Hello all, welcome to my life...parts of it anyhow, I promise not to drag you too far in!

To start, I'm feeling very mellow today and every part of me shows it.  My clothes are in shades of black and grey, my hair is very simply in a bun, and not a stitch of makeup...well lipgloss, but that doesn't count  ;), I wouldn't be caught dead without a little lipcolor on!  I've got a lot on my mind and it's starting to weigh me down, I always feel better when I write, but usually what I write is not meant for other people to read.  I feel comfortable enough writing here because I know that I will never be ridiculed or judged, only supported, because that's how this community is.  I'll start with my morning and work my way up to the rest:

A typical start to my day:
  I woke up at 8:17 with full knowledge that I needed to be at my shop to open for 9:00.  The ride is 10 minutes, which leaves me with exactly 33 minutes to shower, dress, kiss the dog and be out the door with wet hair.  Yes, I have each of my actions timed down to the minute...story of my life!

Shower:
  Nothing special today, just quick quick quick!  Washed my hair, actually only my scalp, with my usual Pantene for brunettes that I've been using, and then conditioned as usual.  Left my hair mostly damp, but used the hair dryer very briefly with a round brush for my bangs.  If I don't do this to give them a little lift and shape they will just lay very lifelessly on my head...not very flattering.  A teeny spritz of hairspray and hair's done.

Dressing:
  Feeling so mellow, I just wanted to wear something that was soft, warm and comforting, so I opted for my favorite grey sweater.  I feel safe in grey, sounds wierd I know, but I am very affected by colors and textures, they have to be just right to match what I am feeling on the inside.  To match the sweater I chose long black jeans and very comfortable black sherpa clogs.  I also brought my most favorite and comfortable sweater jacket with me, because I'm feeling very chilly today and I'm doing my best to keep the thermostat as low as I can stand it, oil is just too expensive!

Work:
  Arrived on time to work without a minute to spare, the day started off very hectic with the phones ringing as I step my first foot thru the door.  It's like they have radar on me sometimes!  When I got a few minutes to myself I finished doing my hair by pulling it up into a high bun and wrapping the scrunchie with a sheer grey scarf...now I was ready to work.  When the hair goes up, I mean business baby...look out!  I'm working diligently on getting the shop prepared for Valentine's Day, it's coming quickly!  BTW, I don't think I mentioned, but I have a flower/gift shop that I run, and this along side of Mother's Day is one the the busiest days, so you just can never be prepared enough for when the day comes.  So, you probably won't be hearing from me too much that week, my days and nights will be consumed with flowers, flowers, flowers!  A typical work day for me during holiday time is usually about a 5:00 am start straight thru to a finish of about midnight or so.  Go home catch a nap and a shower and come right back.  It gets totally insane!

Other things in my life right now:
  I am very nervous and anxious about tomorrow.  A loved one of mine is going to see a doctor tomorrow for the first time about their depression.  It's become very serious and I had to take some sneaky but very necessary steps to make this happen.  This doctor is a medical doctor, but is also into alternative medicine.  I am thinking <hoping> he is probably going to put him on some different herbs along with acupuncture, we want to try natural healing before resorting to any sorts of medication. So this is very heavy on my mind right now, as well as another dear loved one of mine who has very suddenly and quickly been taken over with cancer.  He is only 19 years old and I just can't believe it, I'm not sure he's going to pull through this.  Just before Thanksgiving he had a 6 pound tumor removed from his testicle (it was mostly up in his abdominal area), and was scheduled for surgery to have his lymph nodes removed before christmas.  Before they ever got to do that three more malignancies developed in his lungs, 2 in one lung, one in the other, all about the size of tennis balls.  He is being treated with chemotherapy now, and they still plan to remove his lymph nodes when the treatments are over.  He is just sooooo skinny, and he eats and eats and eats.  Now we found out that he has fluid in his lungs.  Everyone says that's not good.  So, this is weighing very heavily on my mind as well.  I am just taking things day by day for now, that's about all I can do to keep myself together.

Well, I've got some more work I need to get done, so this is all for today.

Till next time....

Hooray, you started a journal!

Yayy! your first entry :)


I'm so, so sorry about your relatives :'( :'(, it's very hard to see loved ones hurt, and you can't do anything to make them feel better :-/....

Congratulations on starting your journal! I'm happy you feel comfortable enough to have one.  :)

But I'm sorry about your relatives, especially the one who's only 19. I hope both of them pull through okay. If you ever need some moral support, please don't hesitate to ask.

(((hugs)))

Quote:

My clothes are in shades of black and grey, my hair is very simply in a bun, and not a stitch of makeup...

That's me in a nutshell.  ;)

Actually, we seem to have more and more in common the more I learn about you.

Poor Magz. I sincerely wish the best for your and your loved ones. I'll save a prayer tonight for all of you tonight. God bless.

Thank you all for your words of support, and I do believe in the power of prayer, so it is MUCH appreciated by me.  This is why I decided to start a journal, because I know that I will receive nothing but encouragement and support from anyone who decides to chime in here.

So anyway, just a quick entry for today, I don't have much time...so much work to get done, Fridays are a busy day here.

I tried a little bit different of a method when washing my hair today, usually when I ACV I will shampoo, rinse, ACV, rinse, then condition & rinse again.  This time I ACV'd first and didn't rinse, I left it in and then applied my shampoo (Pantene Purity) and worked that and the ACV into my scalp really well and then rinsed and conditioned as usual.  I like the results and it saved me a little time too.  (Oh, and I didn't mention that last night after coming home, I let my hair down, put a little jojoba oil in and pulled it back into a low bun for the night.)

As usual I flew out the door with my hair still damp and finished styling it at the shop here.  Today I am wearing it up in a french twist held with a linzie clip.  A linzie clip is made by scuunci, it's a jaw clip that has two hinges instead one just in the center, so there is a flat part and then off to either side there is a hinge.  So you can actually open each side individually, and there is an extra set of teeth on the inside to help hold fine hair better.  I used aloe gel in my bangs today before drying them, I'm really pleased with the way it's holding them in place.  I only needed to use one very tiny spritz of hairspray on top of that, so that's great.

I'm still feeling a little blue today, but incredibly anxious to hear how the doctor visit goes and what he plans to do to treat him.  I'm wondering if he'll do acupuncture on the first visit or if it will be more of a consultation today.....arghhh, I can't wait till later!  I do know, however, that whatever the dr. does for him today, even if it's just talking, it's MUCH better than doing nothing at all.  So, that is of great consolation to me.

As far as clothes go, like yesterday, I just felt like being warm, comfortable and "fuzzy" feeling today.  So after MUCH blank staring at my wardrobe, the "chosen" shirt for the day is a comfy hooded sweater, I love the feel and look of the sweater, but not so much the color.  When I was shopping for it, my friend talked me into the pink one, and I'm really not a pink kind-of person.  Shoulda stuck with the brown...oh, well.  Blue jeans and Vans sneakers complete the ensemble, good enough.

Misc. stuff:  I think tonight...or hopefully this weekend I will start reading my new book, it's just been sitting there staring at me for a week now, and I haven't had time to touch it.  I just need some time to be alone, and reading is a good way to do that.  I like to curl up with a blanket and read for a while, then I usually spend some time just sitting there and just "being", if that makes any sense.  Sometimes I just need to sit and feel myself breathe and sort some of my thoughts out, it helps to keep me glued together so I can be there for the other people that need me.

Well, off to grab a cup of coffee and really get into my work.  Later gators!

Hi Maggie,

I'm glad to see that you've started a journal.
Sending good thoughts your way for you and your loved ones...

Anais

Thank you, Anais, that's very sweet of you  :-*

I did NOT feel like waking up & going thru my usual life routine today...roll out of bed, walk down the steps, start a load of laundry, get right in the shower, fold a load of laundry, get dressed, do hair, fly out the door...everyday,like clockwork!  Every morning at 8:00 you can look at your clock and think "maggie's doing some laundry now", or at 8:17 "maggie's stepping foot out of her shower now", and at 8:50 "she's sailing out the front door for work now"!  Sometimes I feel like the movie Groundhog day, over & over again - sheesh!  It's a perfect, cloudy day to stay home in my pj's and do house stuff, but that's what sundays are for!

Hair washing:
  I didn't really "shampoo" today, perse, I just tried using diluted shampoo water on my hair.  First, I rinsed my hair and massaged my scalp for a while (felt nice  ;) ), then I applied conditioner from my ears down and let on while doing my other shower stuffs.  I then used my ACV rinsing bottle to put a little shampoo in and filled the rest with water, poured that over my head, worked in the scalp a bit, and rinsed everything out.  Worked pretty good, my hair didn't really need a harsh washing today, just enough to get the greasies out and make it look and smell clean.  Whoa - I just realized I haven't pulled my hair back yet, strange for me.  I'll get to it after this, probably just a bun today - simple.

Clothes:
  Again with the black and grey, feels "safe" and comforting.  Chose to wear the sherpa clogs and I'm regretting the decision.  My socks are not thick enough to keep them from sliding on my feet ( I have skinny feet!), and it's really getting on my nerves as I walk and they feel loose.  Nothing I can do about it, though, so I'll have to live with it for today.  >:(

BTW- I AM menstrual right now, so I am extra touchy to everything!

Other stuff:
  Not much new news on my cousin with his cancer, I just know that he is continuing his chemo treatments and continues to lose his hair.  I think his tumors have only shrunk about a mm so far, but they haven't gotten bigger, so that's good.  As for my other loved one with his dr. appt., it was not as "miraculous" as I was hoping for, I guess I was expecting too much for one visit.  Before going any further, they are extremely concerned about his heart rate (went between 100 & 115 beats per minute), and he's also concerned of thyroid problems.  So he needs bloodwork before doing anything else.  That's about all I know there.

I've got to run, lots of work to do...later!

Ewww!  I just noticed yesterday, actually my husband noticed, that I've got this weird residue thing going on in my hair.  I'm thinking it's from our water, we have well water and we've been having a major problem with it turning everything green.  Anything white that goes thru the wash a few times will inevitably turn mint green, I am constantly scrubbing green out of the showers, and to drink the water is out of the question, it has a terrible metallic taste.  We do have a filtration and softening system, but something must be wrong with it!  Anyway, now I'm noticing this build-up in my hair, I took a scraping of it with my nails & it was green!  I've been doing regualr vinegar rinses, but it's not really helping, I'm not sure what to do to get it out of my hair...maybe someone has a suggestion  ???

Hair today:
  Put conditioner on first and let it soak in for a while, then shampooed the scalp and rinsed everything out.  I didn't re-condition this time, though, I put in some leave-in conditioning instead.  I tried to really concentrate on the root hair, that's where the build up seems to be, but I was not able to get it all out.  I haven't done anything with it yet, but I am going to pull it back shortly, nothing too tight, I've got a headache today.

Clothes:
  Wearing red today, woohoo!  Feeling daring!  Jeans and snowboots ( I picture Napoleon Dynamite's outfit when I say that!), the weather's yucky today.  Snow, sleet, rain & fog, just a buch of slop out there.

Other interesting tidbits:
  * Husband made me the most awesome omelette yesterday morning, it was perfectly rolled up with spinach, onions, and cheese.  Served with a side of his homemade "roasted habanero" sauce.  Mwah!  Oh yeah, coffee too!  He's too good to me.

  * Did not get to start my book this weekend, did TONS of cleaning instead, changed my curtains, pillows and bed sheets for a change of scenery.  It needed to be done, the book still awaits me.

  *Found out my best friend is going to have a baby!!!  I am sooooo happy for her and totally excited.  I just wish we lived closer to each other so we could see each other more often.

That's pretty much it, nothing too exciting this time around.  Later.

Maybe you can use bottled water for the time being, at least until you can find out what's wrong, sorry i can't think of anything else :P

mmmm..... that omlete sounds sooo good, your husbn is sweet :)

BTW- i just remembered that menstrual women find the color red VERY appealing during that period... of the month. Just something :P...

The omelette was very good, he is very sweet.  Usually every sunday morning he'll make breakfast for us, he loves to cook, and he loves to watch me eat his food...probably because I love to eat his food!  That works out well, huh?  My fav. that he makes for me is his feta mozzerella omelette and homefries - always served with a side of his own hotsauce, then he makes me a cinnamon coffee...YUMMM!  ;D  He should totally be a chef, I think I'd eat all his profits, though!  :-/

Relating to my hair, I can't get the green stuff out!

When I used to go to my old hairdresser he would always do a build-up removal for me.  I'm not sure what he used, but it was the consistency of a conditioner that he would work into my hair from the roots down, and then use a fine tooth comb over it.  So I thought I'd try it myself.  In the shower, I worked Biolage conditioner all thru my hair and then used a fine tooth comb to really work it in & I guess (hopefully) comb any build-up out.  ???  After that I rinsed, did an ACV, re-applied conditioner from the ears down and did a scalp wash with a teeny bit of biolage shampoo.  It did remove about half of the gunk, but it's still there.  If you look closely you can see it.  

Now, don't get me wrong...it's not like this fluorescent green glob on my head or anything!  It's intermittently on each individual strand, mainly on the top of my head from the ears up.  I'll try this again tomorrow to see if it helps, and I may try Beesan's advise & rinse with bottled water to see if it helps.

Today I have my hair pulled up in that messy bun that I have posted in the casual styles threads.  And around that I have wrapped a navy & white polka dotted scarf, looks kinda cute if I do say so myself  ;)

I still did not start my book.  Every time I pick it up and decide to delve in, I feel guilty like I should be doing something else more productive.  That's my problem, I feel guilty doing anything pleasurable for myself...I just have to get over that!

As for dear loved one, I'll refer to him as T from now on to make it easier, he did muster up the courage to go and get some blood drawn for bloodwork, and he has another appt. w/ the acupuncturist/dr. this weekend.  His results will be faxed directly over to the dr. and we'll know the results at his next appt.  I have been a nervous wreck over this.  T says if there is any kind of a medical problem he refuses all/any medical treatment, but he will try herbs and/or acupuncture.  So I just keep praying for him, and I'm doing my best to be totally supportive of him.  It's very difficult sometimes, because he is in a constant state of depression all wrapped up with nervousness and anxiety, which means that he snaps at the drop of a hat.  I have to weigh every single word very carefullly, which can be exhausting.  Most of the time when he does snap I don't even understand why, like last night for example.  I worked late and was tired, I was eating a sandwich with him and I guess I was kind of zoning off.  He asked me what was up with me, why was I staring?  I didn't even realize that I was, I guess it was just a blank stare that we all get when we're tired.  Well, a few minutes later I guess I did it again, I was staring into space while eating.  This really did something to him, he yelled at me "what are you doing?  you are really freaking me out, why are you eating like that?!"  I was left clueless.  I just quietly wrapped the rest of my food up and left it at that, we still haven't talked.

It just gets very confusing to me at times, he says it's confusing to him too most times.  For the record, when I say that he "snaps", I don't in any way mean to imply that he is physical with me, that's NOT the case, I just mean with his tone and his actions, please understand that.  I know this sounds selfish, but sometimes I feel that I am giving everything I have to love & help him, which means that me & my needs get easily overlooked.  I shouldn't even say that, that really is selfish.  Writing this all down helps me to feel better & sort through it all, though, so this is my outlet.  Thanks for listening!

Off to get some work done now, and some more coffee...later!

Oh Magz, you are too hard on yourself, girl!

You're not being selfish. In fact, it's just the opposite, and you said it yourself: you're giving everything you have to maintain a friendship with this guy. If anything, it's admirable the way you're holding on, sticking it out and standing by him even when he freaks out. No one could ask for a truer friend.

Unfortunately, it's common for someone with a life-threatening illness to royally flip & act like a complete jerk. I know it's difficult not to take that personally, but they're going through an incredibly taxing time, and it affects them way more than you're even aware of. If you trust in your friendship, you'll stand by him still.

That said, you can't ignore yourself in the process. I'm sure that your friend doesn't want you to neglect your duties and desires or stop living simply because he is ailing. If anything, I'd bet that he wants to see you shine. Your selfless sacrifices are noble, but I'm sure he wouldn't want you to overburden yourself. That's about all I can think to say.

I'll definitely save a prayer for you and your loved ones who need it right now. I wish you guys all the best. Hang in there!

Thank you so much angel spun, that was exactly what I needed to hear.  The wierd part about being in a situation like this, is that I almost feel guilty when I do anything to draw positive attention to myself or do something to better myself.  It makes me feel like I'm leaving him in the dust, so I'm constantly trying to downplay anything good that might happen to me, just hoping and praying that he gets a break instead.  Make any sense??  His next appt. is tomorrow, so I am anxiously awaiting is bloodwork results, I really hope that nothing is serously wrong, I doubt there is.

Word is starting to spread around town about my sick cousing and it's becoming the "talk", that's just how it is living in such a small town.  Everyday ppl are coming in and asking about him and looking for updates on his condition, only to tell me "ooh, doesn't sound good...".  It's getting very frustrating, I know that it doesn't sound good and I don't really need 10 people a day telling me that.  Honestly.

On the subject of Hair, mine is looking exceptionally cute today. ;D  Here's what I did, I pulled it up into a high bun, kind of a loose one and secured it with a scrunchie, which used alone is not enough cuz the bun wants to slide back down my head.  So I then tied one of my scarves around the scrunchie and tied it so that the tails are in the back, I left them on the shorter side this time.  I then used those little clippies and pulled the front part of my bun forward and a little higher up on my head and clipped it to the top of my head.  So when you look at it from the front you can't see the scarf because it's covered with my hair from the bun, but from the sides and back you can see the scarf coming out from under my hair and the tie in the back.  So, so cute!  :D  

Washing:  Nothing special today, just a regular scalp wash and condition, that's it.  Still can't get that wierd green stuff out of my hair, I think I'll post this problem somewhere else on the boards to see if I can get some advice.

Skin:  I got a new clay powder to try out, it's called Moroccan red clay.  For my first trial with it I mixed a TBSP or so w/ a little aloe gel and jojoba oil.  I like to hold a hot wash cloth on my face for about a minute first and then I use the clay mixture, sometimes I leave it on for a mask, but most times I don't have time for that.  The red clay is good for treating oily skin, which I do have, I'm very pleased with it so far - the only bad thing is that it has stained my washcloth RED!  I'll just have to use a red washcloth from now on, I guess!  ;)

...still didn't start my new book yet.  :-[

Hubby made the most awesome "mexican pizzas" last night for dinner, and black beans to die for...YUM!  Served with nothing other than a pint of Guinness, of course!  I told him I was hungry for mexican, but we're trying to be conservative with our $, and eating out really wasn't an option, we try to save that for the weekend.  I came home from work and he had this whole "restaurant" setup in the kitchen with this awesome mexican food.  Honest to god, he's too good!

That's the scoop for today, I'm working on my acct's receivable today and getting very frustrated seeing all the people who are witholding money from me.  How am I expected to operate if people don't pay?  Aye carumba!  So, off to pull my hair out (yeah, right...never!)

Hey maggie :)

I second what Angel Spun said. And you are NOT leaving him the dust, you are doing what you can and i think he knows that.

I know how you feel about the "talk", ppl kept asking me that when my brother had a brain tumor it was a good tumor. Anyway, i kept telling them to pray for him, and that basicaly shut them out :-X.

Anyway, that style sounds soooooooo cute, i will try it with the scarf you sent me :D ;)

Thanks, Beesan.  I'm patting my back here, but it really is entirely cute...I may just have to try it again!  ;)  This is kind of funny, a few days ago I went to my bank and all the girls were commenting on the scarf in my hair and how neat and "retro" it was, this morning I ran up to get change for my register and one of the tellers had a scarf in her hair.  Immitation is the greatest form of flattery, right?

Thanks for the support, and I'm sorry to here that your brother had to go through the trama of a brain tumor, even if it was benign. Thanks everyone, love you guys so much  :-*.

((((((((hugs)))))))))

Hey, Maggie. I agree with Angel Spun and Beesan, and I don't think you're being selfish. Even though you're spending a lot of energy helping T, you still need to take time out for your self.

Good luck solving the green gunk problem. The only thing I can think of that might help is adding a bit of baking soda to your shampoo. However, there's a good chance it will strip your hair, making it really dry, and it might not get rid of the green stuff. I think posting on the main boards would be good because I'm at a loss for suggestions. :-[

Oh my, that's bizarre :-/ I have to say the green stuff is related to copper. I don't have any ideas... except maybe a vinegar soak or a vinegar rinse each time you wash, to prevent more greenness.

I'd go after the well - see if you can get it tested for mineral content, and see if you can install a water filter somewhere along the way before it reaches your use.

Anais

wrote on Jan 29^th, 2006 at 7:09pm:

I'd go after the well - see if you can get it tested for mineral content, and see if you can install a water filter somewhere along the way before it reaches your use.

We actually do have a water softener/filtration system...and I think I've found the problem, we let it run out of salt, oops!  Neither my husband or I have been checking it like we should lately, and it ran all the way down.  So there's nothing in there to soften or filter the water.  Meanwhile, I did manage to get the green gunk out of my hair (for now!).  Every morning I've been doing a conditioned comb-through followed by a vinegar rinse, and I've been sure to treat my hair to some extra oiling to make up for the extra stress.  I don't want it to be mad at me  ;)

First thing I want to address is T and his experience this past weekend.  If I wasn't a believer in Chinese herbal medicine before, I am now.  T had his first acupuncture session and herbal dosage this weekend.  I can't even begin to describe the effects- I saw a man in him that I haven't seen for about 5 years now, amazing.  He said that when he put the needles in it felt like an electric "buzzing" sensation, like when you hit your funny bone, and there was not electrodes hooked up to them, just the needles.  His demeaner that evening was kind of like he was on a high, naturally, this was before he took any of the herbs, he was actually a little silly. I was skeptical to think that the effects would last beyond that night, but then the morning came and he woke up smiling, and in the afternoon...right through to the evening...and still till now.  He hasn't "spiked" or "crashed" as he usually does, he's just been kind of even and rational.  I'm in a state of euphoria, I feel like there really is hope.  I know he's far from cured, we have a long road ahead of us, but as long as I know there's hope I am happy as happy can be, and I'll be right there every step of the way.  Thank you..whoever's up there looking over us, thank you, thank you, thank you!  And thank you to those of you who are sending their prayers and good wishes, you couldn't begin to imagine how much I appreciate your love & support!

On the other end of the spectrum, my cousin it not doing too well.  He says the cancer is causing him a lot of pain now.  He can't do much of anything other than eat and sleep, he still has a good appetite, amazingly.  The chemo still has not shrunk the tumors very much, actually I think it's doing his body more harm than good.  Since being introduced to the world of Chinese herbal medicine, I've kind of been doing a little research on the different herbs, and what they do, and accidentally I came across a few that are used in naturally treating and healing cancer patients.  I know that it can be done, in fact I know someone who was naturally cured of cancer, but my family basically shrugged it off when I brought this up in the very beginning.   They believe more in western medicine ( I use that term loosely) than eastern, or anything natural for that matter.  I keeps crossing my mind to re-introduce the idea to them, but it may even be too late, I don't know.

On a lighter note, I STILL did not start my book yet, I'm starting to get disgusted with myself now!  My husband joked that I just like buying new books to decorate my night stand!  Oh, there's just not enough time in a day...or maybe I should say there's just too many things to fit into one day, because there is plenty enough hours in one day.

I'm off, that's all I have time for...catch you later!

How wonderful that T's quality of life is improving.  We can never know the outcome, but can be happy that's he's feeling better.
My great aunt had cancer and I recommended accupunture for pain management.  My family also poo-pooed it, but when she was stuck in the hospital she eventually wanted to try it 'cause nothing else was working.  It did work for her, and opened my family's eyes to complimentary medicine.  YAY.
Good luck-even if they choose not to try eastern medicine, your heart is in the right place.  There is always the power of prayer.
Hang in there!!!

How wonderful that T is doing better! I sincerely hope that his recovery is swift and complete...and I know that you'll be there to help & support him all the way.

Unfortunate news about your cousin, though. It's really sad to watch a person's vitality waste away.  :(
   But there's always hope. My grandmother is a 2-time cancer survivor, so I know that miracles can happen. Sometimes even more than once.

I'll keep praying for you guys. Good luck & God bless.  :)

Hopefully things get better Maggie. You and your fam are in my prayers.

Thinking about you and your family too  :-* I hope things work out well.

Anais

Thank you, thank you, thank you all  :)  I love you guys!  :-*

I only have time for a quick entry today, I'm getting very busy with impending Valentine's Day...so much to do!

I've had a headache for two days straight today, which sux, but I'm working through it.  That's the one bad part about being your own boss (w/ no employees)...you can't call off sick, no matter what!  :P  I think I know how I caught a germ, though.  I had to deliver flowers to a woman at her home who has walking pneumonia.  The lady who sent them called up and said she'd like to give her flowers to cheer her up, but she doesn't want to expose herself to her illness.  So she exposed me, instead.  Nice of her, huh?  So I've been taking plenty of Airborne and vitamins and it's helping to nip it before it has a chance to get bad.  Hubby even made me a cup of tea and added organic honey, fresh lemon and a dash of cinnamon this morning, he brought it to the shower for me.  He woke up & looked at me and said "whoa, you look like hell!"...gee thanks!  But, the tea made up for it  ;)

Good news....I FINALLY GOT TO START MY BOOK!!! ;D  I began reading it yesterday morning, and got a little more reading time in this morning.  I'm enjoying it so far, it's a very different writing style than I'm used to, so it's refreshing.  So far from what I've read, it's about the lives of young, beautiful vogue-type models and the plastic life they're used to.  One of the girls suffers a horrific accident that disfigures her face and the story is telling how she is trying to cope with her life as she knew it being ripped away from her.  Very interesting so far.

