists, organizing groups with poise, and getting the job done. 
          The Scales are cultured, refined and love beautiful things. Most of all, they love beautiful people, which is why Libras do so well at cocktail parties or at the theater, opera or ballet. Those born under this sign always have the right thing to say and know how to make others feel comfortable. Suave? You bet. Libras are so adept at charming conversation that they need to be mindful of overstepping their boundaries and appearing vain or gossipy (the Scales do love intrigue). When these folks are on their game, however, they are a pleasure to be with. Libras are artistic, stylish and enjoy creating a beautiful world. The converse of this is that bored Libras can become apathetic and lazy -- but they'll smile anyway. 
          The element associated with Libra is Air, and that means reaching higher, specifically to the higher mind. Libras like to put their mind to good use, and enjoy communicating their thoughts to others. They like to use their smarts (and talk) to get to know others better -- yes, knowledge about people is where it's at for Libras. You can expect the Scales to make a fair argument, too, since they live by the principles of diplomacy and compromise. When this approach doesn't work, however, Libras are not above using their persuasive charms to get their way. Manipulative? Nah, Libras really are too nice for that. Libras are polite and don't like to fight, far preferring to talk things through. Remember, these folks know how to communicate (they're Air) so they're bound to make their point. Libras don't get in a huff when faced with an opposing viewpoint. Rather, they take a deep breath and consider all the options in the spirit of cooperation. 
Libras love the outdoors. They also love the colors of the sunset sky. In the game of love, Libras are a bundle of energy, romantic and LOYAL TO THE CORE
          The great strength of the Libra-born is their quest for fairness, peace and harmony. That the Scales are the great diplomats of the zodiac further helps their case. A beautiful journey this will be, thanks to the Libra's inimitable sense of style.)

If you do ABC's, let me know. If you read the description, you know I love getting to know things about people!

Also!! Join this Blog Hop:
Blog hops are fun ways to meet new people! I hope you guys browse through my blog, better yet join!! I will definitely return the favor!!
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Sunday Social

I'm starting to learn that I love Blog Hops!! It's a great way to have exciting content AND link up with other bloggers!!

Sunday Social

Sunday Social is in it's 36th week! But, here's my first one!

1. What was your first car?


I'm reluctant to say this, but I still have my first car. It's a silver 2001 Nissan Altima. I first got my car the summer before my Sophomore year in college. I bought it myself and I've kept up it up myself! It hasn't given me any major problems (knock on wood!) so I still have it. I would LOVE to have another car, but I want to always keep this one. It's super reliable. This picture to the right was taken in May 2006. It's the earliest picture I could find with Tima (my car)! She was 2 years old!! :-)



2. Who was your favorite childhood teacher?

I Googled & found
this picture! HEY 
MRS. HAZELGROVE!!
There are many teachers who stick out in my mind! If I had to pick an absolute favorite, it would have to be my 5th grade teacher Mrs. Hazelgrove! Her daughter and I were in the same class, so I continued to see her well after the 5th grade. She's kept up with me and I still see her from time to time when I go home. She's always so warm and welcoming. I enjoyed her class so much and she was and still is one sweet lady!!





3. Were you involved in any sports/extracurricular activities?

I played recreational softball from the 4th to 7th/8th grade. I played 1 year for middle school (can't remember the grade). I wanted to quit when I played for the school because the coach was mean & it was different from recreational ball. My moma wouldn't let me quit!! LOL
In high school, I was in the marching band all 4 years. I played the piccolo the first 2 years & the mellophone (marching french horn) the last 2 years. I loved the marching band. It was a lot of hard work, but we definitely made it fun. We got to travel all over NC & once a year we took a big Spring Trip out of state. Our 1st spring trip was to Virginia Beach, VA, which is right up the street. We all were upset when we found out we were only going VA our first year. The year prior they went to Canada for Pete's sake!! Other years we went to St. Louis, Maryland, and Disney World! After it was all said and done, I think we had to most fun in VA! LOL


I was also in the Jabberwock my Junior year and the Cotillion my Senior year. These are pageants that "introduce young ladies into society". The Jabberwock was a pageant given by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the Cotillion was given by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.! I had the most fun in the Cotillion. There were activities we participated in throughout the school year that bettered us and young women and compared to the Jabberwock the Cotillion was a huge production. I've since joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and have had the honor of being on the other side of the pageants. That's just as much fun, if not more. Don't get me wrong, it's a lot of work but I understand how much of an impact the Cotillion can have on young ladies. I've definitely enjoyed being a part of the sorority and the pageants. I received scholarship money from both pageants but the Cotillion also gave gifts; most that could be used for college.