Hair:  Last night I let my hair down from my all-day bun for a while to put some jojoba oil in.  I wrapped it back up and left it that way for the night.  This morning I washed and conditioned with a new (to me) Pantene line, the Daily Moisture Renewal, and I am very pleased with my first usage.  My hair is very soft and shiny and full of body.  I was tempted to leave my hair down today, but then I am also tempted to keep combing through it, so I clipped it up.  :-/

Also related in hair news, I had this awesome idea for a hairtoy invention, I'm not going to try to describe it, I'm going to see if I can somehow make a mock-up to see if it would work.  I'm excited!  :D  If I can do it well enough, I'll take pics and post them...maybe see about a patent??  We'll see.

T is still doing very well.  I'm tempted to say very, VERY well, I couldn't be happier.  His zest for life seems to be coming back, I'm afraid to jump the gun, though, so I'm taking this day by day, and so far each day seems to be better than the one before.  Keep on sending all those good thoughts and prayers, they're working!  :D

No new news on cousin, but no news is good news, so....

Okay, gotta get back to work,  'til later...

Behold the power of the snowflake.  ;)  DMR rox!

Good to hear that T's condition is ever-improving. I'll keep hoping & praying for him & for your sanity through it all.  :)

Can't wait to see what new hair idea you've come up with! Maybe you can post pics when it's ready?

Keep the faith.

First note of news:  We finally bought and added salt to our (empty  :-[) water softener, maybe...hopefully this will help with the wierd green buildup problem.

Hair:  Like the night before, I let my hair down just long enough to oil it and then bunned it up for the night.  I'm on day two with my new S&C, and I'm still liking it so far.  My hair seems less tangly and to have more body.  I like when the natural waves of my hair decide to show up and behave nicely, as they are today.  If I scrunch my hair with my hand while it dries, I can really get it pretty wavy and full of body, or I can just comb it as it dries and it will be straight and silky.  It's pretty neat, I like having the option.  My sister got stuck with super wavy hair, and my brother with super straight hair, I fell right in between, I guess I'm lucky!  I didn't really do anything special as far as washing goes, just the normal scalp wash and condition, I let it completely air dry today, and a little leave-in on the ends.  Aloe gel for the bangs and also a little down the sides framing my face, that's it.  Simple today.

Sock curls have really been piquing my curiosity lately, I think I may try this sometime soon.  I'll have to re-visit Anais' instructions!

I didn't have time to do any reading on my book last night or this morning, I wound up staying a few hours later at the shop doing some much needed cleaning and organizing.  By the time I got home I had enough energy to eat dinner, do some laundry, catch Dancing With the Stars, my favorite is Stacey from WWE, doesn't she look just like a Barbie Doll?  Maybe that's why I like her, I collect Barbies!  Then I tried to watch a recorded Family Guy, but fell asleep at the end...again!  It's the strangest thing, I absolutely love the show, I think Seth MacFarlaine is genious, but it acts like a sedative to me!  Something about the show puts me to sleep nearly every time, I can't understand it, it's so wierd!  It's like it "soothes" me or something, my husband gets the biggest kick out of this.

Speaking of sleeping, I have a *strong* tendancy to talk in my sleep, actually I am usually yelling in my sleep about very strange things.  Well, a few nights ago we recorded and watched a George Carlin comedy special (from '92 I think), and he ended his act with this cheer he made up...I'll type it as best & cleanly as I can...

Rat s**t, Bat s**t, dirty old t**t
Sixty nine a**holes tied in a knot
Hooray, lizard s**t, **** !(won't type that one, starts w/ F!)

We got such a kick out of it and were laughing all night about it, well apparently I liked it so much that I said it all night long in my sleep, hand motions and all!  My husband asked me if I was doing it to be funny the next morning, but I had absolutely no recollection of it at all, poor guy!

That's about all the new news I have for today, so buh-bye!  ;D

Boy, it's been a few days since my last entry, and with Valentine's Day approaching it may be a few more, we'll see.

Hair:  Nothing too spectacular going on in the world of hair for me.  I'm still liking my Pantene DMR, it seems to work well with my hair, so no complaints there.  I'm still dealing a little bit with that build-up problem.  After close examination, it seems to be hairspray buildup that's underlying with the green well water residue building up on top of that.  It still baffles me, though, because a really do not use that much hairspray, only a spritz or two in the morning to hold my bangs in place.  I'm using Suave Naturals, as I have been for years, and I never had this problem before.  I've been clarifying with shampoos and ACV's, and still doing the comb through's, this stuff is really stubborn!  :P  I do think that it's time for a small trim, however, I wish I knew how to do it myself.

Other Relevant Life Stuff:  T had his second acupuncture treatment yesterday, it really is having an amazing affect on him.  This time the doctor actually heated the needles after they were in him and he used a sage smudge stick around him.  After he came home he told me to feel his wrist, he showed me where to place my fingers, I could feel the electricity buzzing in him, it was making his fingers jump.  And I know this may sound really wierd, but it's absolutely true, I got a shock from him through the skin!  Not a bad one, just a little electric shock...unbelievable!  This is really having a positive effect on him as a whole,  his irrationality has dissipated as well as his anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts and talk.  He's been starting to do his hobbies again, calling and researching different places to try to find work...and, get this...SMILING! :D  I just can't be thankful enough.

I found out yesterday that there is a benefit dance being held for my cousin, about 7 or 8 bands are donating there talents to help raise money for him.  This makes the whole thing seem 'real', if that makes sense.  I've always seen cannisters and events trying to help needy or sick people, but this one is hitting home, this one's for us, it's hard to sink in.  It kept me up all night, the reality of it.  I don't know how indebted he actuallly is with his hospital bills, but it's got to be pretty steep.  He's 19, which in PA means that he's one year past the age limit to be on his parents' insurance policy, and he only began working his first job for a few months before falling ill, he did receive benefits...but they only covered $1000 of his bills.  That was taken up with the first MRI  :-[ .  So, after all the hospitalization, Xrays, chemo treatments, and god only knows what else, I can't imagine the cost of all this.  I wonder if there's anyway I can help...I think I'll post this idea under letting your hair down, maybe someone has some good fundraising ideas. ???  Actually, I'm off to do that now...later!

Oh, one more small thing...I finished my book this past weekend!  ;D  I really enjoyed it, the story kept twisting and turning, and the way it all came together at the end was really cool.  Two thumbs up for me!

Wow, does anyone else feel like the days are just flying right by?  I feel like time is passing at an insane rate, and I'm not achieving nearly half of what I'd like to each day.  :-/

Hair:  I'm still trying to defeat the buildup, so this moring I combed my hair before getting in the shower to make sure it was absolutely knot-free, I do this everyday, anyway.  I let the shower water saturate my hair & then smoothed some clarifying shampoo in from the roots down to about the ears, I didn't lather it, more or less just applied it.  I then used the finest fine toothed comb I could find and combed the shampoo through, concentrating on the top section.  I did this for about two minutes and then rinsed, and conditioned as usual - ears down.  I let my hair mostly air dry, did the usual aloe gel in the bangs and roots and cool-dried the rest, not completely, though, just enough so that it wasn't sopping.  I let it continue to air dry a bit more and then put some jojoba oil in, really concentrating on the ends, and I then pulled the nape section up & clipped it.

The buildup is still slightly there, but the majority of it was removed.  :)

Movies:  I don't think I mentioned yet, but hub & I are kind of movie addicts, we religiously rent at least 2-4 movies per week.  We can't help it, every time we walk in the video store to return our previous rentals, 99% of the time we walk out with 1 or 2 new ones.   :P  I'm not a big fan of movie theaters, though.  I hate the thought of sitting in a seat that thousands have sat in before me, the idea that a person w/ yucky hair or lice had their head resting on the back of the very seat I am sitting in sends shivers through my spine.  Yeah, I'm a wierdo-germaphobe.  Such is life.  :-/

Anyways, our latest embarkment was/is The Corpse Bride by Tim Burton.  His stop-motion animation just amazes me.  I think he said it takes two weeks of positioning and snapping shots for one second of film.  Wow!  The patience!  My husband laughs and says that would never be the job for me, that I'd be apologizing my way through it as I accidentally knock everthing over or leave lunch crumbs on the set!  Being meticulous is definetly NOT my thing!  To put it in comparison, if you've ever watched the show "Monk", that's him, obsessive-compulsive, clean, clean, clean, meticulous, organized, clean, and did I mention clean?  I'm more like......Ellen.  Degenerous, that is.  I never mean to do embarrassing or destructive things, it just comes natural!  ;D  What a pair up, huh?

See, I get so off subject so easily...movies was the topic here!

I was tired when we started watching The Corpse Bride, so of course, as usual, I fell asleep against all my efforts to keep my eyes open.  We bought it, however, so I can watch it anytime, no rush!  We also love watching independent films, we get this really cool channel on our satellite, the IFC channel (Independent Films Channel), so we record a lot of those to watch in our leisure.  Some other movies we've recently seen:
  *Broken Flowers- w/ Bill Murray, loved it, it was off the wall, different
  *Wedding Crashers- (Owen Wilson, Vince Vaughn) Liked it, good stupid-fun movie
  *Red Eye- (Rachel McAdams, Cillian Murphy) surprisingly good, no down time at all, made the movie fly by
  *Two For the Money- (Matthew McConaughey, Al Pacino) good story, good action, not exactly my style, though
  *Going Down- Stupid.  Bad acting, moronic story line, waste of time.
  *Cry Wolf- Jon Bon Jovi played a pretty major part in this one, he did a great job, didn't even realize it was him till half-way.  Story was a bit of a let down, I predicted the ending.
  *Into the Blue- (Jessica Alba) Just OK, didn't hate it, didn't love it.
  *40 Year Old Virgin- FUNNY, OMG!  Keeper.
  *Hostel- saw this in the theater (yuck!  :P), highly, highly disappointed.  Should have saved my money.  Many people were expressing their disappointment as the credits were rolling, not just us.

That's all I can think of for now, but that's enough I guess!  Maggie Ebert's off to work now!  Good day! ;D

I'm glad T is doing well, and i hope everything goes well with the fundraiser..Good Luck! :-*


Hmmmm...i really wanted to see Hostel, it looked ok from the commercials, but now i think i'd rather see Hitch I love Will Smith (not in Shark Tale though :P)

We get a lot of movies too, but most of them are for my brothers, the limit at the library is 10 so that is what i get them- 10 movies every two weeks( i usually sneak a few that are just for me when they go to school) ;D


Again good luck, and i will keep praying for him as well

Beesan:  I saw both Hitch & Shark Tale, I thought Hitch was really funny, I like Will Smith, too.  Shark Tale I thought was a bummer, I thought it would be better - kind of like Finding Nemo or something.  :-/  As for Hostel, all the guts & gore that they promise is there, but not until over half way through the movie.  The first half is all about raves, getting high, and naked chicks, the story doesn't even start to really unfold until it's almost too late to be interested anymore.  I've seen tons of gore in other movies, but it means nothing without a good story behind it!  It's too bad, because it could have been better, I liked the whole idea behind it...oh well!  :P

Some of my favorite movies:
  *House of 1000 Corpses / The Devil's Rejects- both by Rob Zombie, he is pretty amazing in my eyes, I love his artistic style.  I especially like Devil's Rejects, I love the way he infuses a sense of calmness in his killing scenes.

  *Saw- I haven't seen the second part yet, but I loved the first one, ending blew me away.

  *Charlie & the Chocolate Factory- Yeah, big jump from the first three, I know!  I loved this story since I could read.  I used to check it out of the library so much that they eventually banned it from me...no one else was getting a chance to read it!  :-[  Love the original Willy Wonka flick too.

  *Any & all Jay & Silent Bob movies:  Mall Rats, Chasing Amy, Clerks, RSVP, Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back, Dogma...all great.

  *STEEL MAGNOLIAS!- Best chik-flik ever!  I will never get tired of this movie & I cry my eyes out every single time - rediculously - as if I don't know what is going to happen at the end!  What a great cast combo.

Oh, I've got so many...Office Space, Napoleon Dynamite, of course the great 80's rat-pack films - Breakfast Club, 16 Candles, Wierd Science, Pretty In Pink, all the NL Vacation's (Vacation, European Vac., Christmas Vac., Vegas Vac.), Funny Farm, Love Stinks (so funny!), Grease, and the creme de la creme...Xanadu!  I'm sure I'm missing lots, but that's enough!

Hair:  Saturated hair well with warm shower water & did a scalp massage for about a minute or so, then applied conditioner to the length and let soak in for a few minutes.  Used a little shampoo on the top of the head, did a quick comb through and rinsed everything out.  Re-conditioned the length, left in for a few more minutes and rinsed.  While my hair was still wet I added some jojoba oil to the length and let air dry.  Usual aloe gel app., and voila!  Done.  I also did a quick bang trim before completely drying, I purchased a 'razor comb' of my own so I can keep up with them w/o the hairdresser, it's easy to use & you don't have to worry about being precise.

I have to go now, part of my Val. Day delivery just arrived, so I have about a million roses to de-thorn & process...oh my poor, poor fingers!  :'(  Among a sea of assorted vases, and fern, and baby's breath..........

Ciao for now!

lol Magz... I like the NJ (Kevin Smith) movies too.  ;)

I've been meaning to consult my boyfriend about your green water problem. Plumbers are such useful things to have around...  ;)

I thought "Corpse Bride" was cute, although nowhere near its predecessor.  ;)

That's so funny about your movie theatre phobia. hehehe I love movie theatres, personally. The darkness and the cold are a welcome escape from the sweltering SoCal weather...especially during the summer - good Lord!  :-/  You're lucky to live in a more moderate area...with "seasons!"  :o

Thanks for your gift Maggie. I will enjoy using the pin, pomegrante soap, loofah, and candles. a long bath sounds wonderful. Your note was  sweet.  I will always think of you when i use my gifts. ;)

Awwww, you're welcome Curly Girl!  I hope you enjoy them!

First thing I need to say is "Good Riddance Valentine's Day!".  Thank God it's done with, I'm exhausted!  It's no fun working 21 hour days!  :P

Hair:  I took a real chance today, for the first time ever, I did not wash my hair in the shower this morning, this is earth shaking!  I pulled it up in a bun & just washed my bangs, I had to, they were greasy looking.  But I let the scalp & the rest go.  I feel less clean than I usually do, which is a little disturbing to me, but it looks ok, I have it back in a clip.  If this seems to work out ok, I'll try washing every other day from now on, that's tough for me, so we'll see!  Yesterday I washed all of it, did a comb through, and conditioned.  While it was damp I oiled the length a little, let it air dry, and then used aloe gel for my bangs and in the length, then kept 'scrunching' it as it dried to make it wavier.  I wound up putting it in hair sticks anyway, oh well!  So, I've still got the oil & aloe in from yesterday, which is a good thing.

Books:  Went to the mall yesterday....did I mention I took the day off yesterday?  Feb. 15th is the florists' valentine's day!  I bought another book by Chuck Palahniuk, Diary, I'll probably start it this weekend.

Also, at the mall, my hub surprised me and bought me a jacket for v-day.  It's from Nightmare Before Christmas, it has jack & sally on it & says "meant to be".  Actually, I think it may be the same one or similar to one that Angel Spun just got from her bf!  He also bought me Sally's "Rag Doll" perfume, smells so good!  It's corny, but since we saw the movie for the first time when it came out, we always compared ourselved to jack skellington & sally, so that's him & I.  So, it's really special when he buys me something like that.  I also bought for myself a brown knit beanie type cap that has a little brim on it, incense and a new hot sauce.  I completely managed to skip all the clothing stores somehow!

Movies:  Nothing new this week, no time!  We stopped at the movie store on our way home to see if Saw II was in, but no such luck.  I didn't think it would be.  Maybe tomorrow.

I went to my cousin's benefit on Sunday, it went pretty well.  All the bands were either punk, rock or death metal, that's what he's into so it was fitting.  It was really cool to see the kids that I've never seen around here coming out of the woodwork.  There were a lot of punk & goth kids, which I didn't think this area had.  They were all really cool, it was a good time.  My cousin's little brother even wanted to "marsh" with me!  I had to correct him & tell him it's called "moshing", not "marshing", it was really cute.  So I did, he & I had our own 2 person "marsh" pit way in the back, we had a blast.  He's only 6!  Everyone was getting such a kick out of him!

That's about the long & short of it for now, soooooo....later!

ETA:  I forgot to mention that a friend of mine tried to get Jerry from the Misfits to make an appearance at the benefit.  He was not able to show, so he sent an autographed package of misc. Misfits stuff to be raffled off.  How cool is that?

That is too cool, Magz.  lol @ "marsh" pit  ;)

It was really cool of Jerry to send Misfits gear to be auctioned off for charity.

It's funny that you & your hubby liken yourselves to Jack & Sally. I have a feeling that a lot of couples do that. They're kind of the darker, modern-day Romeo & Juliet, aren't they? Without all the tragedy...
   Everyone I know says that I am Sally (I'll admit I do look & act like her), so I get a lot of NBC gifts.  ;)  I've often thought about using Jack & Sally figurines as a cake topper if I ever remarry. Hinging, of course, upon whether I ever find my "Jack." hehe We'll see.

I know what you mean about feeling less clean when you don't wash your hair.  :P  I still can't do that.
   When I've tried using conditioner only, my hair looked even flatter than usual & I wound up having to just put it all in a bun. But not doing anything & just standing under the showerhead for a few minutes, letting cool water cascade down my hair was the worst! My roots remained very oily and that actually causes my face to turn red. It sounds weird, but my skin has a very strange & bad reaction to sebum.  :P  Washing every day is a must for me. So you're pretty lucky if you can get away with it.

Hope work is a lot less hectic for you in the weeks to come. You need a light load after V-day!

I'm feeling pretty heavy hearted today, hub and I are not in sync & haven't been for a few days.  He really made me feel bad last night.  As we were eating I involuntarily began to cry, I hate crying so I tried to hide it.  The tears just started rolling down my cheeks, he hadn't noticed yet, but then comes the blubbering...impossible to hide!  What was making me feel so sad was something that my Nana & I had discussed earlier that afternoon.  I think she has a feeling that she's "ready to go" soon, she's been cleaning out and giving away her personal possesions without real explanation, other that she just has too much stuff, but these are things that she uses, they're not just lying around or packed away.  Yesterday she told me that she had arranged to have a special song played for me at her services, it's a song that we used to sing together on our way home from the mall.  She said she's telling me now so that when I hear it I'll know that it's her good-bye to me.  Well, this thought re-occured to me as I was eating & I couldn't hold back.  He looked at me disgusted and asked what was wrong, but not really in a nice or caring way.  It took me a minute to compose and then I explained why, he didn't say a word.  Nothing.  He didn't console me, come over to me, nothing.  He let me there to cry, alone.  He just got up and took our food away and started cleaning up.  After about 10 minutes I asked him why he was acting that way, and he just responded with "well, what do you want me to say?".  Nothing. At that point I didn't want him to say anything.  Unbelievable.

So, needles to say, I was short with him this morning, I don't feel like I can or want to be nice to him yet.  I need a little time.  He & my grandmother never really hit it off, she made a false judgement on him based on his long hair, and since then he never gave her another chance.  He's rude & short with her, he says rude comments behind her back that she can't hear, it's really embarrassing, but he doesn't care.  And now, I guess he could care less if she dies and how much it will hurt me.  To me, that's just being a cold-hearted bastard, sorry.

Well, now that that's off my chest, I'll talk about..........................................

Hair!:  I survived the day without washing my hair yesterday!  I did do a scalp wash this morning, however, I had to!  So I washed and conditioned as usual, I'm still using and liking Pantene's DMR line BTW.  My hair feels nice and soft today, I'll try to skip washing tomorrow again, see how it goes.

Last night I began feeling a little sick, I've been exposed to so many sick people over the past few days, plus I'm feeling run down, so I'm not too surprised.  I've got a sore throat and feel a little flu-ey.  I'll just keep taking my Airborn, that usually knocks it out before it has a chance to develop.

That's about it, I've got a ton of post-holiday paper work to conquer, so off I go!  Later gators!

(((((hugs)))))

Maggie,
I'm so sorry hubby wasn't supportive.  Reading about your Nana brought tears to my eyes, what a loving gift and beautiful memory your song is.  It makes me sad to think about my loved ones eventually passing and I'm sure it was confusing to have her give stuff away.  Personally I think it is awesome and empowering for her to feel ready to go on the journey we all must and to do what she can to take care of her loved ones while she is able.  I hope you'll let yourself cry as much as you need to.  I hope your husband will realize that forgiveness is about him, not her and that being stubborn about it is hurting himself by hurting you.  Good Luck.  :-*

I hope you feel better soon, I think chicken soup is in order!!
Hey, Waiter!

Quote:

Yesterday she told me that she had arranged to have a special song played for me at her services, it's a song that we used to sing together on our way home from the mall.  She said she's telling me now so that when I hear it I'll know that it's her good-bye to me.

Well, good Lord, how could you NOT cry at something like this?!?!  I'll tell ya what...I am not a man basher and I don't condone it.  But sometimes men are just so dense!  (no offense intended to our male long lockers)  We're just wired so differently, men and women, especially when it comes to our emotions.  My hubby hates it when I cry (no matter why I'm crying) because he says it makes him feel helpless--he knows there's nothing he can do to make it better.  That goes back to the idea that men are problem solvers.  But sometimes women don't want problem solvers, they just want someone to listen!  Okay, I'll shut up now.  I just wanted to let you know that you're not alone in this problem and give you a *hug*.  Hang in there, Maggie!   :)

Gawd. WTF is up with your hubby?!

Sorry.  :-[ I know that doesn't sound like my usual supportive attitude, but you know what? I've been around the male block a few times and I know how they can be...

Your knight in shining armour one minute, and your archenemy the next. The man of your dreams...and the most despicable, heartless creature to ever curse the earth with his presence. Inspiring right to the soul at times, while other times you swear you've babysat very young children that were more mature.

And isn't it wonderful the way they can go from one extreme to the other at the drop of a hat? Filling your heart and body with unearthly passion...and then turning into a machine so devoid of emotion that you can literally feel a vital part inside of yourself dying. It causes one to wonder whether all of those beautiful moments you've shared were nothing but lies...if they can just turn it off that easily. Honey, I've been down that road so many times, I can't even tell you.

The good news is that this, too, is a phase. It will blow over, and good moments are sure to follow. The bad news is (brace) the memory of how he acted that particular time never goes away, no matter how may times you rehash it, talk it out or try to make him understand where you're coming from. It just doesn't happen.
   You can scold him for his lack of consideration for you, you can come on like the weepy, innocent victim who "only wanted his sympathy & understanding," but chances are, either one will get you the same reaction. He's a man, Magz. And men are MUCH more likely to justify their bad behaviour than apologize for it. That's just how they work.

He has to realize on his own what an immature jerk he's being. Chances are, he won't...but that's not your problem. Just be strong, be yourself & stick to your guns. You don't need his attitude & "issues" about your grandmother adding to your many problems. You dealt with heartache in your own way, without him, before you met him...you can deal with it without him now if you must. Just do what's right for you. That's about all I can say.  :-/

For what it's worth, I do sympathize with your concern for your grandmother. Mine isn't doing very well either.  :(
   But I agree with Sakina that it shows a definite strength of spirit if she can accept that great transition with grace and do what needs to be done before then...so the people she loves won't have to.

Glad to hear you're liking the DMR line.  ;D  I'm back on it myself.

*hugzzzzz* God bless.

((((Maggie)))) Oh dear!  Sometimes my hubby can get like that too.. I call it being a selfish twit! >:(  
Hang in there sweetie!

FEMALE POWER, YES!

Thank you ladies, you told me exactly what I needed to hear.  I will report that he has not apologized, nor do I think he will.  I haven't asked him to, but I highly doubt he'll offer it up. In his mind it's done with, in my mind it's there forever.  Sux to be him!

He's one confusing lad, I'll tell ya.  One minute he's offering me dinner & wine, the next he's acting like and insensitive boob without conscience or soul.  He keeps it interesting, I'll give him that.

I'll add more to this on monday, right now I've got a headache that could split the world in half!  :-[

Till then!

Maggie, thats sad about your husband acting like that. My hubby doesnt apoligize either. Even when hes wrong. I dont get that!  Sorry about your nana. Hopefully she will live longer. No one knows when they are going to die. I hope your headache feels better. Please take care of yourself.

((((((Maggie)))))), I hope you feel better. Sometimes DHs show love and affection in mundane ways like changing the oil and unclogging the drain pipe.

We love you Mags :-*
Anais

lol @ insensitive boob

Yeah, that's a pretty good way to describe it.  ;)  Hang in there, Magz.

There's a reason that "for better or worse" is part of your vows. You've promised to stay together even when the chips are down. No one ever said that marriage was easy. It should be...but sometimes it isn't and you just have to know and trust that the promise you made to each other will endure adversity because the bond that you guys share is the most important thing to both of you.

Sorry if that makes no sense...  ???  My brain is fried on household cleaners at the moment.  :P

wrote on Feb 18^th, 2006 at 5:29pm:

One minute he's offering me dinner & wine, the next he's acting like and insensitive boob without conscience or soul.

And then the next minute he wants to have sex. Oh no, wait, that's my husband.

I'm sorry that happened, Maggie. I hope this week is a lot better. (((hugs)))

wrote on Feb 19^th, 2006 at 2:20am:

And then the next minute he wants to have sex. Oh no, wait, that's my husband.

Oh no, that's ALL husbands!  lol!

I will officially report that there has been no apology and nor will there be.  I've tucked it away in my little mental filing cabinet under "Moronic  Things My Husband Says and Does Without Knowledge of How Obviously Stupid He's Being and Either Really Truly Does Not Realize or Just Doesn't Care".  That file's getting pretty full now, time for a new folder!  ;)  So now, on with the rest of my life...

I was pretty down & out for the weekend  :'(.  This usually happens to me after a major flower holiday, I become so run down that I usually end up sick for a few days afterward.  As long as it's afterwards and not before or during, then it's ok!  However, after much rest saturday and sunday I'm feeling much better!  ;D

Hair:  I noticed something really disturbing yesterday.  As I was holding a mirror up to check out the length of my hair (*blush*, yes, I do this every so often, but...SO DO YOU!) I noticed a lot of my very white scalp peering through my dark brown hair.  In the area just below the swirl of where your hair meets.  Immediate panic set in, so I began moving my hair around to see if it's just that one spot or if it's all over.  My hair is pretty thin, well actually I should say that I don't have a lot of hair, the texture itself is not all that thin, but I never noticed my scalp showing through it!!  After much looking I deduced that it is mainly that spot, I think it's caused by wearing a certain hairstyle that I've been wearing pretty frequently lately.  Using one of those "clasp" shut hair clips in that spot.  When I wear those too long my head actually was getting sore in that spot from the clasp trying to slide down and the pulling on my hair it was causing.  It must have been pulling hair out with it!  >:(  It wasn't as obvious after I washed and my hair had more body instead of laying flat on my head, but upsetting all the same.  I won't be using that hair clasp anymore, or pinning my hair up in that spot for a long while.  I hope it grows back!!!

Today I clarified with Pantene Purity, and conditioned with Pantene DMR Winter Rescue.  I didn't ACV only because I forgot to bring it in the shower with me and didn't feel like getting back out, brrrrr!  I am wearing my new hairsticks from Lisabelle  ;D, I absolutely loooove them!  I love hearing the little clickety-clack that the dangly plastic flowers make when I move my head!

Movies:  We had the chance to watch two movies this weekend:
  *Saw II:  Pretty good, not a disappointment as a sequel to the 1st.  Kept my attention from start to finish, I still think there was more shock value to the original Saw.  This one was much more "Hollywood".  A good watch, though.

  *Venom:  Also kept my attention from start to finish, there were no lulls, which was good.  Is definitely a far fetched story line, which is refreshing sometimes, I don't always want "reality", imaginative is good.  Deals with the paranormal and Mambo - Voodoo beliefs, a lot of gore, pretty scary.

Also, I finally got to watch "The Full Monte", we recorded off IFC.  What a hilarious film!  It's one of those movies that I know the title so well, but had never seen the movie.  Watching guys try to dance "sexy" is usually a very, very funny thing, Chip & Dales just aren't for me!  I saw a male review once, and once was enough.  When a guy in a cowboy hat and jeans so short that the pockets are sticking out swivels his hips and points at me, it takes all of my being not to shatter his ego with immense laughter!  I'd rather watch a guy working on a roof or doing construction, not dancing!  But, that's just me. ???

I started my new book this weekend, Diary by Chuck Palahniuk.  I like it so far, basically you're reading the diary entries written by a wife who's husband tried to commit suicide, but failed.  He lives as a vegetable in a hospital, and she tells of how she's picking up all the broken pieces day to day.  I just love his writing style, it's so unlike any I've ever read before.  I think I'm going to continue to read all his books before having to find a new author.

Bad news, a few entries back I mentioned that my best friend found out she was pregnant, well she lost it this weekend.  I feel so bad for her, she was just getting ready to tell ppl about it.  She was waiting until she hit the 12 week mark, and she finally reached it, went for her ultrasound only to find there was no heartbeat.  I pray for her comfort.

I'm off now, much to accomplish today!

I'm so sorry about your friend Maggie :-/, i hope she's ok

Chuck Palahniuk is such a talented author to write a book like that and not get lost :P, i guess i'm doing that for him, but i'm almost near the end- i mean the pages, i really don't know when it will end sometimes it feels like it's coming right in the middle :P

I'm so sorry about your friend's pregnancy.  I've had numerous miscarriages, so I know her heartache.  Be a good friend and let her cry when she needs to and support her during this difficult time, she'll need it.  I'll keep her in my thoughts and prayers too.

I'm so sorry for your friend, perhaps she can try again when the time is right.  Sending her my prayers and hugs.

Awww, ((((((thanks guys)))))))), you're all so sweet!  :-*

She's a strong person, I know she has the ability to rationalize this and pull through, plus she has a wonderful and supportive husband.  I know she'll be OK, but I also know she's really heartbroken.  We live in different states now, I wish I could be there with her, but we do the best we can over the phone.

BTW, Bikerbraid, I'm really sorry to hear that you've had numerous miscarriages, I guess you do understand the heartache.  :-[

I don't have much to report today, I washed and conditioned as normal and I'm wearing my new hairsticks from Lisabelle again.  ;D  I know I keep saying it, but I really do love them!

That's about it!  Hopefully I'll have something more interesting to say tomorrow ???

Later...

Im sorry to read about your friends pregancy and BB's. I wish her well. BB im sorry about yours too!

Thanks Curlygirl, that's very sweet.  :-*

Today's not much more interesting than yesterday!  :P

Washed and conditioned as normal....again....this morning.  I'm having a good hair day, so I'm leaving my hair down today...so far.  That could change in a heart beat!

I'm closing shop a bit early today so I can take T to his acupuncture session.  If I can't go with him, his mother goes, but I like being there with him when at all possible.  He's been feeling a little down again as of late, but not as bad and irrational as it used to be...just "normal" down.  Hopefully he feels better after today.

Besides that, let's see...I have cramps and am extremely moody  >:(, can't stop eating Ben & Jerry's Mint Chocolate Cookie Ice Cream, and then following it up with something salty, ran out of toilet paper last night, trying to figure out how I could have possibly lost my favorite sweatshirt (I think the washer ate it...where else could it be?), laughed at the dog making a funny chewing face while looking right at me with her teeth sticking out, think I misplaced a whole stack of bills & some may be late  >:(, have a month's worth of books to catch up on, need a cup of coffee.

That about wraps it up.  Later gators!
;D

I treated myself to a new pair of hairstix yesterday!!!  ;D  A metallic red pair, and a black pair...it was a two pack *wink*.  I was at the mall and I just couldn't resist, besides, it was only $6.99 for two pair...that's four stix total ya know, so it's only like $1.75 per stick which is totally reasonable.  Did I explain myself out of that one good enough?  :P

It dawned on me yesterday....If I can manage to grow my hair only 10 more inches, I will have waist length hair for the first time in my life!!!  Well, actually, it like re-dawned on me, the original dawning of it came when I measured my hair last...but I thought of it again yesterday...in fact, have I already mentioned this somewhere in my journal?  I have no idea!  Well, anyway, that's my ultimate goal now.  I'm lead to believe from past experience that my terminal length is not far from BSL, which is about where it's at now.  In fact, my longest measurement has been 27", maybe about close to a year ago before a pretty hefty trim.  But, I'm going to really put that to the test.  Maybe I've always just gotten impatient at BSL and cut it off, maybe that's the problem, not TL!

I'm about three months away from my first goal of 26", so from there I'll set it at 29".  That'll be longer than it's ever been.  Hope it's possible!  I'm going to make a trip to the health food store soon and pick up some skin & hair vitamins, maybe...hopefully that will give an extra boost.

This morning I did my usual s+c routine, air dried and used aloe gel for bang-styling.  I can't believe I've kept my bangs for so long, I was sure that they'd be a novelty thing and I'd be eager to grow them out, but not so far.  I like the ease of no bangs much better, but I like the way they compliment my face and hide my high temples, so I've been dealing with them.  Whatever, as long as I'm content.  I'm wearing my new metallic red hairstix today.  It was a toss up between those and the pair from Lisabelle (did I mention how much I love those?  ;)), but I couldn't wait to test out my new ones...besides, they match my shirt!

I really think it's time for a teeny trim, just to prevent any splits.  The problem is that I can never negotiate an appt. with the only hairdresser I trust anymore.  She holds such odd hours that just don't coincide with mine.  My last cut, I compromised and went to a "trusted friend of the family" who recently opened her own salon.  She took off exactly what I told her, but the way she cut it wasn't all that great, it looked too blunt & choppy.  I'd rather not go back to her if I don't *have* to.

I also need to get on the ball with my ACV's and oiling again, I've been neglecting my duties with those since before Valentine's Day.  Get with it magz!

Besides that, I found about 7 books I wanted to impulsively but at the bookstore yesterday...don't worry, I put them all back!  I told myself that I'll buy one at a time, only after I've finished the current book that I'm reading.  
That sounds fair to me.  I had them all piled up in my arms, all my selections that I just had to have, when I looked up and caught a glance from DH a few aisles over.  He just gave me a raised eyebrow look like " I love you maggie, but you know you can't buy all those, right?".  I sent back a look that said "Yeah, I know...I was just pretending I was gonna buy them...I'll put 'em back now".  But they *were* buy two get one free... :-/  I'm always convinced that everybody's going to buy everything and it'll all be gone by the time I go next...it could happen!

That's about it, I think I'll try calling my hairdresser to see if by some miracle she could or would accomidate me.  You gotta believe in miracles sometimes!

Getting Braver:  I resisted the urge to shampoo this morning!!!  I literally had to pry the bottle from my own hand, but I did it.  I've been reading about different ppl here that only ACV between shampoos to cut greasiness, so I though I'd give it a whirl.  My initial intentions were to ACV, then shampoo, then condition.  So I ACV'd, rinsed, then picked up the shampoo bottle and wondered "what if I didn't? hmm.....", then I thought "no, that's crazy, I can't do that!", but I *did*, I skipped it.  Went straight to the conditioner.  That's big time stuff for me!  :P  I must admit, my hair feels ok, it doesn't feel as light as usual, but doesn't in the least look greasy or dirty.  I just hope that I rinsed the vinegar smell out well enough!

I'm wearing my new black sticks today, I have my hair up in piggy buns, one stick holding each and crossing in the back of my head.  Me likes.  :)

Movies:  Only saw one new flick this week so far, not much time for sitting and watching tv lately.  I usually only do at the end of the day, anyhow.

  *Waiting-(w/ Dane Cook, the comedian).  Very funny on a moronic level, but I enjoyed it ( I think that's *why* I enjoyed it!)  Me and hub have a new "game/trick" we play on each other now...can't tell ya, you'll have to watch the movie to find out!  We're a couple of goofs, honestly.  I will say that it made me think twice about eating in chain restaraunts where they have a bunch of teenagers working *shivers*...your food is not their priority!  :-X

I've got a heap of bookwork and invoicing to tackle today, so I'm off...later!

Quote:

*Waiting-(w/ Dane Cook, the comedian).

Oooo, funny you should mention this!  My student worker just burned me a copy of this movie.  I think we're going to try to watch it this weekend.   :)

Quote:

I treated myself to a new pair of hairstix yesterday!!!    A metallic red pair, and a black pair...it was a two pack *wink*.  I was at the mall and I just couldn't resist, besides, it was only $6.99 for two pair...that's four stix total ya know, so it's only like $1.75 per stick which is totally reasonable.  Did I explain myself out of that one good enough?

ooohhhh, sounds good. Where did you get 'em? i hope we have this store here :P

Maggie.. did you CO? Do you like the results?

Wow, it's been a few days since I've updated here, I've been sooo busy lately, yowza!  Not a whole heck of a lot to report...I am wearing a new hairstyle that's kinda neat, though.  I came up with it last night, mostly by accident.

It's basically just a variation on a style I know I've mentioned before, in fact I posted a new thread about it in "Keep It Casual" under something like cute messy bun.  Well, it's the same idea- pulling hair up into a high ponytail, and on the last wrap you leave your hair looped with the end sticking out the topside instead of the bottom.  I did this, but it kept wanting to sag down the back of my head, so I used 2 stix to hold it in place, along with the scrunchie.  I put one stick through the looped part catching some scalp hair on top of my head (so it stays against my head) and pushed it through the scrunchie, and then the same with the other stick to make an "X".  I left some tendrils down so it doesn't look too neat, looks cute!  ;D

Hairwashing really hasn't been much different, just usual s + c routine, blah, blah, blah...:P

I'm about three-quarters through Diary and I've picked up The Kite Runner to start after that.  After hearing Anais & Beesan talk about it I just have to read it for myself, I can't wait to start it!  There was another book catching my eye, Running With Scissors, I just may buy that one next.  My original plan was to read all of Chuck Palahniuk's novels first before moving onto other authors, but I'm way to sporatic to be that disciplined! :P  I'll get to them all eventually.

T's appointments are still going well, he's still going once a week for now.  I think after this next session he'll be stretched to every two weeks, depends on the doctors evaluation of his progress.

My cousin has recently gone to another hospital for a second opinion, I guess you could call it.  He finished his first round of chemo, so they wanted to see how it affected the tumors...the large ones still did not shrink.  So instead of progressing with the lymph node operation, they're going to put him through some more chemo.  From there, I don't know.  Time will tell.

I'm on the hunt for red tealight candles for a customer, I need over 200 of them & I can't believe the trouble I'm having getting them.  The one company I found that carried them for a good (wholesale) price I bookmarked their page while I continued to search.  By the time I came back to them they were out of stock!!!  Now I can't find them in the quantity and price I need anywhere, unbelievable!  To boot, I need them here within a week's time!  I'm really starting to stress!!  Speaking of this, I'd better continue searching!

Later...

Hair:  Yesterday (Sunday) I tried something a bit new.  First, I did a clarifying wash with Pantene Purity & rinsed.  I then ACV'd and rinsed completely, then in the same empty bottle I added a little bit of jojoba oil along with some on my Pantene DMR shampoo, swooshed it together and worked that through my hair from scalp to ends, gently of course (this is the new part).  Then I conditioned from the ears down, continued on with the shower and rinsed completely.  I noticed as my hair dried that the oil kept the fly-aways down and left my hair very soft.  I think I'll add this to my routine maybe once weekly...possibly on my clarifying day.

Movies:  Saw only two:
*  Flight Plan- w/ Jodie Foster, was pretty good, the story kept me interested -there were no lulls, I thought the ending was a little weak, though.

*  Cherish- Indie film, loved it!  About a young girl who was framed for murder by someone stalking her.  Indie films rock!

Books:  Finally finished Diary, once again, his ending took me by surprise.  It got a little dry in the middle, but really started to pick back up again toward the end.  I love the way he makes everything come together at the end of his stories, it just leaves you with an "oh, my god!" kind of feeling when your done.

I know I said that I was going to read his entire collection before moving on to another author, but I'm breaking that promise.  ::)  I've started reading The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, it came so highly recommended by Beesan and Anais that I couldn't resist!  I'm about 20 pages in so far, and I can tell that I'm going to take a lot away from this book.  It's exciting because it's all new to me and I'm learning as I go, plus I've got my buddy Beesan helping me with some of the terminology  ;D - thank you Beesan!

Other stuff:  I found out today that another fund raiser is being organized for my cousin, this time it is wrestling.  The family and friends are all going to supply the food and supplies for the concession stand, so that will be 100% profit for them, and the wrestling company is donating a portion of the ticket money to him also.  So, I need to think of a "goodie" to make for the concession stand...any ideas?  I also think that I will put together a raffle basket or something at the shop to help raise him some money too, I'm not sure of how the legalities work, though.  I'll have to find that out.

I had a really cool idea for making my own hair sticks, I'm going to work on getting the supplies to try it out.  I never got to trying out my last "hair invention" idea...too many ideas, too little time!!

That's about it.  I was lurking around in Anais' journal & saw her instructions for the "orchid bun", I'm dying to try this.  Hope my hair's long enough!  I'll let you know.

Laytah!

Awww, you are welcome :-*

I hope everything goes well with the fund raiser :)

Will try to think of ideas....

Good Luck!

I can't believe I didn't try Anais' orchid bun yet...what's wrong with me!!!  I'm too scatter brained! :P

Hair:  I tried the jojoba in the shampoo bit again this morning, still good results.  I just have my hair in a low, loose braid today, I didn't feel like having it "up-up", so I'm hangin' loose.  I really am in need of a trim, I still didn't try contacting my "I can never fit you in" hairdresser, and I leary of trying it myself again.  I really like the way she shapes my hair, she leaves the length when I ask her to and lightens the layers a bit, which works really well for my hair...and that's exactly what I'm in need of.  Okay, I just took a minute to call her and left a message on her machine, seems as though she's extended her hours...so I just might get in, yay!  ;D

Movies:  Rented "The Weather Man" with Nicholas Cage last night, what an excellent movie.  It was a serious story line, but it had a lot of humor in it too, "marriage" and "life" kind of humor.  Nicholas Cage battles with the lack of respect he receives as a famous weather man, as well as issues in his family and life.  I've always liked him and I think he plays these roles really well.  I also really liked him in Matchstick Men.

We also have "Proof" to watch tonight, with Gwyneth Paltrow, my in-laws lent it to us to watch, so I'll report on that tomorrow. :)

The Fundraiser:  I'm trying to collaborate with another woman who's a friend of my cousin's family...she actually sits for their youngest son, on gathering all kinds of donations from local businesses to put together a raffle drawing.  She's also been receiving monetary donations which is great.  I agreed to make some sort of a baked good for the concession stand for the wrestling event, just haven't decided what yet.  The only thing we're kind of butting heads on is the ticket price, she only wants to charge a dollar for the raffle tickets, I think if we gather enough donations we should charge more, even up to five dollars.  I know I've already bought tickets for that amount, it *is* for charity after all.  I don't know.  I'm going to start compiling a list of the businesses around here I can ask for donations, I feel funny, but lord knows as a small business that I'm alway asked for donations, and I always try to give something if I feel it's a good cause.  So now it's my turn to call on them for help, right?

I'm cross-eyed from sorting out two months of piled up paper work, gawd I wish I could afford a secretary! :P  And a receptionist, and some more drivers, and a few more designers, and a masseuse...

Laytah gaytahs!

Ahhh, there's a nice soothing rain today, soothes my soul!  :)

Well, my hairdresser returned my phone call yesterday, and I have an appt. tomorrow night...I think I'll go really short, like a pixie cut.

NOT!  :P

No way, I'm just going to ask her to ever so gently nip the ends and the layers, she's always been good about that in the past.  I can hardly wait!  The only stinky part is the time, I work til about 5:00, and my appt.'s not til 6:30, which leaves over an hour of gap time, and going home then back wouldn't make much sense.  I'm sure I can find enough work to do to occupy me for an extra hour...not that I want too!  ::)

I received a hair compliment yesterday!  ;D  I was talking to a friend of mine and she just stopped mid-sentence and said "your hair looks really nice today".  *Blush, blush, blush*  I did take some extra time with it yesterday morning, I let it air dry like 95%, then using my long-fingered diffuser and the cool setting on the hair dryer I finished drying it so that it was straight and shiny.  Then I finished it off with a little Bio-Silk for extra shine and movement.  I know it's not a natural product, but I don't use it very often and it does make my hair really silky looking, smells really nice too. :)

This morning I did a clarifying wash w/ my Pantene Purity, I didn't ACV this time, just went right on to the conditioning.  Let it air dry, styled the bangs with some aloe gel, and pulled the rest up in a clip.  Good enough for today!

I'm loving my book so far, I only wish I had more time to spend reading it.  I actually ran a few minutes late today because I didn't want to put it down in the middle of a chapter, so I kept reading, but I did have to stop before hitting the next chapter or I would have been really late!

Hub & I are just not getting along right now, we are just clashing left & right over everything.  It's both our faults, we just keep jumping down each other's throats over the stupidest things.  We go through "phases", sometimes we get along like we're two best friends and nothing could ever get between us, other times we just co-exist like two separate lives in the same household, and times like this we just annoy the living snot out of each other...on purpose, I think! :P  It's like one of us actually goes out of our way to pick a fight with the other one, over anything...so I've just been trying to keep to myself and be good til this phase passes us by...I'm really trying!

I've got a headache today...again, I think I've had one every day this week so far, uck!  So, I am extra grateful for this cloudy and rainy day, not only is it soothing to me, but saves my poor eyes from the brutal sun.  Speaking of, staring at this computer screen is not really helping, either!  I guess I'll be off now, ciao!

:) Hi Maggie,
Still not sure weather I should reply on my journal or yours,but either way........how's the head?  I hope your headache is better.
 Alot has changed down at the Seaport with the World Trade Center nightmare.  I'm hoping all wll be ok weather wise,too.  Too warm or hot and some of my symptoms are a big pain the butt!!  I used to work downtown,midtown NYC and always walked through the WTC and it's so weird whenever I'm in the area  to see they are not there anymore.  Well,I no longer work,it's about 61/2 years now,but my heart still knows the hussle and bussle of the city.
On a lighter note,I have a remedy for those headaches.....it's called Alternate Nostril Breathing.  After the MS hit I wanted to learn something else to help disabled people so I got my certificate in Hatha Yoga. I teach on the mat and in a chair for those who need it.  I went from running,bodybuilding,teaching aerobics to something far more better for me!!:)  I also am a Reiki Practiioner and practice Pilates (for a bout 10 years now.
Hey,what happened to hair.......sorry I digressed :-[  I'm trying to get the hang of these hairsticks but guess I'm afraid that my hair will break.....any suggestions?  I'm at 32 inches,all one length and loose waves and curls.....

Looks like a lot of ppl here are getting hair compliments :D must be a good week...

I'm sorry things aren't going well with you and your hubby :-/

Feel beter VERY soon. :-* :-*

Quote:

We go through "phases", sometimes we get along like we're two best friends and nothing could ever get between us, other times we just co-exist like two separate lives in the same household...

That is my boyfriend & I in a nutshell.

*hugzzz, sistah!*

Hopefully something will happen to remind you 2 how much you guys love each other & why you're together in the first place. Keep the faith, amiga.

Ooooh you lucky gal, you've got Biosilk?! I've been wanting to try that forever! hehehe What is it with our attraction to pretty pearly bottles, eh?  ;)

Quote:

I need to think of a "goodie" to make for the concession stand...any ideas?  I also think that I will put

Maggie, did you decide on what goddie to make?  If you're stuck for an idea, you might try www.allrecipes.com--there are literally thousands of recipes on that site.  

Oh my, I've been gone for a few days...busy busy busy! :P

Trisha:  No, I still haven't decided on a goodie yet, thanx for the link.  I'm going to check it out after I'm done here.  :)

Angel:  Yup, I'm drawn to the pretty pearly bottle-types, what can I say?  Hey, but you are too, so  :P!  I try not to use it too often, but I do love it, my sister introduced it to me.  I think she got it at drugstore.com.  Oooh, silky, silky.....

Curlgirl:  You'll have to tell me more about this alternate nostril breathing.  That's funny, because when I get those monster headaches what I'll do is block off one or both of my nostrils (if I can) and breath through my mouth just because it hurts to breathe through my nose.  Is it anything like that?  My mother-in-law practices reiki, I very much believe in the power of natural healing.  I wish there were some yoga classes offered around here, I would love to learn it, I used to take Tai Chi (sp?) and it was sooooo relaxing.  But, of course this lame little area wouldn't support it and the classes eventually folded up.  It really gave me something to look forward too.  :-/

Okay, okay, okay...

I finally got my hair trimmed!  And...she did a great job, phew!  I told her that my hair goal is to try to reach waist-length, and she said that she understood, because she's growing her hair as well.  So she just took a very tiny nip off the length and livened up my long layers, around my face and my bangs.  A hairdresser that understands how much you cherish your hair...how refreshing!  :)

Due to influence ala Angel Spun I went directly to the drug store after my hair appt. and bought new Pantene Restoratives, oh yeah, I was treatin' myself baby!  I like very much, but I don't think it's good for everyday use, gets a little heavy.  So, I am now alternating between Purity, DMR and Restoratives (breakage defense), all from Pantene.  Works for me! ;)

This morning I used the DMR shampoo and conditioner, along with the usualy aloe gel styling.  I think tonight I'll treat my hair to some jojoba oil, it deserves it.  Let's see, what else...

Movies:  I think I've only seen one off the IFC channel, oh wait!  I never reported on {Proof}, ok so...
  *Happy Accidents: (IFC channel, w/ Marissa Tomei), about a man who travels back in time to save a girl he's fallen in love with through a photo he came across.  The theory is that life is a closed loop of time, you keep living the same moments over & over, and die the same way each time (kind of like the last book I read, Diary).  His mission is to try to change the sequence to save her from dying the same way again, and to make her believe him.  It was a nice romantic story w/o all the fluff from a big budget movie.