4. What was your favorite birthday party?
I definitely do not remember the age (I know it was under 10), but I had a birthday party at the skating rink. My friends and family members were there. It was so much fun. This is when I discovered I don't like being the center of attention. I remember my best gift being a Polly Pocket! LOL

5. Who was your teen celebrity crush?

I hate to admit this but Lil' Wayne was my crush! LOL. I had a huge poster of him on my closet door. My friends picked on me for loving him as much as I did. Looking at what he's turned into, I would go back and pick on me for loving him that much too!

6. What show/movie did your parents not allow you to watch?
This may sound bad, but we could watch whatever we wanted to. We were kids, so it's not like we were trying to watch anything bad. Normal things my peers say they weren't allowed to watch were shows like Beavis and Butthead, Ren and Stimpy, Music Videos (BET & MTV), etc. etc. I could watch it all. I think we all turned out about the same. For instance, my CB wasn't allowed to watch music videos but we both enjoy the same type of music now. The only difference is he doesn't remember videos like Kriss Kross's Jump!

There's such a nostalgic feeling you get when you hear or see something from your childhood. Having not seen some of these things, you miss out on a relatable moment with others who have. I think it was a good thing to not have those type of boundaries. I think it helps me understand boundaries even more.
That's just my opinion though!

I'm looking forward to next week's Sunday Social!!

Join us!! It's fun!
Dig through the crates...what are your answers to these questions??
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Monday, February 4, 2013

Pinterest Experiments - Craft Work

DIY Gift For Any Occasion

I'm definitely no artist!

Great first line, I know, but I'm being honest. I'm trying new things this year, so I'm having to step into lanes with things I'm not so comfortable with. Arts and crafts has been a lane that I've usually avoided. I found a craft I was sure I could do, even at my skill level of none to nonexistent!!

I searched Pinterest for something I could do for a birthday/Valentine's Day gift. I wanted to make something myself because I feel it gives things a more personal touch. I found a great project idea and here's what I decided to do with it!

This was a very simple task to do with not many steps.

Supplies
Sharpie markers
Stuffed animal of your choice (you could also replace the stuffed
animal with candy, flowers, tickets to a Beyonce concert, whatever!!)
a bowl & a cup

I bought the colorful Sharpie markers and love sock monkey from Wal-Mart. I bought this bowl and cup from the Dollar Tree. I spent no more than a few dollars. Let me show you have easy this was:

Directions
1. I wrote the messages I wanted on each (the bowl and the cup)
2. Then baked them both in the oven on 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Look at that?! Prep time took only about 10 minutes! Everything looked good and I was very proud of my turnout. I may have to change the number of Pinterest experiments from 1 per month to 2 or 3!!

What are some DIY gifts you've made for special occasions?!!


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Saturday, February 2, 2013

Length Check 2

1 Year Natural

My Naturalversay was Wednesday. I decided to do a length check on my Naturalversary because I feel it's a good reference point. From this day on out, I will do them monthly.

January 14, 2013  =  50 weeks natural, 8 weeks and 6 days since the big chop



vs.

January 30 = 1 year natural, 11 weeks since the BC


As you can see, there were only 15 days between these two pictures, but so much growth. My fingers went from being right up under my nose to being right around my mouth. I had a protective style in for about a week and I've been doing better with setting my hair before bed each night. I think keeping my hair, mainly the ends, moisturized also helps prevent breaking. I'm working on drinking more water each day too, but that's become a feat in itself!!

Yay for growth during length checks!!
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