  *{Proof}: (w/ Gwyneth Paltrow & Anthony Hopkins)  What a great movie.  It's about the relationship between a father and daughter who both have the same genius ability in proving math theorems, and that fine line between genius and crazy.  Sounds like an odd story line, but it focuses mostly on the family part of it.  Extremely emotional and moving, I liked it much more than I thought I would.

Books:  I am still working on The Kite Runner, what an amazing book so far.  I find myself getting so emotionally attached to the characters and wrapped up in the story line, but I suppose that's what defines a great literary work.  I have just about reach the half way point, and can't wait until I have time to dive back in again.

I have to get on the ball with collecting these donations, I didn't realize that the woman organizing all of this wanted them in by Thursday.  She has me a little irritated with the whole thing, I know she's doing a good thing, but I don't care for the attitude she's taking on with this.  She's not even family and she's making me feel like a stupid little outsider working for her, but I'll keep quiet about it, it's all for good, right?

That's the sum of it all for today, till next time....

ooooh Maggie, send that hairdresser over to me asap ;D the place I go to that trims my hair and does the color scares me to death. :o  I get sooooooo nervous when the guy is combing my hair out after being washed;I sit there and pray he doesn't come to a tangle or knot because God help me and my neck if he pulls,breaks or does whatever to my hair.  Since I found this site and all you sweethearts I just grinned and beared some of the things that would happen.  Who knew about satin pillow cases???? Can't wait to try them :)  and the oil info,cider vinegar rinses,the list goes on and on!!  Thanks you ladies!! 8)
As for the Nadi Sudi (alternate nostril breathing)  what you do is almost there,but not really.  Yogic breathing is done all through the nose,whether you're practicing asanas(poses) or the breathing.  THis is because Yoga is not exercise.  Some forms may feel like exercise,getting the benefits cardio wise,but you engage a different body system in the way that you breathe.  I could go on and on and on,but.....to your problem.......
Sit on the floor crossed legged or lay down.....take your left hand,thumb and first finger touching...(so it looks like you're making the "ok" sign),rest the back of that hand on your left knee...with me so far???
make a fist with your right hand,extend your pinkie finger and your thumb,keeping the ring finger,middle finger and index finger tucked into your palm....ok now place the right thumb along the right nostil and close it off,inhale through the left nostil,close both nostils,release the right thumb and exhale through the right nostil.  Keeping the pinkie on the left nostil while you do this.  Now Inhale right,close both ,exhale left,holding the thumb on your right nostil closed while doing that.  Go back and forth a few rounds.  If you do this consistently every day you'll be so much better.  I also stopped eating dairy and other things when I became a pesco-vegetarian that I believed also helped.

Also migraines are hereditary,(thanks Mom and Dad),but there are things you can do naturally that will kick these migraines in the @#$^%$# :)  Let me know how it goes and if I can help you in any way,please give a holler!! :)

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Due to influence ala Angel Spun I went directly to the drug store after my hair appt. and bought new Pantene Restoratives

bwahahahahahaaaaa! My evil plan is working...  ;)  But who knows? I may break down & get Biosilk next time. Influence usually works both ways.  ;)

Wow, thanks Curlgirl! :)  I'm going to practice this first while I don't have a migraine, so that when it does happen I'll know more what to do.  You sound like you have a real wealth of information when it comes to natural healing, I find that so fascinating. :D

I tried Trisha's little trick of mixing some conditioner with your shampoo this morning, and I have to say I'm quite pleased. :)  I've used 2-in-1's in the past but never quite had the genius to mix it together myself! :P  So, I used the s+c mixture, and then did an ear-down condition.  Nice! :]

I'm just wearing my hair in a bun today, I didn't bother putting too much effort into it given the wind situation the past few days.  March certainly came in like a lion this year.  A big, wind-bag lion!

Ok, so I have to confess something.  I am addicted to watching American Idol...I can't help it!  At the end of every season I say "that's it, I'm not getting wrapped up in this nonsense again next year", but I always do.  :-[  So, anyway, there's a lot I like so far...
  *Girls:  I like Melissa's raspy voice, I just adore Kellie Pickler- she's the cutest darn thing I've ever seen, same w/ Paris- although I like her speaking voice better than her singing voice I think, Mandissa's an amazing powerhouse- whoa! :o, and Cathering McPhee is just amazing, too.

  *Guys:  Chris Daughtry- rock on man!  Taylor Hicks, I love this guy, he's just a total natural, Bucky's voice is really cool and raw, Elliot has a truly beautiful and soothing voice, Chicken Little & Ace are just so-so for me.

My prediction is that it will come down to Catherine McPhee & Chris Daughtry, and I think that Catherine will get it.  That being said, I'll make my elimination prediction for tonight as well...::ahem::, I think Chicken Little will go tonight, he's cute as pie, but...well, that's all I'll say.

My predictions have been made, do with them what you will...:P

My pleasure for the help :) anytime.  Consistency is key,so everynight before you go to sleep;do it for 5 minutes or whatever works for you!
Later :)

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I tried Trisha's little trick of mixing some conditioner with your shampoo this morning, and I have to say I'm quite pleased.   I've used 2-in-1's in the past but never quite had the genius to mix it together myself!   So, I used the s+c mixture, and then did an ear-down condition.  Nice! :]

Always glad to help, but surely I'm not the first to come up with this concoction.  Knowing Anais and her experiments, twas probably her...   ;D

Wow, I haven't been able to visit the boards again in days now, this is getting crazy, I guess I just have to learn to prioritize!  ;)

In bad hair news I've got the green-gunk build up problem back again, ack!  It's got to be my hairspray, I'm currently using Herbal Essences.  But I honestly don't use much at all, as I know I've mentioned before, I use 1 to 3 spritzes to keep my bangs in place and that's it....and that's exactly where the problem area is.  Not really in my bangs, but on the top of my head, mostly off to the left of my part, and I can't get rid of it no matter what I try!  >:(  A few days ago I did a clarifying wash, vinegar rinse and a comb-through followed by a conditioning, and the following days I've been just concentrating with a clarifying shampoo in that top area, it lessens it a tiny bit, but doesn't get rid of it.  I can't get away without using a bit of hairspray for control, I do use aloe which does help to hold the style so I use less hairspray, but I still need just a little.  Maybe I need to seriously consider trying an all natural one, any suggestions??

...Oh yeah, all the extra washing has made my hair feel dry  :'(  That's a bad thing...

In good hair news, I must have had a little bit of hair growth! :)  My last measure was sometime around the end of Feb. and I measured in at 25 & 1/4 inches (sadly that was the same as the previous month-no growth), but I just measured this morning again, and even after my trim I'm still at 25 & 1/4 inches!  I know my hairdresser nipped about a quarter inch, which must mean either 1) I'm a crappy measurer, or 2) I had a quarter inch of growth.  For now I'll opt for the latter.  :)

Aloe juice, aloe juice, aloe juice...where can I get aloe juice??  I want to try the leave-in that Beesan's been using, which I think is Kimberlily's recipe...I guess the smart thing to do would be to check out that thread first. ???

Life in general has been very hectic.  I'm going crazy trying to get all my books ready for my accountant.......gaaaaawd I hate going through receipts......sooooooooooo tedious!  But I've got to have it all together by this Saturday, so the pressure's on.  It really would be much easier if I did this month by month throughout the year, I know that & keep telling myself that next year I'll do that...but it just never seems to work out that way.  :-/  The problem is this...I do everything myself!  From the ordering, to acct's receivable, to designing, to delivering (hub help with this sometimes, but it's mostly me), to cleaning & organizing, to customer service, to....you name it!  I'm just split too many ways, plain & simple.  But for financial reasons this is the way it has to be for now.  C'est la vie!

On a more serious & kind of scary note, I put the offer out to hub to move....away, like far away if he wants.  It's something that he keeps talking and whining about, that he hates how depressed this area is (and it really is), that there are no opportunities here for him to do what he really wants to do.  He whines about it, but I know that he himself will never take action on it, so I'm calling his bluff.  Ha!  Although I am totally prepared to be serious about it.  I told him yesterday that if he's serious about "getting out of here" to start getting a game plan together, we'll set a goal of two years for ourselves.  Two years to ween down and sell the business, decide what to do with the house (that's the biggest heartache), figure out where to go and what to do.  I told him to start researching and come to me with some real facts instead of whining, then I'll really think about it.  Fair?

He didn't say too much about it, I think I scared him, I don't think he ever really expected me to act on it.  But, I be d*mned if he thinks I'll let him used his surroundings as an excuse to whine his way through life, apparently he doesn't know me very well...for whining is not in my vocabulary.  That was taught to me by my grandmother, you be strong, you never whine about anything, and you do what you have to do.  Period.  I come from a long line of strong Slovak women, so if he's looking for me to pamper his whiny little butt, he's got another thing comin'!  As my dad alway said (he would say this is why he married my mother!).."You need a strong Slovak woman to pull the plow when the ox dies"!  I always got a chuckle out of that!

So, we'll see what happens!  That's about it & this is long enough, so ciao!

I just gotta tell you about that family thing and veganism.....I had an uncle make sauce one time,he told me it was marina(italian) plain,well,long story short.I was doubled over in pain for 3 days because he put neck bones,chicken,beef and pork in it and strained it all out before serving it.  That was many years ago and to this day I REFUSE to eat at his house!!!!  Some people just don't get it when you say you're a vegetarian or vegan ......anyway,the only reason I eat fish is because I have MS and the Omega 3's and 6's are good for people with MS.  Anyhoo,just thought I'd drop ya a line.....I'm sure we could share stories that drive us both nuts about things our famlies tried to feed us lol ::)

Oh, I totally hear that, Curlgirl!  It really drives me crazy when my own family members can't respect a *very disciplined* decision that I have made.  Some still feel the need to poke fun at me, saying things like "oh come on, it won't kill ya, just eat some..." waving a big hunk of steak or pork in my face or something.  They really just don't get it.  My mother was really upset when I first gave it up, mostly because she thought I'd get sick, but I never did, but then as time passed and she saw I was serious she respected it and made me separate meals from the rest of the family.  My dad, on the other hand, he would make comments about how my food was gross. My food was gross, OK, I'm the one eating something made from a soybean...while he was the one chewing up a big hunk of animal flesh.  My food gross?  I don't get it!  And I don't think that they'll ever get it, but at least after 15 years they're starting to ease up on me!  :-/

Okay-so-about the whole moving thing, I made a point to bring it up again to hub...just to let him know that I wasn't joking, you know, putting the ball in his court.  He said he knew I meant it and that he thought about it all night and day, he said it seemed "real" since I set a time frame to it of two years.  I'm really hoping that this will somehow motivate him in one way or another, either he'll realize that living in a small town isn't so bad (because he really doesn't want to move-excuse!), or he'll be motivated into moving on (with me, of course!).  Time will tell.

Hair:  It's feeling pretty nice today, I must say.  I just did a regular scalp-wash and condition with Restoratives, and that's it.  In fact, I still have it down, which is pretty rare at work, maybe it's because I'm so coooold!  Spring is supposed to be here...but it's freezing & windy, brrrr!  Which leads me to thinking that if we do move...maybe choose somewhere warm?  We could always visit to see the snow. ???  Oh, yeah...hair!  The build up is still there, a little less today though, so frustrating!  I'm def. going to try making a natural hairspray, I know there's one posted here somewhere.

Other facets of my life:  I'm still working on reading The Kite Runner, I am very much in love with this book so far, I have never been so emotionally involved with a story before.  As much as I'm dying to finish it, I don't want to...because then it wil be done!  :'(  

I still haven't decided on a baked good to make for my cousin's benefit...I'd better figure something out pretty quick, it's coming soon, April 1st!

Saw three new movies this week, here's maggie ebert to break it down for you:
  Walk the Line:  I can't say I was ever a Johnny Cash fan, but I really was moved by watching the story of his life, gave me a whole new respect for his work.  I didn't expect that I'd like it, or even be interested in it, but I was pleasantly surprised! :)

  Just Friends:  It was ooookay, mostly a fluff piece IMO.  About a guy who is in love with a friend from childhood who regards him as "just a friend", and what he has to do to show her that he loves her.  It was kind of cute, but really not my kind of movie. :-/

  The Tease:  Or maybe it's just "Tease", not sure.  This movie was just okay, too.  Kind of low-budget...which is fine, but the story line was amature and weak.  About a 17yr. old girl who is obsessed with having her mother all to herself, so she kills anyone who tries to get in between them.  It was a little wierd, actually.  :-/

So, American Idol's on again tonight, I was wrong with my elimination prediction last week, but not totally surprised.  We actually may be going to see the Marine Corps Band tonight, In law's have some extra tix, we'll see.

I'm off, my system updates are done and I have a little icon jumping at me from my dock telling me I need to restart.  Coming, coming!...

Hey,ya think we're related or something!!!!!!!!!!!! :o Some of the things you said about your family is so like some of the people in my family!!!!!!!!!!  Things that make you go hmmmmmmmmmmmmm :)

That would be a pretty big move, especially if you've lived there all your life :-/ I feel your pain, and if your hubby decides to move, then two years won't be that much time, it will really go by fast :P blugh....time :-X

Anyway, i hope everything goes well, and good luck :-* ((((((hugz)))))

Thanks, Beesan.  I have lived here my whole life, I have never experienced life outside of here.  I don't know if that's good or bad.  :-/  It would be hard, because everything I know & everyone I love is here, but I can't let that stop me if we decide to really go through with it.  Just another challenge to overcome, that's all.  Maybe it won't ever happen...who knows?

My hair feels pretty nice today- I washed with Restoratives, and conditioned respectively.  Before it dried completely I used some jojoba oil on it & now it looks and feels really shiny & silky.  I'm really starting to wonder if waist-length is an achievable goal for me, I'm beginning to doubt.  I'm not going to give up on trying, though, maybe I just need a little more growth for encouragement.  I'm getting awfully sick of BSL, I want it longer!  :-[  I know- patience, patience!  :-X

This build-up problem is driving me insane, my hair looks so pretty and shiny, then when you look close you can see it there, and of course I'm obsessed with it, so it probably looks much worse to me.  I don't know what else to try besides clarifying shampoo and vinegar rinses.  I'll have to google it, see what I come up with.  I wonder if citrus would help??  Or maybe I'll call my hairdresser, see if she has any products or advice, I'm getting desparate.  :-[
I picked up a new book yesterday.  Well, I didn't just pick it up, I bought it (ba-doomp-cha!) :P  Running With Scissors by Augusten Burroughs, I've only got a few more pages left to read in my current book, so hopefully I'll be starting this one soon.

That's about it, till next time...

Yay!!!  I finally finished my book!  I'm so glad I took Anais' & Beesan's advice on that, that was to date the best book I've ever read, so moving.  I see he (Khaled Hosseini) will be releasing a new book this coming summer, I'll be sure to pick that one up, too.  I haven't dug into my new one yet, I almost did yesterday, but decided instead to pursue housework and bookwork...no such thing as a real day off! :P

As for my hair, I took a late shower yesterday & did a full wash and condition on the hair.  This morning I only did a vinegar rinse, followed by a scalp massage and conditioning, my hair is feeling quite nice today from it.  I really wish I could get away from having to use hairspray, as I've mentioned, I don't use much, but I'd rather not use any at all.  I just can't pull it off, though, the aloe gel along just isn't enough & I still haven't gotten around to experimenting with home-made natural stuff.  I'm just sporting a simple low bun today with a pretty, silk-like scrunchie of earth tones.  Simple, simple, simple. :)

I received some bad news from a dear friend of mine this morining.  After seeing her on saturday, later that night she fell asleep driving and crashed into a telephone pole, flipping her car over.  She was cut out of the car and life-flighted to the hospital, I just THANK GOD that she's alive...and in the big picture she's OK.  She broke the bone around her eye socket, broke her nose in 2 places and has one collapsed lung.  That's pretty bad, but it could have been so much worse.  Oh, I cried when she called me!  I also thank god that there was a car following behind her when it happened, because the road she crashed on is a pretty desolate one, if that car wasn't behind her to call 911, god only knows...she could have bled to death.  That's just a long terrible road to travel, especially if you're tired, 4 years ago a classmate of mine and his friend crashed on that same road late at night, but no one found them until the morning, they both died.  I did their funeral flowers, I doesn't seem right when I'm doing the final arrangements for people who are only my age, it's hard to comprehend sometimes.  It's hardened me in a way.  Well, anyway, I'm just thankful that she's alive and OK!

I'm still battling this dang pigeon problem here at my shop, my husband has a call into the town's building code enforcer, we're still waiting for a response.  Not only are the blasted birds a problem, but it's what drew the birds here in the first place, an old, dilapidated building with smashed out windows allowing the pigeons to get inside and nest (resides directly next to me).  Now they are multiplying and don't want to leave!  Glass from the broken windows continues  to fall down onto my property, bits of brick and mortar have been falling also...not a good sign.  The place should really be knocked down.  I'm waiting for this whole place to sink someday, after all, we are built on top of old coal mines...very dug-out, old coal mines.  A few homes have collapsed already from the ground caving in...maybe we're next! :P

Glad your friend is ok.  What a terrible accident.  Her angel was watching over her........

oooooo - how scarey.  I'm glad the injuries are not any more serious.

;D ;D ;DI got a hair compliment...from a guy yesterday!!!  ;D ;D ;D

It really took me off guard!  He said that he knows that I just got a trim, but he hardly notices any length missing & that he likes the length.  Whoa!  I had no clue that any man could be so observant...especially about a woman's hair.  Eeeeery....:P

Of course, the rest of the day I was sneaking glances at my hair in any reflection I could find...you would do the same thing, too!

As for today, not much to tell.  Well, last night before bed I treated my hair to a jojoba oiling and wrapped it up.  This morning I did a scalp wash w/ Pantene DMR and followed up with the respective conditioner.  That's it.  I'm still wearing it down for now...cuz yes, I'm chilly as usual.  Maybe later I'll pull it back if I can ever warm up! :P

I haven't heard from my friend since yesterday, I'll call her this morning to see how she's doing, hopefully she's been released.

Peace!

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Whew!  Sorry Trisha, I'm blabbering on in your journal!     Well, you can blabber some in mine if you like!

blabber blabber blabber blabber!  blabber blabber?  :P  blabber blabber blabber blabber blabber blabber blabber blabber  :o  blaaaaaaaaaaabber blabber, blabber blabber!!!   ;D

Ooh la la, Magz! A hair compliment from a guy now?  ;)  lol Well I guess you can't rule them out entirely. Some guys actually do notice this stuff, I guess.  ::)  But it's cool getting a compliment from anyone...makes you feel like all of the hard work is worth it...almost.  :-/  ;D

SO sorry to hear about your friend. Egad!! Thank goodness someone was following behind her & that her injuries were not worse. I'll pray that she recovers completely and in due time.

wrote on Mar 29^th, 2006 at 7:26pm:

blabber blabber blabber blabber!  blabber blabber?  :P  blabber blabber blabber blabber blabber blabber blabber blabber  :o  blaaaaaaaaaaabber blabber, blabber blabber!!!   ;D

That gave me a good laugh, I needed that!  Feel free to blabber here any time you like!  ;)

Thanks for all the well-wishes for my friend guys, she's recovering wonderfully.  It certainly gave her a whole new perspective on the fragileness of life, she was really shaken up by the whole thing.  But, she's here & alive and that's all that matters.  :)

The second fundraising event for my cousin was held this past weekend- the wrestling event.  With only three hours before I had to turn my baked good in, I finally came up with something to make, story of my life...queen of procrastination!  I made mini cherry and apple pies (thank you Betty Crocker!) I don't deserve very much credit for this, if any, all I did was buy the kits for apple crisp and cherry cobbler and instead of baking them casserole style, I did them in those tiny graham cracker pie crusts from Keebler.  They were quite good, though, I had to test one to make sure!  ;)  In addition to that, I donated a huge gift basket of candles, bath & body stuff, oils, a wreath, and all kinds of other goodies from my shop, I also helped in selling the raffle tickets.  After all that, I didn't go to the wrestling show, I feel bad about it, but truth be told...after everything else, I was broke!  I couldn't afford the admission to get in, on top of being dead tired.  It came down to having to pick up a few necessities for the house or wrestling tickets.  I hope they understand, but I did already contribute more than anyone else in the family, our budget is tight and we haven't been able to do a full shopping trip in months, we're just living off the absolute necessites and basics.  That's just the way it is sometimes, I'm sure I'm not alone!

I am really getting spring fever right about now, this time of year really toys with your "spring time" emotions.  70 degrees 2 or 3 days in a row, then boom!  Right back to the 40's again!  Maybe even some more snow flurries tomorrow- oh pa-leeze!  I want tulips & daffodils & leaves on the trees & green grass & singing birds & crickets at night...not more snow!!!

My hair should be happy with me after it's little haitus over the weekend.  It got to spend the whole thing au-natural, completely.  No hairdryer, no hairspray, not even much combing.  Just a wash, big vinegar rinse with raw organice ACV, and a conditioning.  Then I was able to allow it to air dry at it's own pace...it dried with the prettiest, shiniest waves in it, it actually looked really nice!  Before bed I gave it a little jojoba oil, too.  This morning I didn't wash or wet it at all, I have it pulled up, but I did need a little spritz of hairspray for hold.  I want to pick up a deep conditioning something or other to try in my hair, I haven't done that in easily 10 years, wonder if it really helps?

I'm awaiting the builing code enforcer's "presence" today.  He finally called back over the weekend, he wants to see proof that the bldg next door is falling apart.  Don't you know, I just finally broke down and cleaned up all the broken glass that fell from their windows into my yard!  So...I got this brainstorm...I'll just toss a rock up and knock some more of the glass down (they're already broken), then I'll really have something to show him.  So, I look around the yard to find a rock...actually a small pc. of brick, get my aim straight and launch.  The brick gracefully sails up, goes through the only already broken spot in the window, gently bounces off the screen behind it and falls back down to land in the grass.  OK, typical for me...try again.  I get the brick chip in my hand again, set my aim, and once again launch.  Clunk!  Bounces off to the left of the window...I can't hit the window!  So it's at this point I take it as a sign and give up.  :-/  Only me, I swear!

As for the pigeons, he pretty much told me it's my problem.  Go out & poison them and he'll look the other way.  Uhm, NO!  I'm not really into picking up pigeon carcasses, thank you!  Hopefully this turns out better than I'm expecting, we'll see.  :-/

Peace!

Well, Mr. Code Enforcer did finally show up, he looked around, snapped some pics of the bldg. next door and all of it's dilapidated-ness.  I showed him where the rats with wings are getting in & nesting and all the spots where the top of the place is slowly crumbling and the bricks are falling.  He said he'll keep me updated on what's happening.  The place needs to come down ultimately, it's just too far gone.

Oh yeah...he gave me a hair compliment, too.  This is getting too wierd.  Two hair compliments from two different guys, what is going on?  He told me (somewhat flirtatiously) that my hair color was really pretty...out of nowhere.  It was a nice compliment, but it was also kind of wierd... ???  I'll take it though!

Hair, hair, hair:  I'm still stuck at 25 1/4", I'm wondering if it's not because my diet has been so poor lately??  We haven't been food shopping like we used to...keeping a fresh supply of all kindsa veggies and fruits, we've been living on bare bones lately, cleaning the cupboards out.  A lot of bread-y stuff, too much cheese, just not enough good stuff.  It's time to get back on track again, no matter what.  Not to mention I have this new found love for ice cream... :-X  I haven't clarified since last time I posted, I have been pretty good about keeping the ends oiled, and s+c routine is pretty much the same.  Today I have my hair bunned up with one stick holding it.

Yesterday I had another killer migraine, I also burst a vein in the back of my knee...wonder if the two are related??  After going home from work I fought off getting sick with all my might and laid in bed with my head encased in ice for three hours.  Did the trick.  After that I was at least able to eat something and the swelling in my head went down...thank god, they're so painful!!  So now I have a big, ugly bruise-like mark on the back of my knee, it feels a little sore too, not too bad though.  I took Advil Migraine for the first time yesterday, not sure how well it worked.  It did go away, so...??

I found out a few days ago that they think my cousin's only got a year to two left, the cancer is too progressed.  He just turned 20 a few days ago *big sigh*, I'm heart broken.  I don't know what else to say.  I wonder if now they would be more receptive to natural treatment, maybe it's even too late for that, I have no idea, I don't really know how to find out.  God save that boy, please, he's got so much life to live yet.

Life is funny, isn't it?  You just never know from one day to the next.

Peace
maggie

Quote:

I found out a few days ago that they think my cousin's only got a year to two left, the cancer is too progressed.  He just turned 20 a few days ago *big sigh*, I'm heart broken.  I don't know what else to say.  I wonder if now they would be more receptive to natural treatment, maybe it's even too late for that, I have no idea, I don't really know how to find out.  God save that boy, please, he's got so much life to live yet.

:'(   *hugs*

Wow, I'm up to my ears in easter plants!!  Tulips, hyacinths, lilies, daffodils & hydrangeas galore!  My shipment just came in and they're scattered all over the shop, I guess I've got my work cut out for me today, huh?  I decided to take a quick lunch break first, then I'll dive into the sea of plants and pretty them all up.  Foil, bow, pick, price...foil, bow, pick, price...repeat one thousand times! :P

Yeah, so this will be a busy week for me with Easter coming, so I don't know how much I'll be able to visit the boards until after the holiday.  Gawd, time goes sooooo fast!  It's almost Easter, then it'll be Mother's Day, then Memorial Day (that's a big deal around here), prom season, wedding season, man oh man, it all just fies!

The past few days I've been washing my hair with a 2 to 1 ratio of shampoo and conditioner mixed together, using just a very little bit, just enough to make a lather to cut the grease.  I then follow with Restoratives breakage defense conditioner on the ends and let in for 5-10 minutes before rinsing with cool water.  After my hair dried (naturally) I oiled the ends with my jojoba and bunned it up.  I also have my hair bunned up today, just loosely in a low one, I'm trying not to wear my hair up high on the head too often, it pulls too much and I think it's pulling some hair out up top  :-[.  So I have to be much more gentle to that area of my scalp.

I haven't heard any updates from mr. code enforcer guy yet, on my hair color or the pigeons  ;).  Now that it's finally getting nice out (it's in the 60's today!  :D) I'm going take action on my own and do what I can on my part to get them away from here.  I'm going to play Bob Vila and fashion my own spike strips to put on the window sills, cut some mylar up to make strips and place those around, I'll do whatever it takes...pie tins, CD's, owls, snakes...they're going to make me crazy soon!  I'll be the crazy flower lady on the block outside screaming at the pigeons, scaring all the poor neighborhood children, I don't want that to happen...really, I don't!

Well, lunch is over, time to get back to the plants.  I can hear them calling me.

Till next time.

Wow, I was almost kicked to the second page!  I'd better get on top of things here...

Life's been a whirl-wind lately.  Typical for me come holiday season, though.  From Christmas to Memorial Day it gets really crazy for me, especially from Easter to Mem. Day, because it overlaps with the start of wedding season, and the proms fall in there too.  All I've been doing is working extra long days, eating and sleeping...monday through saturday, and the past 3 sundays too.  I closed the monday after Easter just to get some rest, so that gave me 1 day off in three weeks! :P  I'm really feeling exhausted though, it's all catching up with me, my body is feeling physically sore...especially my hands, wrists and fingers.  When I work like this, I guess my muscles swell & I lose circulation and feeling in my hands/fingers, mostly my right.  That's a yucky feeling!

I haven't had much time for fussing with my hair, almost everyday it gets pulled up or back, it's rare that I leave it down.  And shame on me, I've been using way too much hair spray lately.  Working at the pace I've been, I keep checking my hair and re-fixing it, and with every re-fix comes a spritz of hair spray.  I've got to cut it out, that's so so bad!  I haven't done an ACV rinse on my hair, or even used jojoba oil in easily weeks now.  Sunday, sunday, sunday!  That will be my day, for me & my hair.  (hopefully!)

I did, however, stop to measure my hair a few days ago.  Still at 25 & 1/4" :-/  My hair doesn't want to grow any more.  How will I ever get to waist length at this rate? ???

Oh well, it's 5:00 & time to go home, I-AM-POOPED!  Starving too!  :o

Ciao!

Deep breaths, Maggie sistah.....and scalp massages.  ;)

25 ¼" is still a good length. I'd be at BSL if my hair was that long! Maybe you are there right now.

Just hang in there. Remind yourself that it's a phase & "this, too, shall pass." Work will gradually taper off and hair will grow.  :)

Yeah, I know.  It'll eventually get there, maybe I'll have a growth spurt since it's been idle for so long?

I am proud to say that, yes, I did take sunday all for myself...and it was heavenly.  ;D

I started by dampening my hair and putting in some Pantene Restoratives Breakage Defense conditionerto the length of my hair, bunned it up, covered it with a plastic baggie and left it in for an hour.  I haven't taken time to do something like that for myself in years!  Meanwhile, I cut and polished both my finger and toe nails, my finger nails were all different lengths, chipped and the polish was worn half off, they looked disgraceful!  They look much better now, all cut short & filed nicely, finished off with some pretty beige-frost color...toes done to match!  I used Sally Henson's "Teflon Tuff" nailpolish, holds up pretty good for the working woman's hands!

I took a nice long, hot shower (perfect on a cool, rainy day).  I rinsed the conditioner out of my hair, did an ACV rinse, shampooed, and re-conditioned, followed up with a nice cool rinse.  I then allow my hair all the time it needed to air dry, I could actually hear it thanking me, no kidding!  I must say, I had a great hair day yesterday after treating it so nicely, go ahead, call me vain...but it did look nice!  ;)

I made a trip to the store to buy a few essentials, so we could at least make some sandwiches till our real shopping trip.  I bought organic lettuce, onion, german swiss cheese, a nice tomato & fresh mozzarella salad...everything but the bread to make them on, duh!  I realized this once I got home, at that point I was not about to head back into town just for bread.  We settled for a pizza later instead.  ;D  Pizza's always good!

My dog was my buddy for the day, she was glued to my side, I love her so much!  Everywhere I went, from room to room, upstairs, downstairs, she followed me all around.  I was starting to feel bad, because she would just get settled and start falling asleep, then I would walk into another room, and she'd get up and follow me, it was sweet though.  I loved having the day home with her.

I spent some time with my husband, and the night was finished off with an amazing thunder and lighting storm, and pouring rain.  Made for some great sleep.  All in all, it was a muchly needed slow paced and restful day, probably the only one I'll have until after Mother's Day!

For my hair this morning, I rinsed it well, put in some conditioner & let in for 5 minutes, did a scalp wash, and rinsed both out, then re-conditioned followed with a cool rinse again.  Left it dry, and now I have it pulled into two low piggy buns.  Makes for some pretty waves when I take them out!

I'm off, I've got tons of work to do, as usual!  Later...

Man, did I start one heck of a project for myself...and make a huge mess while I'm at it.   :-[

I decided with proms, Mother's Day, Mem. Day and weddings all impending that I should take some time to really sort out and take note of my supply inventory.  So I began pulling all my ribbons, and paints, and a million other things out to see what I have and re-organize it all.  Well, now it's all over the floor and I'm on day 2 of trying to get it all put back.  :P  It needs to be done though, when I get busy the last thing I worry about is neatness, so things tend to get thrown where they don't belong, which means that I can't find it next time I go to look for it, and that can lead to unecessary re-ordering of things that I already have.  So, I guess neatness does count.

I have a serious problem with keeping focused, though.  I start one thing & then get overly ambitious & lose my focus.  I'll start project A, then realize that the plants need to be watered & stop project A to do that.  As I'm watering the plants I'll see an area of the shop that I'd like to rearrange & begin doing that, then the phone rings, which brings me back the the area of the first project and reminds me that I'm still in the middle of of that.  It's just and endless pattern of a million started projects, zero completed ones.  I'm beyond help.  :-/  At least I'm ambitious though!

Hair:  I'm just wearing my hair very simply in a low pony tail today.  Washing routine was normal today, I scalp washed with Purity shampoo and conditioned with DMR.  Nothing too special today.  I think I may need another trim soon, I'm finding more splitz than I'm ok with, but I really didn't want to cut again this soon.  My hair will never get to my waist!  I honestly don't think I'm capable of it.  I always remember my great grandmother's hair, she never had her hair cut in her entire life and her hair never exceeded mid-back, about BSL...just like mine.  I really think that's my hair's limit, BSL.  I will keep trying, but I can't fight genetics!

Here goes a random thought, but I can't help wanting to be home on a day like today- it's perfect weather for hanging laundry out.  I just love line dried clothing, I love the fresh air smell, and I also love that I don't have to waste electricity on the dryer.  I actually enjoy doing laundry, I guess you don't hear that everyday!  It's relaxing to me, gawd only knows why, but it is!  End of random thought.

I haven't updated on T in a long time.  He's still seeing his acupunturist with good results, and he's still taking his herbs.  The most drastic improvement I've seen is in his anxiety levels, he's able to cope in public situations much better, he no longer has panic attacks or gets sick.  This used to be a huge problem, even just grocery shopping, it was terrible.  His appointments started with once a week, then once every two weeks, now he's up to once per three weeks, that's a good thing- we go again this wednesday.  Oooh, maybe that means a mall trip too??  I can really use some new clothes, especially jeans.  I've never worn clothes out like I do now.  Actually, I've never worn my clothes out before, period.  I don't know what the heck I'm doing differently, but I'm going through them like crazy!  ???

Here's another random thought, question actually.  Have you ever been sitting at your computer when the phone rings and you put the mouse to your ear instead of the phone?  Not saying that I've done this (  :-[ ), just wondering.

Okay, back to my million started/unfinished projects.  Later.

Quote:

Have you ever been sitting at your computer when the phone rings and you put the mouse to your ear instead of the phone?  Not saying that I've done this (   ), just wondering.

Maggie, you crack me up!  I always look forward to reading your journal  :D

As far as working on 50 million different projects at the same time, this is called multi tasking, dear, and it's common in women all over the universe.  We have to multi task or nothing would get finished on time.  (ooo, that last comment could be construed as a "man bash"--didn't mean it that way!)  

You man-basher!  :o ;) :P ;D

*snort*
;D

lol @ answering the mouse. hehehe That's definitely a Maggie moment.  ;)

I actually kind of like doing laundry too. Just my own, though. There's something about giving all of my stuff the best care possible and then hanging it up and knowing that the next time I put it on, it will be perfect.  ;D

It's easy to lose focus when you take on too much at once. Just try to do one thing at a time as much as possible.

Oh my god, I feel like I'm the energizer bunny, I just keep going & going...

Totally agree with the whole idea of women being multi-taskers, we rock in that department.  In fact I just made a comment in Beesan's journal on the same subject!  ::)

Man, I feel like life is just whizzing right past me & I'm not jumping on to enjoy the ride.  All I do is work, work, work, and I'm starting to feel like I have nothing to show for it.  I don't take vacations...ever, I haven't been on a vacation in nearly 16 years, never even had a honeymoon.  I don't take "day trips", or do the things that other people do for enjoyment...like swimming or whatever it is that normal folks get to do.  I wake up, go to work, work at work, go home to do house work or more work-work, but at home...but not "homework" like school homework...more like work at home...oh, forget it! :P  I'm just always working!  I'm exhausted and I just don't see an end in sight, I need a plan because this just isn't life!

So yeah, the whole "mouse-to-ear" thing, not the first time I've done that, unfortunately.  I've also already tried to dial the phone on the calculator, and I nearly brushed my teeth with my razor yesterday morning.  That would not have been a good thing!  See what too much work does to you?

I'll have to continue this later, work calls...go figure!

...my poor hair is being so neglected right now  :'(

I've been using Pantene's 2 in 1, moisturizing for dry/damaged hair for the past few days.  It cuts washing and drying time in half, which is a must right now, but I think it's taking a toll on my hair.  I'm seeing more splitz than usual, it's tangling much more, and I seem to be losing more hair than normal when I comb my hair.  :-/  Could be stress though.  I promise to pamper it when the holidays are over, I just don't have time for hair right now!  Or anything else for that matter!

I've been much more careful with keeping my razor out of my toothbrush's general area, that was almost a terrible mistake that I came very close to making, not totally unlike me though!

Back to work now, hopefully more later...

Quote:

I've been much more careful with keeping my razor out of my toothbrush's general area, that was almost a terrible mistake that I came very close to making, not totally unlike me though!

ummmmmm...   :o

Quote:

ummmmmm...

Let me clear up any confusion on that, during a stupor brought on by too much work / too little sleep, I grabbed the tube of toothpaste with my left hand and my razor with my right hand.  Upon attempting to apply the toothpaste to my toothbrush I snapped out of my weary stupor to realize that I was about to shave my teeth, not brush them.  But then I would have had to brush my legs, and that just would have never worked out.  ;)  So I swapped the razor for the toothbrush and went on with my day.  Make any more sense?   ???

To quote Angel, that was another authentic "maggie moment"! :P

Work
Well, I certainly set a new working record for myself this week, I worked from 7:00 am thursday morning until 5:00 pm friday evening...straight.  With the exception of going home for a shower & a quick rest, so take 3 hours out for that, so essentially 33 hours out of 48 hours, that took me to a whole new level of exhaustion.  I was getting a little wierd by the time 5 o'clock hit, I was making speech mistakes, spilling and knocking over things, and tripping over my own two feet, but it was finally time to go home...and sleep.  Sleep I did, for 12 hours!  I'm learning that the more tired I am when going to bed, the more I babble, yell and screech in my sleep, even sleepwalk sometimes too.  My poor husband said that I babbled all night long, I nearly gave him a heart attack by letting out a scream too, oops!  So, the more I rest, the less he does, sorry- I can't control it!  :-[

I still feel very tired today, but have a lot of work to get done yet...so no rest for the weary I guess!  Like my grandmother always says, "I'll sleep when I'm dead"!

Hair
My poor hair.  I can't exactly say that it's being treated "badly", but it's certainly not getting pampered like it's been lately.  I hope it doesn't decide to rebel and leave me, "I love you, hair...I promise to treat you better, just give me another chance, you'll see!"

The usual hairstyle for me lately has been a low ponytail, which isn't very good because the underside of it rubs to much on my shirt and gets very tangly, and it's causing splitting and breakage.  Low piggy-buns, or a high up bun-kind-of-thing have been the other two hair options that I've been choosing from as well.  After memorial day I will schedule another trim to get rid of the splitz.  :'(

Yesterday was my doggy's birthday, she turned 6...cinco de mayo doggy!  She asked for a pizza to celebrate, she said she understands that she can't eat the whole thing, but said she likes the "pizza bones" (that's what she calls the crust), so we said sure.  How nice of her to let us have all the rest of the pie...she just would have thrown it away!  Good doggy.

Yes, I'm still very sleepy...

Ok, I've got 20 vases to prepare for monday morning, it's Nurses' Week next week.  So, Happy Nurses' Week to anyone here who may be a nurse!  I hope to get it all done today so that I don't have to work tomorrow, I want my day off!  So, later gators!

:-/ so you celebrate every single holiday, huh?? the hard way! :P

i wish i could come over and help....

ya know what we all need? a girls night out!!

Anyway, good luck with the vases, i hope you can finish 'em so you can get some rest tomorrow

((((((((((hugs)))))))))) :-*

Quote:

ya know what we all need? a girls night out!!

Amen, sistah! Rock on! Now how do we go about getting all of us "girls" together for that?  ???  ::)

Magz - are you still using just the DMR 2 in 1?

wrote on May 7^th, 2006 at 12:53am:

Amen, sistah! Rock on! Now how do we go about getting all of us "girls" together for that?  ???  ::) Magz - are you still using just the DMR 2 in 1?

Tell me about it!  I would love that! Lets met at Niagara falls! :)

wrote on May 7^th, 2006 at 7:15am:

Tell me about it!  I would love that! Lets met at Niagara falls! :)

oooohhhhhhh, a mother nature spa :D  ::)

I'll bring the barrels.  ;)

Bwahahahahahaaaa!  ;D

you girls are crazy!!but I love it!!!! ;D

Maggie, I just love your 'maggie moments'! but good gracious honey get some rest :P

wrote on May 7^th, 2006 at 6:12pm:

I'll bring the barrels.  ;) Bwahahahahahaaaa!  ;D

Meet ya at the border!!! ;D

Whew, I'm back! *wipes sweat from forehead*  Hope I'm not long forgotten already!  :-[

Well, I can successfully cross mother's day off my list of upcoming holidays, it was a rough, one I'll tell ya.  May is just a hellish month for anyone in the floral industry, good for sales, brutal on the body, especially for us un-staffed  small operations.  But I did survive...now for memorial day, bring it on!

I managed to pull through with only one real "maggie moment", but it was a doozy!  I guess just from being so tired my coordination was not quite up to speed & I paid for it.  Hub & I were out after shop hours planting up some barrells around town, as we were elected for the job this year.  After completing barrell number 6 we returned to the van, ready to head off to the next, when...thwap!  I opened my door....right into my face.  Ouch!  :o  It dazed me for a minute, when I was able to take my hands away from my face & brush my hair away I saw that I split my left eyebrow wide open.  Good thing was that I got away without stitches, just some paper towels, bactine, a butterfly bandage and some ice and I was fine.  Only me!  So, I had to go through Mother's Day with a big white bandage on my eyebrow, but a week later, it's healing up nicely.  :-/

My hair has been on protest lately, no matter what I do it just looks like crud.  As mentioned in earlier posts, it hasn't been getting the royal treatment like it usually does, due to my hecticness, but I have been getting back into my usual routines as best as I can.  It just seems so lifeless anymore, I've been noticing some greys, too- not just the short little ones, but also full length strands.  See what all this stress is doing to me??  :'(  I'm going to schedule a trim, maybe that will help, I'll go for about a half inch or so, I don't think my last trim got enough off & now I'm suffering for it.  :-/  I'm sure my diet has something to do with it too, when times get crazy around the shop like they've been, my diet suffers, then I suffer!  I hungry and don't have the time to sit down and eat a real lunch, so I start picking at whatever's available, like chips, crackers, and resorting to frozen meals.  So I guess I'll have to get back on track with that, too.

I've got a huge, post-holiday pile of accounts receivable that I'm trying to tackle today, I still do it the old fashioned, hand written way.  Cost efficient, but time consuming and makes for a very sore hand! :P  I've thought about converting to a computerized method, but then weighed-out the costs of the program and printer/paper needed & decided to keep my old method.  Maybe someday.  Besides, me doing it this way helps to support my local print shop and to keep him in business, after all, he's just a small guy like me.  We need all the support we can get!

I'm off, I've got a potential bride coming to meet with me so I need to get ready.  Ciao!

Glad your eyebrow and you are on the mend! :)

I'm glad you made it thru Mother's Day with only the one Maggie moment.  I can't imagine how tough this time of year can be for a florist.  

I think I can compete with you for one of those "special" moments that define you as the ultimate clutz.  I managed to fall down a couple of stairs and sprain my "good" ankle on Friday.  So I spent Mother's Day hobbling around, barely able to walk.  Oh well, if we can't laugh at ourselves, we would cry.

Good luck getting thru Memorial Day and the wedding season!

EEEEEEEEEgad, Magz!  :o  Girl, you need to slow down in a major way.

heh I know, easier said than done when you own your own business, but that is nuts.  :'(  

I wish I could bring you a decent meal at your shop every day...not that I'm that familiar with vegetarian cuisine, but I'd sure give it my best.  :-/

Hope things start settling down for you soon, sistah. You and your hair need some major TLC.

Glad to hear you survived!  At least there's a break between Mother's Day and Memorial Day, so you can have some breathing room.  Try to take some time to spoil yourself, Mags--you deserve it!   :D

Uh-oh, almost booted to the second page!  :-[  You guys probably forgot all about me already, but I won't let that happen!

So, first off...HAAAAAALLELUJAH!  HALLELUJAH!  MAY IS OVER, MAY IS OVER, MAY IS O-O-O-O-VER!!!!!  ;D  *Dancing Frantically*

...And I survived, total bonus!  Now that I'm back amongst the living, allow me to catch up:

Hair:  Well, I haven't measured in a while, so I have no idea if I'm meeting my goal of 26" or not, and I see that my ticker's down to just a few days.  Well, hold on and we'll see...

OK, seems as though I'm not meeting my goal, I'm measuring in at 25 & 5/8", plus I'm getting another trim tomorrow.  I'm thinking of gettin an inch off, my hair really needs it, no sense in having long hair if it's not healthy.  So, I guess I'll have to reset my ticker!  I haven't had a real routing that I've been following lately, I've actually been trying to use up odds & ends of my shampoos & conditioners.  I've got so many bottles with just a little in the bottom, all Pantene though.  I seem to be leaning toward the moisturizing 2 in 1 lately, cuts washing and drying time in half, but I don't think it's a kind to my hair as using separates, so I still alternate.  I've been more conscious about putting jojoba on my ends, and will be even more so after my trim.  I notice that my color is changing, I'm losing a lot of my natural red undertones...as they are being replaced with silver and white  :-[, it's not major, but noticable to me, and my husband.  Thank you, stress.  :-/

Movies:  We've actually had time to see (rent) a few movies lately, it's been a while!  Here's some:

 Fun w/ Dick & Jane:  Actually really good, or maybe it was just really
     relatable to my life for me right now!  About a well to do family who
     slowly lose everything & still try to survive.  Really funny.  ;D

  Date Movie:  Eh, really kind of stupid.  Good if you're in a stupid
      funny kind of mood.

  Grandma's Boy:  I thought this was hilarious, I really like Dane
       Cook (the comedian), it's also a stupid-funny kind of movie, but I loved
       it.

...that's all, I think.  So, there's your maggie ebert movie ratings!  :P

Life in general is still a bit stressful right now.  We have had just the worst luck with our vehicles lately, out of three...well, actually two now, we are down to one half-functioning truck *sigh*.  Yesterday was a terrible day, I literally gave my car away  :-[, it wasn't the car itself that made me so sad, but all the hard work it represented & getting nothing back for it.  It was my first and only car, so I did feel a little attachment to it, it just needed too many repairs so I really had no other choice other to than just hand the title over to the garage and call it even.  I actually cried as we were cleaning our stuff out of it  :'(.  Same story with my shop's van.  It's too beyond repair for how old it is, so we'll hand that title over as well, junk & salvage yards only offered us $25 for it...if we could drive it there!  Not worth the effort, leave it there.  So, there goes thousands of $$ spent on repairing over the last 4 years, right down the toilet, and once again getting nothing in return.  *double sigh*  Life goes on I guess!

On a good note, we found out recently that my S-I-L's expecting, so I'll be an aunt!  She was, and still is, really nervous about the whole thing being that she miscarried with her first pregnancy.  But, she heard a heart beat yesterday and everthing seems to be ok so far, so that's good news!  :)  I really hope it works out well for her, I don't want to see her heartbroken again.

That's about it...and enough I guess!  So TTYL!

SHE'S  ALIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:o   ;D   :o   ;D   :o   ;D   :o   ;D

Sorry about the vehicles but I think most of us here have been there...we pour gobs and gobs of money into our rides, but they all eventually crap out on us anyway.  Just another part of our disposable society.  Great news about your SIL though!!

Glad you survived May.  Sorry about the vehicles - what a bummer.

Congrats on soon-to-be Auntie!

Missed you Maggie :)

sorry about the vehicles :-/. i know how that feels, in our 5 and 1/2 year stay hear we lost 5 cars!! :o due to accidents or hail :P

anyway, I really hope that pregnancy goes well!! :D Congrats!

Woohoo! You're gonna be an aunt!  :D  haha That's a title that I always thought I would enjoy...and now it looks like I might not have the opportunity. So enjoy it for the both of us, won't you? Best of luck to your SIL.

"Disposable society"....I like that, Trish.  ;)  Just another way for "the man" to make big $$$ off of us poor working shleps.
   Whatever you do, Magz, DON'T get a Mercedes!!!  :P  Talk about repair bills.

Aw dude, it totally smells like a skunk right now and I forgot the rest of what I was going to say.  :-[

Is Pantene sucking as much for you as it has been for me lately?  :-/

wrote on Jun 2^nd, 2006 at 3:32am:

Is Pantene sucking as much for you as it has been for me lately?  :-/

Actually, yes, it's wierd.  It's like revolt of the vehicles and hair care products, give me a break!  I blame it more on my hair than the products, though, I'm in need of a good trim & recovering from a stressful May.  I guess there's only so much Pantene can do, eh?  Oh, and no fear of me getting a mercedes, don't see one of those in the budget anytime soon!
:P

Trish:  Yeah, I like the "disposable society" reference, too.  Pretty clever!  ;)  But, brutally true, we really are part of a disposable society, aren't we, that's kind of....very sad.  Lesson learned when it comes to trying to hang on to a vehicle forever though, trade it in or sell it while it still has some value, that's what I should have done.  Oh well, now I know!

Thanks everyone for the well-wishes for my sis in law, I just talked to her this morning and she said she has pics already, at only 9 weeks!  She said you can see it's little face & where the arms and legs are going to "sprout", amazing!  I really do wish her the best, she wants a family so badly & she and her husband will be great, loving parents.  Not to mention how wonderful my mother and father in law will be at being new grandparents, I'm excited for them all.  :)

I just learned that there is yet another benefit coming up for my cousin, a Jimmy Buffet tribute band, I think they're called "Parrotville" or something.  It's being held at a local country club this time, not really my cup of tea, but if I can afford it, I'll go.  The last I heard on his condition is that even after 2 rounds of chemo (hope I have the lingo right) his tumors have shrunk a bit, but they're still there.  He has since gone to the Fox-Chase center, I guess they're supposed to be one of the best centers for dealing with cancer patients, and they're deciding what they should do next.  More chemo?  Another operation?  Who knows, poor kid, I wish I could take it away for him.

I may have to reschedule my hair appt tonight to go looking for a new ride, not 100% on that yet.  I want & need my hair trimmed, but I need a new vehichle much, much more, so that wins if it's the case.  Still waiting on a phone call to make that decision.  As for my hair, I'm chickening out from an inch to a half inch, I think.  An inch is three or more months of growth for me, I'll see how brave I feel when the time comes!   :P ::)

Work beckons, later guys!

Well hello Auntie-To- Be!!  Glad you're back,I missed ya!
Congrats to your S-I-L!
Sounds like you deserve a good rest now that May is over.  If ya can,kick back and breathe!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;)

Well Helloooo Maggie! Congratulations to you and your SIL. So... "Fun with Thingy and Jane", huh? 'Fraid I haven't heard of that one!! ;D ;)

lol
wait, doesn't the "filter" here automatically turns those words into "thingy"...right BB??

Oh, and don't forget "girl thingy"... we've got thingy and rooster substituting for things here! It's so cute. I love our censor.

Anais

wrote on Jun 4^th, 2006 at 12:53pm:

lol wait, doesn't the "filter" here automatically turns those words into "thingy"...right BB??

Yep - the censor filter changed the common nickname for Richard to "thingy".  It is comical how it will change an innocent sentence!

Ahhh, I'm loving life in the more relaxed lane, I can actually breathe!  8)  I think I'll start my 'summer hours' this week, usually I just shorten each day by an hour, it's not much but it gives me a little bit of a break.

First thing's first...I GOT A NEW VAN!!!!!  ;D  Yay!  8)  Finally, I have something reliable to drive in, and something I'm not embarrassed to do my deliveries in, it's so peeerrrrty!  Thank you God!  You guys shoulda saw me wheelin' and dealin' at the dealership, I was awesome.  8)  I got $6K knocked off the price...and zero down!  ;D  Now we just need a car & we'll be set.  :P

Hair......
I got my trim on friday as planned, and I remained brave and had a full inch taken off, it really needed it.  Actually, I could have gone for two inches, but that's just too much in one shot!  She re-shaped my layers & trimmed my bangs up....she made a little boo boo there :-[, as she was combing my bangs down she combed in a long piece of hair that frames my face, and before I could say anything she had it razored off!  So, there's a little chunk of hair missing that used to be longer & is now part of the bangs.  My husband noticed it right away, surprisingly, well....he just said that something was different in that area, but he couldn't pin point what.  Well, it's done now, I can't bring it back, and it's not bad, but I feel that it's missing, oh well.  :-/

As I was leaving the hairdresser's, I made a last minute decision to treat myself to salon quality shampoo & conditioner.  Yeah, they were expensive, but after all the "May"-hem (...get it?  May-hem, may?  oh, nevermind!) I put my hair through I figured it deserved to be treated well.  So, I bought a bottle of Alterna "Life" Volumizing Shampoo:

http://4alterna.com/prod_detail.asp?pType=life&prodNo=03

...and Conditioner:

http://4alterna.com/prod_detail.asp?pType=life&prodNo=01

They're unlike anything I've ever used, in a good way.  They leave my hair feeling very soft & natural, and full of life...hence the "Life" line, eh?  They're cone-free, too, which is a big change for my hair, my hair's used to Pantene which is pretty much loaded with cones, but it's responding really well.  The only wierd part is that my hair takes forever to dry when I use Alterna, could that be because of the lack of cones?  Kind of like when you wax your car, the water just beads right off, the same principle?  Overall, I really like the line so far, but I don't want to get too attached to it, cuz at $17 a bottle, I wouldn't exactly call it affordable!

That's about it for now, so ciao!

Oooh la la, Magz! Congrats on your new ride!  8)  And your new shampoo & conditioners. $17 a bottle, egad! But if it's worth it...  ;)

How strange that a coneless gel shampoo would cause your hair to dry so slowly. Some people here say that their hair dries faster when they use cones. Am I the only one who's different? My hair always took forever to dry when I used Pantene and quite the opposite with anything else. Oh dear, I'm a freak.  ;)

Sorry to hear about the one little piece that was accidentally snipped. Aren't razors supposed to be really bad for trimming hair anyway? Yikes. Hope it grows back long, strong & healthy, and that you're able to reach your goal in due time.

Good to hear that things are finally improving for you. You totally deserve it!!  :)  Live it up, sister.  ;)

wrote on Jun 5^th, 2006 at 6:02pm:

Aren't razors supposed to be really bad for trimming hair anyway?

Yup, it's definitely not good for your hair....BUT....I only have it done on my bangs....never anywhere else (anymore :-[).  With my hair being so thin, it tends to appear lifeless, so the razoring adds nice texture & keeps my bangs from laying flat against my forehead, so I don't look like I'm 12 again! :P  I figure that since my bangs get trimmed so often that it doesn't really matter if the ends get a little damaged, when & if the time comes that I decide to let them grow out again, I'll put an end to the razoring so that the ends will be nice and healthy.   :)

Day 4 of using the new s + c, and still liking it, a lot actually.  I love the way it smells like my salon when I work it into my hair, and I love the way my hair feels so clean and soft, and more natural...if that makes any sense, after I've rinsed it out.  But, lord, my hair really does take much longer to dry since I've switched.  No big deal if I've got no where to go (which is never!), but when I'm rushing around & trying to get off to work in time, it's a little bit of a hinderance.  Small price to pay, I should just get my butt out of bed 15 minutes earlier & that would pretty much solve the problem....but I do cherish my sleep...::)

I'm using today to really do an after-holiday clean up around the shop, everything is so un-organized and I just can't take it anymore.  I started with the bathroom, got that all clean, shiny and smelling nice, now I'm on to the showroom.  Time to rearrange, change the front window displays, materials, etc., I always enjoy doing this so it's not really work to me at all.  :)  See, this is the nice part of being a florist/business owner, it's not all bad!  In between, I'm also trying to get prepared for wedding season, stocking up on all the necessities & getting my floral orders placed in plenty of time to make sure I get the best quality stuff, at least I get to sit down while doing this kind of stuff.  Next will be to completely clean the coolers down, disinfect them, clean and re-cut all the stock, this is a time consuming and not very fun job, has to be done though, so no sense complaining.  :-/

I must be in my "eat phase", I just can't stop eating...anything...salty, sweet, healthy, junky....anything, I just don't feel full!  Neeeeed fooooood...

Back to work, later!

Oy!  I'm saving myself (once again) from getting booted to the second page!  I've been so busy, I haven't had to to update like I should be, sorry guys!  :-[
Much Needed Hair Update:
I am still using and still loving my Alterna shampoo and conditioner, and feeling very sad as I see the levels go down, because I know that I probably won't be able to buy it again...at least not for a while.  I am following my usual wash/condition routine, every day.  I am using the shampoo so sparingly to make it stretch, which is better for my hair anyhow, right?  I work a little into the hair closest to my head and massage it into my scalp, rinse and just let the rest of the suds rinse down the length of my hair.  Then, squeeze water out & condition everything but the hair closest to my scalp.  Same-ol', same-ol', but it works.  :D  My hair has been very soft, shiny and "light" feeling since I'm using the new stuff, it just has a totally different & healthy feeling, I love it, I'm totally addicted!

General Life:
I'm trying to play catch up this week...well, more like always!  :-/ :P  I need to get things cleaned up around here, get a better system to keep me organized, and tie up all loose ends I've got hanging around everywhere.  Like, the things that I keep saying I'll get done when business slows down, well I see that's just not happening...which is good, don't get me wrong...so I've just got to figure out a way to get it all done.  Paperwork, accounts rec., just everything.  I wish there was a "Fab 5" for businesses, that a crew would just come in and completely overhaul the joint and make everything fabulous!  :P  That's exactly what I need, but I'll keep dreaming!

I'm still loving my new van, it's so nice to not be embarrassed about what I'm driving in, especially when it's reflecting on my business.  When we pulled up to our bride's house with her flowers this past weekend, for the first time I felt proud and not ashamed of what the flowers were being delivered in.  I felt so much more professional, it was a wonderful feeling.  It's also wonderful to know that I can make a long trip without the fear of "there's probably going to be a major malfunction" & ending up on the side of the road....yet again.  We do still need to work on getting one more vehicle, however, so this is our newest quest....but it shall be conquered! :P

That's about it for now, hopefully I'll be updating more frequently now, gotta get my priorities straight, right?

Well, I went back to old faithful...for today anyway.  I washed with Pantene's 2-in-1 (moisturizing), it seems to work better when I give my hair a rest from it for a few days.  It's not a good everyday use product.  It left my hair with that usual "slip", and my hair dried in half the time.  Well, I didn't let it completely dry before putting it up in hair stix, so it's still slightly damp, and will be until I let it down.  But, that won't happen until the end of the day!

I'm toying with the idea of letting my bangs grow out again, I'm not 100% convinced yet though, maybe only like 20%.  So it's more like a thought than a plan of action at this point.  If I could ditch the bangs, I could ditch the blow dryer all together, I only use it along with a round brush on them, not the rest of my hair.  I really like the way they cover my way-too-exposed temples up, so I'm pretty undecided.  I could alway start letting them grow & cut them again if I'm unhappy, right?

I've come up with a face wash that I really seem to be consistently happy with, I'm constantly trying different concoctions.  I think simple is better, I've scaled my recipe down to just the clay of my choice, I like the white cosmetic clay the best, mixed with enough aloe gel & witch hazel to moisten it up, then a splash of tea tree oil for anti-septic purposes.  I must say that I'm very happy with this one, and it has a pretty good shelf life too, whereas, when I was mixing in the oats and almonds you had to mix it out for each use or it would spoil if you tried to pre-mix it & keep it.  Sometimes I just use it as a wash, other times I use it as a mask, either way it leaves my skin really soft & isn't at all harsh.  ;D

We rented The Hills Have Eyes last night, I've got to see the original before I can make my final judgement on it, but this movie really had me freaked out, I loved it.  I was even almost crying at a few points, totally horrifying, fantastic.  If any of you guys like gross & horrific movies I'd recommend this one, definitely.

My SIL stopped by the shop yesterday to show me her ultra sound pictures, it was so cool.  You could see the little head & body, and the spine starting to develop, it's amazing.  Everyone's got the "boy" feeling, I for some reason have the "girl" feeling, half the fun of it is guessing though, right?  I'm so happy for her.

peace!

You are going to keep giving us updates,right?  It is so much fun to guess what the baby will be!!  Too many girls,we need more baby boys!!!!!! ;D

Quote:

Too many girls,we need more baby boys!!!!!!   ;D

Grrrrrr.....wrong! Boys are obsolete. We need more girls. How else can we take over the world? Come on now!  ;)

Hope all is going well for your SIL. You'll be an aunt soon!  :D

So Pantene is still working for you, eh? I can't even touch the stuff anymore without horrifying results.  :o  Their shampoos suck! hehe What's your secret?

Well, day 2 of using Pantene again, the 2-in-1 stuff, and still ok results.  I find that when the weather is humid and the air is heavy that the 2-in-1's the way to go, for my hair at least.  Seems to weigh it down less.

Hub & I went to the local Farmer's Market yesterday afternoon and I found the coolest little stand.  A family that carries all kinds of vegetarian, vegan, natural & organic foods and products.  I bought a bar of their homemade soap, they all smelled so good, but I settled on the 'rosemary & sage' bar, mmmmmmm!  Some of them doubled as shampoo bars too, I'm not sure if mine does or not.  I couldn't wait to try my new soap out this morning, and I wasn't disappointed.  It lathered up super nicely, a long lasting lather, too, as I was washing with it, it smelled sooooooo goooooood  :o!  After I rinsed all the suds off it left my skin feeling super soft, although the scent didn't really stick around after rinsing, which is ok I guess, I don't know if I really want to smell like rosemary & sage all day anyway!  The price was pretty reasonable, too, it was $3.85 for one, or 3 for $11.00.  I was going to go for the three, but figured that I'd better try one out first to see if I like it, I think I'll try the cocoa butter- almond bar next time.

I'll definitely keep you guys posted on my impending niece or nephew, she doesn't have her next appointment for a while, but I'll be sure to keep updating on that.  She was talking about some kind of "Chinese Clock" thing on the internet that's supposed to determine the gender by plugging in the birthdates of the mother and father.  I'll have to see if I can find it, she says that according to that she should have a boy....but I've got that girl feeling....time will tell.

Tell me this isn't wierd, when my SIL got married, she had 4 girls in her bridal party, including myself.  One of the girls was already pregnant at the time, since then, she had had a baby girl, another one became expectant and just delivered a baby girl, another one also became pregnant and is expecting a baby girl in about a month, and now my SIL is newly pregnant...I'm the only odd ball out!  There just seems to be a baby boom around here right now, wierd!

That's all for now, peace!

wrote on Jun 22^nd, 2006 at 1:35pm:

I'll definitely keep you guys posted on my impending niece or nephew, she doesn't have her next appointment for a while, but I'll be sure to keep updating on that.  She was talking about some kind of "Chinese Clock" thing on the internet that's supposed to determine the gender by plugging in the birthdates of the mother and father.  I'll have to see if I can find it, she says that according to that she should have a boy....but I've got that girl feeling....time will tell.

Hmmm, there must be something else involved, otherwise a husband and wife would only have kids of one gender!  If you find out more let us know!

Ok Angel if you look at it that way,us women taking over the world,you are soooooooo right!! ;D

Quote:

Ok Angel if you look at it that way,us women taking over the world,you are soooooooo right!!  ;D

Bwahahahahaaaa! I knew you'd see it my way.  ;)


Quote:

Tell me this isn't wierd, when my SIL got married, she had 4 girls in her bridal party, including myself.  One of the girls was already pregnant at the time, since then, she had had a baby girl, another one became expectant and just delivered a baby girl, another one also became pregnant and is expecting a baby girl in about a month, and now my SIL is newly pregnant...I'm the only odd ball out!  There just seems to be a baby boom around here right now, wierd!

Oy, you have no idea how many different circles of friends I've had that happen with. I've heard everything from "something in the water" to "you're next,"  :P  and I'm still childless, and still fully intend to stay that way.

I still can't carry over the quote,so Maggie I'm sorry to infringe on your journal........Angel LOL!! I think I can totally agree with you about the girl thing,especially "dealing" with the male's typical nonsense today!!!  Ack!!!

Curlgirl:  You can "infringe" in my jounal any time you feel like it, I'm glad that I'm interesting enough to be "infringed upon"!

Angel:  I think you're on to something with this whole 'girl' thing.  Yes, more girls, less boys...

Hair:
Well, today miss wishy-washy switched back to Alterna, with wonderful results, I might add.  I've had nothing but consistent good results with this product so far, I don't know, I'm getting to attached!  While my hair is still down, I'd like to measure it.  I think I'll do it now, actually...

Ok, I'm at 25 & 1/8th inches.  Now, I just have to find out what it was at before and see if it grew any!

I'm a little distraught, because I'm still finding split ends, even after having an inch trimmed off a little while ago.  Which means that next time will have to be like an inch too.  :-[  I really don't think that waist-length is an achievable goal for me, I know that sounds negative, but this is where my hair seems to stop.  And, if it is, then I'll just do my best to maintain it and keep it healthy where it's at.

I'm off, peace!

Oh, my dear Maggie...

Split ends are awful.  :P  And as much as I know you want me & everyone else here to tell you not to cut, sadly, I think that may be your best option.

Remember the very first rule in Rapunzel's Ultimate Guide To Growing Long Hair?


Quote:

1. The first step to growing long, beautiful hair is by far the most important. It is absolutely non negotiable for anyone who wants healthy hair at any length, but it is also by far the hardest step you will have to follow. In order to have long healthy hair you absolutely have to start with healthy hair. You must cut off every inch that is damaged. If you are going for extreme length, from that point on you will have to treat your hair like delicate, antique lace at all times. Remember, once your hair is at your waist the ends can be as many as six years old. Your hair will go through a lot of trauma in six years no matter how careful you are with it. You *must* start out with healthy hair to have healthy hair when it's long, there's no way around it.

Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but splits will travel further up the hair shaft if they're not cut off. And indeed, what's the point of having long hair if it's not healthy?

Perhaps the reason your hair usually stops growing at this stage is because this is when the ends start to split and get neglected.
   Yes, unfortunately, I must recommend that you cut all of the split ends off. Hair should actually be trimmed before it splits. Like when the ends start to dry out.

I used to have the same problem in high school, actually. I didn't take very good care of my hair & it was totally splitsville. So one year I just cut it very short. Actually, I've done this a few times, and eventually there were no more splits to cut off.
   After the last major hack job, I vowed to take much better care of my hair, including regular trims...and I haven't had a single split since.  ;)

Man, it is just raining like crazy here since saturday afternoon, outside of our house sounds like a beautiful babbling brook...and we don't have one!  Well, not usually, but we do now as the water just keeps rushing down the mountain side!  Rivers are overflowing and some streets are getting flooded out, and from what I hear this rain is supposed to keep up until the weekend, yikes!

I'm finding that with all this humidity and wet weather, that the 2-in-1's still working the best for the conditions.  I still love my Alterna, but my hair would never dry in this weather if I were to use that!  

...Oh, now there listing all the road closings and areas in a state of emergency due to flooding.  Thank goodness we're not in direct danger of that, surrounding towns are, but we are up a bit higher with no rivers around us.

Anyway, with all the moisture in the air my hair has been so wavy and frizzy.  Well, the frizz isn't too, too bad, but it's kind of neat having all the wave, I sort of like it!  I actually left my hair down all day yesterday, and had it down up until now, I pulled it up because I plan to do some cleaning around the shop.  Rainy days tend to make for quiet days around here, gives me a chance to get a little caught up, so it's kind of good.  So, I've got my hair pulled up in this high messy bun kind of thing, it's comfortable and I like the way it looks, not to mention super easy to do, so it works.  

Hub & I watched the Pink Panther the other night, it was actually pretty good.  I thought Steve Martin played the role perfectly...

Now say, "I would like to buy a hamburger"

"I vould zlike tew buy uh hampspersger"

"No!  Ham-bur-ger"

"Uhm-ber-reer?"

"Ham - bur - ger"

"Der-berger?"

;D ;D ;D

Oh, funny stuff!

Ok, off to clean, ciao!

wrote on Jun 27^th, 2006 at 1:49pm:

Anyway, with all the moisture in the air my hair has been so wavy and frizzy.  Well, the frizz isn't too, too bad, but it's kind of neat having all the wave, I sort of like it!

Sorry to hear about frizz troubles, Maggie.  Mine tends to do some weird things, as Louisiana tends to have 100% humidity all summer long...  :P

The good thing, though, is that eventually your hair gets used to it... and then you go someplace where the weather's not so bad and you have to wonder.. "when did my hair get so flat?!"  ;D

So you liked the new Pink Panther movie, eh?  We haven't rented it yet because...well, I was almost afraid to.  Kind of like being disloyal to Peter Sellers, you know?  But if you liked it, well, that's good enough for me.  And we do love Steve Martin!   :)

Yup, vee liked zee peenk panser movie, vuz very funny! :P  ;D

Man, I've got quite the headache today, I am so stressed out, beyond stressed out, more like ready for my nervous breakdown!  Here's how my day yesterday went:

Woke up to the phonecall of my tenant saying that she was just warning me that more of the dilapidated building next door has fallen down into our yard.  Remember the one with all the pigeons living in it, the one I've been pulling teeth from the borough to take action on?  Yup, that's the one.  So with all this rain we've had, it's leaking through the roof and causing it to sag, which is....well, it's just collapsing, brick by brick.  One of the windows imploded and some more bricks fell down, so I had to deal with the town mayor and some other board members all day yesterday.  They now say that they are ordering the owners to have it demolished...but it seems they've skipped town and aren't able to find them.  Grrrrreat, just fantastic!  >:(  So, not only is it falling down, but now with the missing window, it's already turned back into a pigeon coupe again, oh my head!

Closing time comes at the shop and I load up with all my deliveries that need to be made.  Because of all the rain and flooding what would normally take me 45 min. to complete took me nearly two hours, I was a nervous wreck driving through all those puddles (more like freakin' ponds), so by the time I was done my nerves were about shot.

I then stopped to visit with my mother for her birthday, we had cake and coffee together, that part was nice.  :)

I was then heading home, nerves shot, headache, and exhausted.  Now, let me explain that we've been having a problem with the drainage system that was put in our road from day 1, even during normal rains.  What happens is that they placed the drain on the road directly above our property, and they led the drainage pipe so that is all outlets onto our land, so we are getting massive amounts of water outletting on our land, ruining it and swamping our septic field.  We try to block the drain and re-direct the water down to the next drain (which also lets out on our property, but not near our home), and we've been on the borough for four years now to please fix the problem.  Okay, having said that, I come home to see that all of our rocks have been moved yet again.  There is a borough worker that lives right up the road, he must watch for us to do this, then he undoes it all, this is on a personal level he's doing this, and I have no idea why.  So, I stop the van, get out into the water and mud, restack the rocks, and get back in.  Well, I guess he was watching out for me and comes flying down the road waving his hand at me to get out of the van, at this point, I'm more than "happy" too.  He's messing with the wrong chick at the wrong time  >:(.

He begins picking all my rocks up and chucking them into the woods, telling me that he's going to have me cited if I do it again.  Well, I can't repeat 99% of what I had to say back to him, let's just say it was like the spirit of a true raving lunatic possessed my body, I was cursing worse than a sailor, pointing, yelling, he really should have just left my rocks alone!  Basically what it boiled down to, was that he was telling me that the drain was not causing a problem, it was not putting water on our land, yet he refused to walk down and look at it with me.  He didn't need to because he already knew there was no problem.  WHAT??  Does he think that I just like playing "stack the rocks in freezing water and mud"?  I've got nothing better to do?  >:( >:( >:(  I go into the house, still a raving lunatic, my husband having no idea what's going on, while I'm yelling the whole recap to him, I see said borough worker walking down our land, I guess he changed his mind, he figured he'd come scope it out.  Without even thinking I go charging back at him, DH following behind, afraid of what I might do I guess!  I only had a few more things to say before letting hub deal with it, at this point my headache had blossomed into a full-blown migraine and I need ice on my head.  Apparantly he acknowledged there was a problem, and said (for the 4th year in a row) that he'd have an excavator come up and take care of it.  Yeah, right.  :-/

You'd think the chaos was done now, right?  Wrong.  DH & I are both on edge, which eventually led to us being on the outs.  :'(  He's yelling at me, I'm yelling at him, telling him everything on my mind, it was good in a way because there's a lot I've been holding in that needed to come out.  But, today I feel miserable, I know I said things that needed to be said, and I said them in the least assaulting way possible, but I know that I hurt him, and that hurts me.  I apologized to him today, and he told me that I didn't need to, that I didn't say or do anything wrong, and in reality I didn't, but I didn't want to make him feel bad.

So, consequently I feel like I've been hit by a Mack truck, my head is throbbing, my heart is heavy, and I'm still dealing with all this other crap, and the shop.  I just feel like hiding!

...But at least my hair looks great.  ;)

...But at least my hair looks great.

There ya go!  You can handle anything as long as the hair looks good.  ;D

Sorry about all your other issues.  Hopefully everything will work out soon.

wrote on Jun 29^th, 2006 at 2:15pm:

But, today I feel miserable, I know I said things that needed to be said, and I said them in the least assaulting way possible, but I know that I hurt him, and that hurts me.  I apologized to him today, and he told me that I didn't need to, that I didn't say or do anything wrong, and in reality I didn't, but I didn't want to make him feel bad.

Awww, you apologized, and that was the good thing.  :)  Don't let guilt drag you down, because we've all done some crazy stuff when we were stressed out..  :P

I usually end up throwing something...  ::)

Chalk one  up for the "Raving Luna-chick"!  The excavator came this morning and dug a new drainage path.  I guess he figured that I was psycho, so he'd better just deal with it and get it done!  :P

Worked though.  ;)  ;D

Lunacy has its place...   ;D  *hugs*

You know what they say - The squeeky wheel gets the grease and raving Luna-chicks get the job done!

Ohh Lord, Maggie! ((((((((((((((((((hugzzzzzzzzz))))))))))))))))))))))))))

You poor thing! Go lie down while I make you some soup, sistah. I'll get to kicking your DH's AND the borough worker's keister's later.  ;)  Don't guilt yourself out - both of those suckas got exactly what they deserved.

Try to look on the bright side: your hair looks great and you got to spend some quality time with your mother. Plus, now your drainage issues will be fixed.
Besides, it could be a lot worse. You could be dealing with this AND all of those dilapidated old vehicles of yours. Eh? Imagine facing a day like this in the old sexy flower van.  :P  ;)

Things will get better for you soon, amiga.  :-*  Hang in there.

Oh Maggie  (((((Hugs)))))))  I'm sorry you've had a *&(&^%*( time with all of this nonsense.  I hope things get better real quick! :)  

Thank you, thank you, thank you everyone (((group hug)), you're all just to wonderful!  :-*

Wow, so it's been a little while since I've posted, guess I've been busy. ::)  I'll jump right into the hair update, although there's not really much to "update", anyways...

For the most part, I've been back on Pantene for about the past two weeks, the good ol' 2-in-1 stuff.  It just seems to be 'working' for me now, so I do whatever my hair beckons.  I'm not sure what happened with my Alterna, it was working so fabulously but then my hair started protesting it.  It lacked shine, slip and body, and that was not the case at all when I first started using it.  I actually used it again yesterday and it was ok, it's far from bad, I guess I just like the weightless "slip" that Pantene gives me, maybe I'm just a cone-addict.  ???  But, whatever works.  What I've been doing is washing with the 2-in-1 and then putting the Restoratives Breakage Defense conditioner just on the ends & letting on till the end of the shower.  That conditioner tends to be a bit too heavy when used all over my hair, for me anyhow.  A little jojoba oil on the ends when mostly dry, some aloe gel for controlling the bangs, and I'm all set for the day.  Still have the splitz to deal with though...I'm procrastinating... :( ::)

Sis in law update- her pregnancy seems to be going pretty well so far, she's had some spotting so she's been so worried, but the doc says that can be normal & just to take it easy.  She miscarried her first time, and it started with spotting, so I can see why she'd be so nervous, I'm nervous for her.  She has entered her 4th month now and she's starting to show, I wonder if she can feel it move yet?  I still say girl, and hub's starting to change his prediction to girl too (sure, jump on the bandwagon!), everyone else says boy, but healthy is the most important so I keep praying for her and the wee little one.  Only 5 more months to go!

Not much else to report, which is probably a good thing!  I had two weddings this past weekend, one saturday and one this morning (monday), so I'm feeling pretty zombified.  I feel ready to go home already, and it's only 10:00 in the morning.....but I've been here working for six hours already so I feel like I put my day in!  I worked all day yesterday on the flowers too, only caught about 2 1/2 hours sleep before getting back up to come back to work again *nodding off*, hope I can make it til 4:00!  Coffee, lots and lots of coffee!  :P  *saluting the Folger's can*

Ok gators, 'til later...

Hey... cones work for some people!  As long as your hair behaves, right?  ;)

*gives Maggie an econo-sized coffee mug*  ;D

Ahh, thanks (((novusfemina))), the coffee did the trick, I made it through to 4:00 just fine.  But man, did I ever sleep last night, I slept like nobody's business....much needed!  ;D

Yes, so I am feeling much better today & well rested, which means that I'm much more productive and functional today.  I am planning to use as much of today as possible to catch up on some paperwork & then move on to concentrating on the showroom here.  I think it's time to redo the display windows and rearrange the showroom, needs some freshening up.  I'm also on a quest to find a quality candle line to carry here, I can't seem to find one that meets my standards.  They must be clean burning, strongly scented, and it must have a decent burn-time and burn clean down to the bottom, without leaving any wax behind.  I'd prefer to find a good soy-based one, as they support america's farmer's and don't leave black soot when they're burned, but it's just been one disappointment after another so far.  :-/  I found a company producing soy candles (won't say the name) and thought I'd give them a shot, I ordered several jar candles of various scents and sizes, and also the beads, I was hoping to fall in love with them.  Sadly, they weren't consistent, one candle would burn fabulously, the next would burn leaving very little scent and half the wax in the jar.  >:(  Needless to say, I won't be reordering from that company, so now I'm on the search for a new one.

At the end of my work day I will be staying to meet with a bride to discuss wedding flowers, she is getting married in november, a bit short on notice, but more than some give me.  I've actually (recently) had a bride and groom stop in on their way to the wedding, saying that they needed to order wedding flowers....for right now!  That's insane!  I accomodated them the best I could by whipping up a hand-tied bouquet of flowers for her and a quick boutonniere for him, that was the best I could do w/ oh, say, 15 minutes! :P  I really enjoy doing weddings, it's the favorite part of my job  :D.

Moi Hair:
Rather boring, really.  Did same old wash routine with Pantene's combined shamp and cond, and followed up with the heavier conditioner on the ends.  No oil today, but aloe for the roots and bangs.  I've got my hair pulled up and clipped to the back of my head with one of my favorite cloisonne (sp?) barrettes, I then take the dangly ends and tuck them under, clipping them with two mini clippies to hold it in place.  I like it because when the 'do is done you can't see any of the mechanics holding it in place, just the hair....oooooh, mysterious!  :P  It's pretty and it's easy, so it's one that gets used... a lot.  Can't see the pretty cloisonne clip though  :-[

Some good news, I have a court hearing scheduled soon for two of my very delinquent customers, trying to collect payment, and one of them FINALLY paid yesterday....hallelujah!  It really stinks that it had to come to that, but come on, they were not just days, or weeks, or months late, they were years late, and we took every step possible to avoid having to do it legally, so too bad.  Now they are not only responsible for payment of goods, but all late fees and court costs that I had to pay up front.  It's hard when you're new in business, you try to be a nice guy and trust ppl when they give you a sob story, and you just wind up getting burned.  No more, no more sob stories, I've learned my lesson, payment or nothing.  Besides, what other business on earth allows you to take products without paying for them right away?  You can't go grocery shopping and say you're taking the stuff & you'll pay them at the end of the month when you get paid, no way!  Why should flower shops be any different?  It's a hard cycle to break here, especially being a small town.  People immediately get offended and defensive if you say that they cannot be billed, but I need to pay my bills to, so I don't feel so bad anymore.

Ok, rant over!  I feel better now!

I guess I'm off to get my "list" of work done for the day, til next time!

Maggie, have you tried Zum's stuff?

http://www.indigowild.com

They have soy candles.  I can't speak for their candles, but their soaps, massage oils, and Zum "rubs" are FANTABULOUS!  ;D  

As for your cool hairdo... are you going to post a picture so we can see?  It sounds cuuuute.  ;)

lol Maggie

Hmmm...taking stuff now & paying for it later. Isn't that what credit cards are for?  ::)

Novus:  I've never heard of their stuff before, their body product looks yummy, and I see they have some baby zum stuff too, that would make a nice gift for my expectant SIL.  I'm thinking I may order one of their candles to sample, ya know, give "my critique" on  :P, thanks for the link!

Angel:  Credit cards, what a marvel idea, huh?  You'd think that people around here might have hear of those new fangled things by now, wouldn't you?  The bad part is that most of the area is comprised of little old ladies and gents who don't believe in credit cards, they want the "old-fashioned" small town credit system, they phone their orders in, don't drive so they can't come in to pay right away, they say to send the flowers and they'll send the check "right out".  Actually, I've never been burned by an older person, they've all come thru on their word, it's the younger generations that aren't trustworthy.  But, the point is that I'm a business and I can't afford to do any work for free, so it's not a personal issue if I say that I can't do the work without payment.  Man, small towns are crazy, I'm willing to bet that none of this nonsense goes on in bigger cities.  >:(

Hair:
Same boring routine today, but I managed to get some oil on the ends, finally!  At first I actually thought that I had put too much on, I don't use a dropper to measure so it's never precise.  I unscrew the top, put the opening against my palm and turn upside down once & usually that's the right amount, but I got a little more this morning.  I put it all in, I didn't want to waste, and I thought I'd be suffering with greasy ends all day, but not so, it doesn't look greasy at all!  :)  It added a little bit of weight to the ends that I can feel and it feels kind of neat, my hair feels longer for some wierd reason, I guess cause of the pull.  Hmmm, maybe it did get longer, maybe it's not just feeling that way?  Oh, now I've got to measure...even though I did just measure not long ago, hooooollllldddd on!

HEY!  ;D  My last measure on june 23rd was 25 & 1/8th, this measure was 25 & 1/4!!!  I grew a quarter of an inch, WOOOOO-DIDDLY-HOOOOO!  Well, that's a good start to my day, huh?

Other Stuff:
Met with my bride yesterday, I can officially change her title from "potential" to "definite", she was happy with everything I proposed to her and gave a deposit to secure her date right away.  :D  Now I know I can eat for a little while longer  ;).  I have a little folder that I keep the orders in, one side is marked "pending", the other side is marked "definite", so I was able to put her right into the "definite" side.  She was very pleasant and easy going, I'll be happy to work with her, some brides can be down right nightmares, sorry to say, but it's true.  I love when they come in and trust me enough to just give me a color scheme and general style and let me do my thing, I do my best work that way, when I'm not constricted, and they are always happy with the end result.  So, I'm looking forward to working with her.  :)

(Hehe, I got a "too long" message, so I had to split this in two! :P)

(2nd half of my "too long post"!)

Random Comment:
My husband made an awesome dish for dinner (almost typed sinner!) last night, it was pasta in a lemon cream, dill sauce with cracked black pepper, mmmmmm!  He makes everything homemade, from scratch, the dill was fresh from our garden and the lemons from local farmers.  He really is an amazing cook, and he would make a great chef...if it wasn't for our whole vegetarian thing  :-/.  Oh well, I guess he can just keep cooking for me and I'll have to keep eating it.  ;)  Speaking of vegetarian, I don't think I mentioned our wretched experience at a local vegetarian restaurant a few weeks ago.  First of all, why is it when people think vegetarian, they automatically think of these crazy dishes with all kinds of wierd stuff...like 'cold lentil soup with sprouts out the wazoo on a bed of tofun with birdseed and grass'.  I mean really, why can't they offer some normal "meatless" dishes too, I think that's the whole down fall of vegetarianism, make something that people would actually want to eat!

Anyway, to sum this up, I order a pasta dish with a sundried tomato pesto sauce, sounds good, right?  especially for $18?  I don't know how they could have messed up a pasta dish, but they did, it was horrendous, gross.  The pasta was so overcooked it was like chewing on pasta bubble gum, and the so called pesto was more like a watery oil with a few bits of sundried tomato in it.  It kept running down my chin, it was so gross.  No salad, no bread, just a soft flour tortilla cut into quarters and placed on the rim of the dish.  Who ever just sits down and eats a plain, raw flour tortilla?  It was really bad.  Hub's dish wasn't much better, his was supposed to be a portabella mushroom cap stuffed with spinach, raisins, peppers..and some other stuff, topped with gouda cheese.  What he got was a shrivelled mushroom cap stuffed with breading and raisins, breaded and deep fried and a little hunk of gouda on top, along with a little side salad.  It was greasy, too salty and texture-less, again it was gross & his cost $23.  We didn't finish our dishes, I ate less than half actually, and we didn't complain.  Only because they were honoring gift certificates for us that had expired a few days before hand, I guess that's just my nature to keep quiet.  So we left the restaraunt...hungry, went home and made something to eat.  Oh well, so much for vegetarian restaraunts!

Wow, I really blabbed on here, didn't I?  ::)  Till next time!

Quote:

Man, small towns are crazy, I'm willing to bet that none of this nonsense goes on in bigger cities.  >:(

Oh there's plenty of nonsense. Just none of that kind.  ::)


Quote:

First of all, why is it when people think vegetarian, they automatically think of these crazy dishes with all kinds of wierd stuff...like 'cold lentil soup with sprouts out the wazoo on a bed of tofun with birdseed and grass'.

Well, a lot of the time, when people think "vegetarian" they automatically think "vegan." The average person doesn't realize that there are varying degrees of vegetarianism.
   There are certain nutrients in meat which a human body needs. When people don't eat meat, they have to get those nutrients elsewhere. That's where the "weirdness" factor comes in. The more a person denies themself, the "weirder" the dishes have to get in order to compensate for lost nutrients.
   Some people are incredibly strict about their vegetarian diets, so I imagine that vegetarian restaurants are just trying to meet everyone's needs. Or at least trying to give their customers the illusion of security.  ;)

LOL @ "sinner." hehehe  ;D  So Freud was right...

Hehe - sorry for the bad restaurant experience, but I got a chuckle out of your colorful description of the food.  Especially the shriveled mushroom cap!

My roomate in college was vegetarian.  I remember how hard it was for her to get a decent dinner in the dining hall because event the flavor of meat made her queesy.  And the cook always used the same pan that they used for meat to cook her veggie dish in.  I think she survived college mostly on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

It's a challenge here in Brooklyn too to get cook's to be very careful with food preparation.  I've learned to say to the waitress that I will have a severe allergic reaction if the vegetables come in any contact with meat or poultry.  Works all the time!  The wait staff and mgr. do not want any "scenes" in a crowded restaurant!  It may be a bit severe,but I am a border line vegan(it's called a pesco-vegetarian) and I eat fish only because of having MS.  Ya do what ya gotta do!!!

[hijack]  I had a reverse experience in college.  My food service was part of a research project for using soy in place of meat.  For 3 years I NEVER ate real meat via the school.  Unfortunately the texture and flavoring of the soy patties, etc had not yet been perfected and we were being served tasteless rubber patties.  Mock hamberger on Monday, mock chicken on Tuesday, mock turkey on Wednesday, mock salsberry steak on Thursday..... you get the idea.  The patties COULD NOT BE CUT with a table knife.  They could not be chewed!  Thank goodness for peanut butter, jelly and bread!!!

I think this horrible experience has permanently tainted me and I will never, knowingly eat a soy patty.  :P[/hijack]

oh BB,sorry you had to go through "experiment"!!  THings have gotten so much more tastier!  I think though that PBand J on whole wheat  will be a part of my life until I'm really old!!

Angel:  Yeah, I see what you're saying about the health factor, and we do eat tons of raw veggies and grains to get our nutrients, but people don't count on restaraunt food to survive.  That's just my view on it, when I go out to a restaraunt I am spoiling myself, and I want a dish that's going to taste awesome, I know it's not always healthy, but we cook at home 90% of the time and that's what we count on to keep us fit and healthy.  I want my resaraunt food to be indulgent and delicious, and perhaps a bit guilt-ridden  ;), that's what I look forward to.  We do on occasion eat the "crazy" stuff like sprouts and tofu (not tofun like I typed b4! :P), but on the average we make normal meatless dishes, like chili, platters with your basic veggie sides and a meat substitute (like a "chik pattie" or something), veggie burgers, you name it.  Pretty much any dish can be converted into a meatless imitation, and made good.  I'd much rather that kind of eatin', guess I'm just a red-neck vegetarian ;).

Khrome:  Yeah, that's a real bummer when it comes to restaraunts, using a grill that they just cooked a million burgers on to cook up your veggie burger  >:(, almost seems pointless, doesn't it?  Oh well, we try our best!

Curlgirl:  I LIKE that idea, I am totally stealing it!  A severe allergic reaction.....but can both my husband and I pull the same trick off???  Hmmmm...

Bikerbraid:  You are right, if you don't get a soy veggie pattie that is made well it can be really, really gross.  I remember when they first started to hit this area, some things were pretty good, but some were downright repulsive.  Since then I've learned the brands that taste the best, my favorite line is Morning Star, especially for their burgers, their Original Grillers are the best.  ;D  Boca is Ok too, but I still prefer Morning Star.

Hair:
Used Alterna again today, to see what kind of results I'd get, and once again it resulted in a "bad hair day".  :(  My hair feels heavy and lifeless, no body or personality to it, what a bummer, I wonder why this is happening now when it worked so well in the beginning.  ???  It feels kind of waxy and keeps getting tangled, so I just pulled it back into a simple low ponytail with one of those wide barrettes.  Maybe I need to get that trim, maybe that's the problem, I guess I'll bite the bullet and call my hairdresser to schedule an appt. today.  Don't want to, but definitely need to.  :'(  I'll never have waist length hair at this rate.

Other:
My husband and I went to the mall yesterday, well we actually set out on a different mission first.  I had a few bolts of material that I needed to return to a fabric/craft store along the way, got a little over $180 back, yeah!  It was what not used from a wedding I had just decorated for, I bought way more than I needed just to be safe, falling short is never a good thing.  So, we went from there on up to the mall and did a little browsing, and a little shopping, and ate at our favorite german restaraunt in the mall, Dunderback's.  I love going in there, they have german music pumpin', great dark beers on tap, and sauerkraut *drool*, must be the european in me!  ;)  Plus, it's set up to look as if you sitting outside, with swags of yellow and white material on the ceiling, diffusing the lights nicely like an overcast day.  We both got the veggie garden pitas, I ordered a side of pub fries with mine, and he ordered a side of sauerkraut & we split them.  To drink I ordered a nice, tall 22oz Spaten Lager, and he ordered a 22oz Spaten Optimator, which is my usual favorite, but I wanted something a little lighter this time.  It was all good.  ;D

I treated myself to a new pair of Vans, I go thru sneakers like crazy standing so much.  They're brown suede with a little bit of muted pink on them, suits my earthy side (yes, I am a very multi-faceted individual  ;)), and a cool, gauzy, hippie style tank top in a pale dusty rose color.  I wanted it in cream but my size wasn't available, so I had to opt for the rose.  I still like it.  Also suits my earthy/hippie side.  It was funny, as I was in the hippie store the clerk, a young guy-looked early 20's, asked me if "I could do him the hugest favor", if I could "watch the store for like 2 seconds cause he thinks that a girl "just heisted somethin''.  So I said sure, go 'head, and he ran out of the store after her, and came back empty handed and disappointed.  He asked if I saw her stash a shirt anywhere, but I didn't so I told him no.  As he was ringing me up he asked if I like incense, I said yes that I loved to burn incense, and asked why.  He told me to pick out 12 boxes for watching the store, I thanked him and told him no, that I didn't mind and that I understand because I have a store of my own.  We talked a bit, I wished him well and left.  Funny, how did he know that I wasn't going to rip him off while he was gone?  I never would, ever, but he didn't know that, my halo must have been gleaming!  ;) ;D

We exited the mall to encounter torrential rainfall, got soaked as we ran thru puddles to the van, and had a scary ride home in hurricane like conditions.  I said a prayer for us to make it home safely, and we did, thanks Big Guy!  And now here I sit, so I guess that about wraps it up, so more later, ciao!

BTW...you guys made me really hungy for a PB & J sandwich!  :P

Go for it, Mags!!  Eat up,those PB&J sandwiches are the bomb!!! ;D

Quote:

my halo must have been gleaming!

Halos shine brightest when needed by others!   ;D

Quote:

my halo must have been gleaming!

You obviously had a positive aura about you that the clerk trusted you.  Good for you.  :D

lol @ guilt-ridden restaurant experiences. Amen, sister! That's why God gave us cheesecake!  ;D
   At my sister's restaurant, they have a "meatless patty" option for all of their burgers. She says that the Frisco (sourdough bread, swiss cheese & the usual burger stuff) with the meatless patty is her favourite thing to eat there. I had it once & it was ok, but the patty was more like....I don't even know, but not a burger! lol

Your German restaurant sounds pretty cool. We have a place out here called Gordon Beirsch that bills itself as a "German restaurant & brewery" but is more like American food + beer, beer & more beer.  :P

lol Girl, you're a better woman than me, I think. I would've taken the incense & run! haha Only if they had something good, though.  ;)

Steal away the severe allergice reaction stunt!! ;D  I'm sure both you and hubby can pull that off! :)

http://www.clicksmilies.com/s0105/engel/angel-smiley-007.gif  Yup, that's me, Little Angel (by day...) lol!

Hair:
So, as you recall, yesterday I used Alterna with poor results.  Very poor.  My hair was a tangled mess by the end of the night and was a real chore to comb thru this morning.  :(  I figured that today I'd try the Pantene again and see what that did for me, and the results were much better.  My hair feels lighter, silkier and is not tangling at all, so much better than yesterday.  In a way I'm happy that Pantene is working better for me...because I can actually afford it! :P  I was afraid of getting hooked on something that was just too insanely expensive (for me anyway), I'm pretty bummed that it's not working for me like it did in the beginning, but at least I know I won't be breaking the bank just to wash my hair!  I have my most usual 'do in, up in a barrette then the ends tucked and clippied.  It does the job and looks cute too.  ::)

LOL Angel, actually they did have some incense that I really liked, my fav caught my eye right away, nag champa.  I probably would have taken 12 boxes of those, but I just didn't feel like I deserved it, I didn't really do anything except be there, so I don't really think that qualifies me for any rewards.  It was really quite cute, I think he was going to pick out a shirt to give me at first, I put my shirt on the counter and he told me to hold on while he walked around and started looking through the racks really quick.  I saw him trying to look at sizes, then he gave up and told me to take some incense, what a sweetie.  :-*  DH was actually mad at me for not taking it...oh well, let him do a good deed then he can reap a reward if he wants, right?

Thanks Bikerbraid, that's really nice of you to say!  ;D  I believe that people have auras about them, and I think that's such a compliment for someone to say that mine would be a positive one, I try so hard, so thank you!  Kind of like what Trisha was saying too.

Curlgirl:  I was craving peanut butter and jelly soooooooo bad all day yesterday and last night after reading that, I could almost taste it!  Sadly, we didn't have any bread in the house so I couldn't make myself a sandwich, I almost went for the pb&j straight up...but I controlled myself! :P  Guess it's time to go grocery shopping, that's pretty sad when you can't even whip up a sandwich!

Something really....nice? happened in my shop this morning, I guess you'd call it nice...well, I'll just tell it.  My grandmother stopped in to drop off her usual - unusual array of random goodies for me, it's really very sweet, but I always get a chuckle out of the odd things she brings to me.  Today she stopped in to give me:
  1: 2 blocks of cheese
  2: a pkg of 'meatless' meatballs
  3: a lamp without a shade
  4: a painting
  5: half a box of frosted flakes :P
  6: a can of root beer
  7: a baggie with a few loose grapes and 2 nectarines
  8: and a painting from czechoslovakia (pretty cool actually) along with pics
      of the people's home it came from (family)

But this was the nice part I was talking about, as she was pulling these items out of her trunk a young guy was passing and offered to help apparently, because he walked in w/ her, lamp and painting in hand, in exchange she held his drink and pack of cigarettes for him.  She thanked him, as did I, and as he was walking out she took hold of his arm (not aggressively!) and looked him in the eye.  She told him that she had just lost her son to throat cancer due to smoking and said she didn't want the same to happen to him, she asked him to quit.  You think a young kid would roll his eyes and walk away, he didn't say anything but gave her a big long hug and nodded his head, then he walked out and we thanked him again.  I wonder if she made any impact on him?  You just never know who's life you're going to affect each day, do you?

Oh yeah!  I finally called my hairdresser, and I'm schedule for (yet another) trim this saturday afternoon.  I'm bummed, but it needs to be done.  :-/

Bummer about the bread :(  I wish I could tell you PB&J tastes great w/o the bread,but it doesn't fly!  I hope ya got to the store for bread and enjoyed the sandwich!! ;D

Awww!  My grandmother (while she was inhabiting this earth) used to give me a random assortment of things every time we visited... I know I could always count on seasoned oyster crackers and "mint leaves" the little sugar-coated mint jellies and some other treasure or two... a piece of her old costume jewelry, a newspaper article of her or my mom in their high school days, an old dolly that had been stuck in a trunk and long forgotten...

I still have many of those treasures.. and I do mean treasures....

but, like my grandma, I have a love for "mint leaves" and ate all those post-haste.  ;)

Ok, you guys are depressing me with these grandma stories!  :'(  :P

Magz: I used to be addicted to pbj sandwiches in high school! I had one every day after I got home. But you know if you eat the same thing every day, you'll get sick of it. These days, pbj's are not at all appealing to me.  :-/

Your area sure seems to have a lot of nice young men. LOL I sound like a randy old lady, eh? "Such nice young men!" haha That was so not intentional!  ;D
   Let's hope that kid that helped your grandmother has more will power than my boyfriend, eh? If he really wants to quit smoking, he will. That was a totally bold move on your grandma's part. Good for her!  ;)

Well, I've got my trim scheduled for 2:30 this afternoon, I don't know if I should go for a full inch, or just half an inch.  Maybe I'll tell her half, just in case she gets a little scissor happy, then I won't be destroyed if it turns out to be a little more....yeah, that's the plan...half an inch & I'm stickin' to it.  ;)

Last night I took my pup out for a nice long walk, it was sooo nice out once the sun started to go down so I couldn't resist.  Besides, we could both have a few pounds to spare and calories to burn, if the rain (more rain!) clears up, we'll go again tonight, too.  Our road is so perfect for walking, I head out the driveway and turn right, which leads us down hill to a cul-de-sac (pee spot #1...for the dog, not me!), we then head back up hill which is a nice, steep incline for about 1/3 of a mile.  That really gets yours legs & butt burnin' and the heart pumping, and just when we think we're going to die, it levels off just long enough for us to catch our breath (pee spot #'s 2&3 along the way) before there is another slight incline.  We walk that to the next level area & turn back around, and the decline is a nice cool down until we get back home.  By then I'm feeling good and energized, and the dog's all emptied out  :P, we guzzle some water and chill out.  8)  The whole walk averages about a mile or so, and with all the woods around us it's soooo peaceful, aaahhh!

After that I showered off to refresh myself, I was all sweaty...eeeew!  I wasn't going to wash my hair, or even wet it, I had it all pulled up to keep it dry...then I got a thought in my little head, I wondered what would happen if I used my new rosemary and sage soap (the one I got at the farmer's market) to wash my hair??  Hmmmmm.  Curiosity got the best of me, so I undid my hair and gave it a shot, I figured that if it was disasterous I would just be re-washing it in the morning anyways, so no big deal.  It lather nicely in my hair, and rinsed out completely, it felt so silky and slippy that I didn't even use any conditioner.  Then came the real test...can I comb thru it?  The comb slipped right thru, no tangles, not knots, nothing!  Test #2 passed.  Test #3 would be how does it look after it's dried, will it be nice and shiny, or dull and yucky, to my surprise it was beautifully shiny and silky, and can't believe it!  In fact, it still looked so nice when I woke up (at 5:30  :P) this morning that I skipped the shower and just styled my hair.  Looked really nice until I got rained on, but it's not greasy looking which is what counts.  Besides, my hairdresser will be washing my hair this afternoon.  I can't wait to give the soap another shot, see if it wasn't just a fluke.

Speaking of my hairdresser, I need to find a way to politely tell her that after she cuts my hair, to be kind to it and not kill it with the blow dryer and round brush.  I don't know exactly how to word it without sounding rude or like I don't like the way she styles, because I do, but she's too rough.  It's like she re-doing all the damage I'm trying to undo  :-/.  In fact, I think I'll post this in another thread to see if I can get some good advice.

Oh, BTW, Nana came back later in the day yesterday with some more goodies  ;D:
 * a pint of orange / pineapple tapioca
 * a personal sized cheese calzone
 * a lamp shape
 * and a cup of hazlenut coffee  ;D
Man does that lady ever take care of me, I love her so much!  I promised her that I'd go over to her house one day soon to have "picture day", to look through all her photo albums so she could show me more pics of our family in Slovakia, and I want to see pictures of her in her younger days.  She's such a beautiful woman, people never believe that she's 82!  She was talking to one woman a while back in my shop and she said to my nana, "wait till you get to be my age!", so she asked how old she was & she replied that she was 65.  Nana looked at me with that sly look, then looked back at her and told her that she was 82, the look on the woman's face was priceless!  Nana kicks arse!

Hokay, that's it for today...more next time!

Awwww!  Nana does kick arse...  ;)

You could tell your scissor lady that you just want a wash and trim.. no blow-out.  That way, it'll save your hair from the tortures of the round brush..  :o   AND it will save you on the bill....

Good thinking!  Good for the hair and the wallet...

Owee! headache today  :'(

Well, I got my trim on Sat, and I took Novusfemina's advice, I told her just to dry it a bit & to skip the styling.  I told her I was just going home to do some cleaning that it would be a waste, she said no prob and did just that...so no round brush!  ;D  I asked her to take off a half inch, I didn't measure yet to see what she actually took off, but I'm happy with it, as I always am with her.  My splitz are gone (yes!) and my hair's all nicely reshaped and looking full of life again, ahhhh, good for the next 5,000 miles!

I just got a really nice compliment from a friend that I hadn't seen in a while, he stopped in because he was in town to do some business.  He stopped what he was saying to tell me that he thought that I was "as beautiful as ever" *blush*, I felt flattered and embarrassed at the same time.  He such a great guy...we actually used to date, waaaay back.  Funny, I started out dating him and my best friend was dating my (now) husband, then somehow we ended up swapping and my husband and I just stayed together, and she and the other guy stayed together for a few years but then moved on.  

Anyway, he showed up with a coffee (brownie points  ;D) and we chatted for about a half hour, he's such a positive person, he can take a person in the worst of moods and make them smile, he's contagious.

Back to hair, I'm really jumping around now! :P  I may have to retire my Alterna to the "closet" for a while, it's just not doing anything for me anymore.  I figured I'd give it a try again this morning since my hair's been freshly cut and all revived 'n stuff, big thumbs down.  :(  Hair is heavy and weighed down feeling, I still don't get it!  What happened?? ???  I don't know, all I can say is that it's not working too well for me right now, so I'll put it away for a while and give it another shot later.

I gave the rosemary & sage soap bar another shot on sunday, good results again!  I remember the man who made them saying that some of them could double as a shampoo bar too, but I don't remember if mine was one of them or not.  He uses all natural and organic ingredients like cocoa or shea butter, different oils, and lye soap.  Is lye bad for hair?  But, I tried it again, without a conditioning to follow up, just the soap, and my hair was left untangled, soft, shiny and silky once again.  It didn't have much of a lather when used on my hair, but I guess that doesn't matter, maybe that means it's less harsh?  So, I figure that if I really like it and it works for me now, that in about two weeks it should stop working and I'll hate it, isn't that the way it goes? :P

My parent's headed out on their first vacation alone...ever...this morning.  The last of their children is finally old enough to not have to drag along, which means that he'll have the house to himself for a week, yikes!  He better believe that I'll be checking in on him!!  I'll also be checking in on my grandmother every day too, my mom calls her at least once a day to make sure that she's ok.  She lives alone now since losing her son, and she refuses to move out of her development to live closer to the rest of the family.  Which means that we can't physically visit her every day, so we keep in touch with her by phone, or she comes out to visit us at work.  Yep, this is "Nana", the one spoken of in several of my earlier entries, she's 82 & kickin', but stubborn as all heck!  So, I hope my parents have an awesome time, and I prayed for them to arrive and come home safely.

That's about the long and short of it for today.  We've got a heat wave kickin' over here, supposed to surpass 100 deg today, humid too.  TG for air conditioning!

Oyyy, you have a/c, you lucky duck!!! Live it up for me, won't you?  :-/

Sorry that your Alterna stuff isn't working out anymore. I hate when that happens! If it makes you feel any better, I'm not totally happy with anything I've been using lately! Be it Suave, Pantene or what have you. Sometimes hair just hates everything you do to it, I guess.  :P

Hope your parents have fun on their trip - they deserve it! And say hey to your nana for me.  ;D

Awww, sorry about the headache!  :-*  At least you got to talk to a cute boy...  ;)

And I'm glad I could save you from the round brush.. *giggles*

I've been thinking about this, we really need to get a trading forum up for stuff we don't use anymore.. I've got plenty of hair toys that don't work with my hair, and some conditioners I'm not all into... that would be cool!

Angel:  Oddly enough, we haven't turned on the a/c at home yet, don't know why! ???  We just have the fans cranking, I'm kind of enjoying the heat...a little, but at the shop I have to have the a/c blasting, heat and flowers just don't mix!  I wouldn't exactly say that I'm livin' it up though...

Novus:  Thanks, my headache's gone today, in fact I was able to shake it by nearly the end of the work day yesterday thanks to a couple of advil and a few bottles of water.  I'm pretty sure the idea of a swap board was brought up in a thread a while ago, by Leia maybe, and there was a reason that it couldn't be done, I don't remember it though! :P  I'll have to search to see if I could find the thread, bikerbraid would probably know.  Would be a good idea, I'm sure that we've all got the "closet" that the sub-par hair products get retired to, and we use 'em up just because we have to! :P

Hair:  Here was the routine this morning- did a nice, big ACV rinse, followed by a scalp wash with Pantene Purity, and finished up with Pantene Classic Care conditioner on nearly all of my hair.  Didn't oil today, but used the aloe gel for the roots and the bangs, waited for hair to mostly dry and then coiled into a bun, secured with 2 bobby pins.  Amen.

I definitely feel a difference from doing the acv rinse, it's been quite a while since I've done one, and my hair feels much lighter and more full of life than it did yesterday after using Alterna.  I know I keep saying it, but I just can't figure out why it stopped working for me, I don't get it!  I think I can get one more use out of the Classic Care stuff and then that's empty, so that means that I get to buy something new, yeah!  ;D  It's strange how exciting that is to me, and maybe a little sad...  ::)

Udder Schtuff:
SIL called me this morning to chat a bit, she said that she's starting to feel some fluttering movements in her belly now, she said it feels like she swallowed a goldfish.  She says that she is still feeling good but minding the heat, I'm so glad that this one is going well for her.  I just found out that another friend of mine who lives out of state is expected to deliver twins anyday!  I'm so happy for her too, she also miscarried on her first pregnancy, at 8 months, she was devastated having been so far along.  My heart sank for her, but now she's having twins, that's fantastic!  :D

My mother asked me when am I going to have a kid before my "egg laying" days are up, she was being more joking and inquisitive than pushy, but it's still a question I hate to answer.  In fact, it really kind of depressed me and reminded me that my years are numbered, but what can you do when the person you married doesn't want what you want?  It takes two!  And that's just what I told her, so.....oh well.  Yup, oh well.

Well, I've got to get ready to meet with a potential bride coming to meet with me at 4:00, so I've got to get going.  Later!

ETA:  I measured my hair this morning & came in at 24", which means she cut off 1 & 1/4 inches!  I only asked for a half inch!!  I'm upset over losing the length, but in reality I think that much needed to come off to get all the splitz.  So again, oh well!

Poor Magz, that's definitely something that couples should talk about before tying the knot.  :-/  Oh well indeed.

You know, my Scissor Lady always cuts off more than the ½" that I ask for. Maybe you should ask for ¼" or "just a very small trim"....maybe tell her that you're trying to grow your hair down to your butt or something. lol That's what I've considered saying to my Scissor Lady.

At least all of your split ends are gone & you can grow to your heart's content knowing that there won't be any damage to ruin your work. At least until you need another trim.  ;)

You're right, Angel, what can I say?  :-[
Hair:
Ok, so kill me, I bought yet another bottle of shampoo and conditioner  ::)....but I was out of conditioner, and you can't just buy a bottle of that without the respective shampoo can you?  I was carefully checking over the Pantene section, when I was dazzled with the picture of some sparkly, shiny ice cubes, what was this??  Ice Shine?  Something new that I haven't tried yet?  I decided that I must have it, so first thing I did was to flip the lid open and take a big whiff, mmm, nice and refreshing!  :)  So in the cart went first the conditioner and then of course the shampoo...and then a new pack of razors, but that's not important here!  The very next morning I couldn't wait to try my new indulgences, so I massaged the pretty, clear shampoo into my scalp and rinsed it all out.  My hair felt nice and slippy already.  Then, conditioned as usual- all but the roots plus a few inches, left in til last & rinsed.  What slip!  And shine?  Shine indeed!  :D  Same results again today, in fact, my friend even commented that my hair looked really shiny today, yeah!  Lovin' my new ice shine!!  ;D

And, on top of new products, I've sported a new hairstyle the past two days as well, all thanks to novusfemina!  ;D  I tried her chinese bun and it works out really well in my hair, aside from a few stickie-outies due to the layers, but it looks really cool.  I'm using one of my favorite sticks, it's matte black with little silver skulls painted on the end...it doesn't really match my outfit today, but too bad, I don't care!

Now, let's address this "outfit" situation, you'll see what I mean in a second.  Does anybody else but me ever have "clothing" anxiety?  Is it just me?  Am I really that mental?  I've mentioned this before, but I can't just put anything on for the sake of being dressed, it's got to be "right".  From the fabric to the color to the texture, it has to match my mood and reflect how I'm feeling that day, it just has to, that's all.  So, this morning...let me interject that my PMS is at it's height right now, so I can't even get a grip on my mood...so I'm standing in my closet and realizing that there was nothing in there to suit me for today.  Not a s-i-n-g-l-e thing, nope, nothing.  So I'm trying on shirt after shirt after shirt, finally time comes where I have to just put something on and get out the door.  So, desperately, I grab a shirt and put it on, it's got these ugly puffy sleeves, ew!  So I rip it back off, grab the scissors and start cutting, I'm thinking "If you don't like the sleeves, then cut them off!".

So, I did.  ::)

Put it back on, it's better, but I still feel as though I look like Holly Hobby on dope!  :-/  And, oh yeah, I had to put on bikini bottoms because I got behind on wash and ran out of skivvies.  Grrrrrreat.  Let me tell ya, husband man could not laugh hard enough at me this morning as I walked around in a chopped up ugly shirt and bright blue bikini bottoms with palm trees on them.  Ok, I guess it kind of funny.  ;D

You can BET that I'll be doing laundry tonight!  Goodnews- I did finally get to do some shopping and get bread in the house to make a long awaited pb&j sandwich....livin' big, livin' big here.

wrote on Jul 21^st, 2006 at 2:43pm:

Let me tell ya, husband man could not laugh hard enough at me this morning as I walked around in a chopped up ugly shirt and bright blue bikini bottoms with palm trees on them.  Ok, I guess it kind of funny.  ;D

http://users.pandora.be/eforum/emoticons4u/happy/516.gif
The visual image of this has me joining "husband man"! http://users.pandora.be/eforum/emoticons4u/happy/671.gif

Enjoy your PBJ!

Yay!  I'm so glad the chinese bun is working out for you!  It's one of my most favortiest styles...  ;D

As for the clothing issue, I SO understand!  I always pick out my outfits a few days in advance, so there's no "mood" issue, except when I'm PMSing.... ohhh lord, help my closet!  ::)  I get all fussy when things don't "feel" right, and it happens most often during that time... sweetie puts up with soooo much.. :)

Enjoy your PB&J sandwich!

Yaaawwwwnnnn!  Oh, I'm sleepy today.  It's dreary out, which I actually prefer over the sun, I just love a good grey and cloudy day, plus I started my work day three hours earlier than normal.  That in addition to having worked a few extra hours later than normal last night has me feeling pretty wiped.  All funeral work, lots and lots of funeral work.

Had another slight clothing mishap this again this morning, not toooo bad though, just inconvenient I guess.  After painstakingly picking out a shirt and pants again for today, what do I do but spill coffee down the front of my shirt just as I'm ready to leave.  This is so maggie.  So I had to run back up to the closet, oh the dreaded closet, and choose another shirt with about a minute to spare.  Oh well, at least I'm not in bikini bottoms again today, nope, today I've got REAL underpants on!  ::) ;)  *I'm a big kid now!*

Hair:  Washed with the Ice Shine again this morning, and am once again pleased with the end result.  :D  I had my hair in a chinese bun again this morning, but I didn't secure the ends well enough and they slipped back out, so it's just in a low ponytail right now, but I'll fix it.  Guess I was still half asleep when I was doing it this morning!

I FINALLY had my fix of pb&j!!  ;D  Hub made me a grilled peanut butter and raspberry jelly sandwich for lunch today, ooh la la!  But I knew it would never last till lunch time, I made it to about 9:30 before devouring it, now I'm satisfied.

One of my many expectant friends just had her baby on the 20th, I just found out this morning.  She had a healthy baby girl, and both mom and baby are doing just fine, although they had to take her by c-section, but she's as ok as can be for now.  I can't wait to see them!  Another friend is due anytime now, so we're awaiting her baby girl any day.  And, hub & I ran into yet another friend last to discover that she is 5 months pregnant too, also with a baby girl!  Man, there must be something in the water here, I don't know! :P  As far as I know, all is still well with my SIL, and she seems to be progressing just fine.

That's all the updates for today, I've got lots of work to get done yet, soooooo.....c-ya!

LOL @ all of the wardrobe malfunctions! Alright, missy....

*takes the scissors, the tattered clothes & the bikini bottoms away from you & drags you down to the "Big City" for a new wardrobe*  ;)

You have me totally curious about this Ice Shine. I didn't think that I was going to buy it, but I've wanted to try it. After my Restoratives runs out, I might just have to!
   The conditioner contains higher levels of cones than the regular Pantene conditioners. But I haven't read the shampoo ingredients. I wonder if it has any cones, or if it's just another clear Pantene shampoo...like Purity or Sheer Volume or Full & Thick.
   Man, why did I ever stop using Pantene?! I musta been high...  ::)

lol @ "something in the water." Been there, done that. If I had a nickel for every circle of friends whom I've watched get pregnant & have babies. Sheesh! Glad I'm not one of them!

It kinda makes sense, though. For all of these people you're doing funeral arrangements for. So many people are dying, it seems natural that so many births would happen also. I dunno.

Yay Angel!  Take me shopping!!!   ;D ;D ;D

New clothes, new shoes, new hair goodies, new everything!

(...uhm, only if you're paying though...)  ;)

Okay, so Hair:

Today I gave the Ice Shine a break and used the 2 in 1 stuff, followed up by some Breakage Defense on just the tippy ends.  I still love my new stuff, I'm just switching it up a little, plus I had yet another super early start and I didn't feel like fussing with my hair in the wee hours of the morning.  After the shower and wash, I used a few spritzes of Pantenes frizz control - curl reviving leave in.  No, I don't have curls - but I didn't buy this stuff either, my mother bought it by accident and gave it to me.  It's a nice light leave in spray and it kind of wakes up my natural waves, so I actually quite like it.  When I go home tonight I'll let my hair down to oil the ends and then bun it up.

In other news, that other expectant friend I mentioned in my last post had her baby too, possibly it was that same day.  She also has a healthy baby girl, to the best of my knowlege, and I don't know anything as to her condition.  She's actually more like a friend of a friend, well, she's my SIL's co-worker to be exact, so I don't really keep in touch with her, more like get updates on her.

In totally random & unrelated stuff, I came to a definite realization yesterday that I don't want to go the rest of my life without ever having ventured out into the world.  I haven't had a vacation in 15 years, and can't fathom taking one anytime in the near future.  My 20's will be coming to an end in just a few short weeks & I realized that I did nothing but work them away.  I didn't stop to enjoy anything or have any fun, I didn't even take any time to be 'young'.  So, if my 20's went this fast, I'm sure that my 30's will zip by just as quickly if not quicker, and then my 40's, 50's and so on.  It's like I'm racing to the grave without taking any stops! :P  Maybe I'm just freaking out about turning 30, but I find myself re-evaluating my whole life!  I can't believe myself, I always thought that it would be no big deal, that 30 is just a number, but it's so much more than just that, it's the start of a whole new chapter of my life & I don't want to waste any of it.  One thing that makes me feel good is something that my mother always told me, she says that women are their strongest and most beautiful in their 30's, so that gives me something to look forward to.  Thanks, Mom!  :-*

Well, that's about all there is to report on, so till next time!

You MUST take a vacation.  You deserve it.  You NEED it.  Take 2 weeks and drive somewhere you've never been.  Hike in the woods, swim in a lake, visit a museum, do SOMETHING!  If you don't, you will regret it later.

right there with you...unfortunately.  
It seems as if hubby and i have spent half our lives raising kids and being the "responsible ones".  grrr.  In our 20's and 30's there was never enough time, and definitely never enough money, for vacations.  So here we are in our mid-40's...the kids are grown...our savings account is finally slowly to grow, and you'd best believe that within a year's time we're sure enough going to take a vacation, dog gone it!!  Honey, if you can swing it, please GO ON A VACATION.  Even if you have to shut down the shop for a few days...any profit you lose out on will be worth your sanity and time spent with your hubby.  

Oh a vacation, I wish I wish I wish!!!  Maybe if I wish hard enough it will come true!

7 years ago my husband and I went up to Boston for a week, but it was on business, not for a vacation...and it was in January! :P  His company sent him up there to train on some new equipment they were bringing into the plant, I actually had to sneak along, I wasn't supposed to go, only him.  But with his driving skills, wait...more like driving un-skills, he would have never been able to drive up on his own.  So, I mapped out our route and drove us up there, he went to class for 8-10 hours every day & I was left on my own to entertain myself.  There's not a whole lot to do in Boston in January, especially during snow and ice storms!  Some days I'd hop the subway and venture out, other days I'd just hang out in the hotel room and read, and then walk across the lot to Denny's for some lunch or something.  He didn't get to do or see anything but going to class.  So, I really don't class that one as a vacation.  His company never found out that I went.  ;)

As for my hair today, I went back to the Ice Shine, wash and condition, and again used the Pantene leave in spray.  I still have my hair down, it looks pretty, shiny and slightly wavy, I don't think I'll pull it up.  As for last night, well, I forgot all about the oiling and bunning   :-[, I'll try to remember for tonight.

This weekend we're having a little get together for my husband' parents, a week ago it was the marriage anniversary as well as his father's birthday on the same day.  So we're getting together with my SIL and her husband to put a little luncheon or cookout together, it's nice just spending time with the family.  I really do have a wonderful set of In-Law's, all around.

That's all to report today, more next time...

Aww, have fun at your in-laws' place...that sounds fun!  :)

I'm thinking that I really must try this Ice Shine stuff! I'll pick some up when my Restoratives runs out. It sounds too good to pass up! There's just something about the appeal of ice, eh?  ;)

I agree with everyone here, including yourself. You do need & deserve a vacation. Hmmm, maybe if we both save up, we could meet in for a girls-only getaway in Vegas! Woohoooo!! lol

That's cool what your mother said about the 30's. My mother has quite the opposite take. She says that you work your hardest in your 30's. Meaning it only gets worse from now? Oh man...  :P

Hello all, and thanks for believing that I deserve a vacation, that means a lot to me!  :-*

Angel, the only draw back I'm encountering with the Ice Shine so far is that after a few days of using, my hair tends to get a bit heavy.  It's probably got a lot of cones in it to give all the "ice shine", but I found after doing and ACVR that I'm back to good results again.  My hair also gets moody, one day it likes, the next day it hates!  :P

Hair:
As I mentioned I did a vinegar rinse this morning, I ran out of the ACV, so I had to settle for plain white vinegar, worked fine though.  Before doing that, I did a light, diluted wash with Alterna, just to get any surface gunk of first, I then did the rinse, shampooed again with Ice Shine and followed up with the respective conditioner.  Let my hair mostly air dry, then had to do a quick blow through on the dryer on the no heat setting, and then coiled my hair up into two low piggy buns.  I wore this style yesterday, too, but today I parted my hair differently.  I took the end tooth of my comb, placed it on the far right side on the top of my head, and dragged it back to the bottom left in the back of my head.  I separated the two parts, made sure they had equal amounts of hair in them, and then coiled them up.  I left about 2 inches of the ends to stick out, looks funkay!  8)

Man, it's only 10:30am and I ate my lunch already...sandwich, pickles, chips and all...oink-oink! :P  I guess it's obvious that I've made that transition from PMS to DMS, food, food, food!  I'm thinkin' 4 cheese pizza for tonight...

I got to see one my my customer/friend's new baby girl yesterday, she was the first that delivered of the two mentioned in an earlier post.  How beautiful she is, tiny and perfect, so amazing!  I didn't get a chance to hold her as I was working at the shop (as always) and I had only but a second to stop and fuss.  She may be coming back with her today though, so maybe I'll get to fuss over her while she's in my arms today.  And, in keeping with the whole pregnancy trend around here, I learned that yet another acquaintance of mine is expecting twins.  Not the same one that I also mentioned earlier, but another one, so both of them are having twins, this is just crazy!  From what I understand, SIL is really beginning to show, I haven't seen her in close to two weeks, but I'll be seeing her on Sunday, my MIL says I'll be surprised at how she popped out.  So we'll see, I look forward to spending the day with them all.

That's all for today, peace everyone!

Just wanted to mention that I use the white distilled vinegar all the time and haven't had problems.   :)

Trisha, I've used the plain white vinegar a few times in the past, it always worked out just fine for me, too.  When at all possible, I try to use the organic raw acv, but that stuff's a bit expensive to be dumping on my head :P, my second choice is using store brand acv.  Not really sure what difference it makes on my hair, if any at all, actually.  The only thing I do notice is when using the raw organic stuff, the smell tends to linger around much longer than the cheap stuff.

This weekend was very nice, we went over to my husband's sister's home, she and her husband made a really nice dinner for all of us...all of us being my husband and I, and their parents.  We ate and drank, we talked and laughed, and we all marvelled over how big her belly suddenly got, she really popped out since the last time I saw her two weeks ago!  She's only at 5 months, but she looks more like 8 or 9 months, wonder if there could be more than one hiding in there?  ::)  She and her husband are going to be such good parents, and I can tell that she's just loving and enjoying every minute of being pregnant, I'm so glad that she's well enough to enjoy it.  Some women aren't so lucky.

In hair news there's not much to report.  I've been giving the ice shine a rest for the last three (?) days, saturday and sunday I used my rosemary sage bar to wash my hair, no conditioner necessary, saturday I oiled the ends, but forgot to on sunday.  This morning I used the Pantene combined s + c, no oil, and a little leave in spray.  Hair's just in a low bun today, it's too hot for fussing!

I know, pretty boring, but that's all there is to tell, soooooo......too bad! :P  Hopefully something more exciting for next time!

Wow, I haven't updated in a week, what's wrong with me?! :P

I've been a busy, busy girl lately, so little to do, so much time...strike that...reverse.  (quote courtesy of Willy Wonka, of course  ;))

Hair, let's see, I've been swapping back and forth between Pantene's Ice Shine and the 2-in-1 Moisurinzing this past week, both are working just fine, I just can't stick to a routine to save my life!  I've been really good with remembering to keep my ends oiled, I really don't want to have to battle with split ends anymore if I can avoid it!  That's about it there, no fancy new hairdo's or treatments or anything else to report.

I did manage to get the shop all changed over to fall, goodbye summer  :'(, I got both display windows cleaned up and redecorated, they look perty!  I rearranged the showroom a bit and put some new merchandise out, looks new and refreshed.  I still need to find a good soy candle company though, one that has decent prices, people don't want to pay too much around here, we definirely don't have big spenders!  Now I'm fighting the endless battle of paperwork, it just never goes away, never! :P

This past weekend, my grandmother treated me to lunch, which was very nice, but before doing that she gave me some insight on some of the things she does for her church.  Since retiring, and especiallly since losing her son, her church has become a huge, huge part of her life, but I never really quite knew what she did.  She showed me all around the church, parts that most people don't get to see, all the little back rooms and the such, and this is what impressed me the most that I never knew.  She is in charge of researching geaneology for church members and others that have family with records in the church.  She showed me the books that date back to 1899 that hold the records of all the past members of the church, all hand written in Slovak!  She does all the research and translates the info into english for the people looking, and she doesn't even charge a dime.  It takes months of research and work per person/family, she goes through every single entry in every single book for each one she does.  Amazing.  I asked her if anyone else had the ability to read, write or translate Slovak, should she ever not be there to do it, she said no.  When she dies, it dies, that's it.  I wish I had an ounce of her abilities, I wish I could carry it on for her.  God bless her, her 82nd birthday is closely nearing!

That's about it, OH!  I want to say congratulations to Curlgirl for finally getting her hair sox on ebay, I wish you tons of luck, Curlgirl!!  :-* ;D  I guess I should post that in her journal in case she doesn't see it here...duh!

thanks,Maggie!! ;D I do read your journal and I sent you an e/m,did you get it? ???  Take a look at it,the measurements are for the ponytail it self,not how we measure our hair here from the forehead up and over the head.   Check it out!!! ;D

Wow, another week passed and no entry!!  :-[

What a weekend, I might actually venture to say that it was one of the nicest and best of my life, I still can't get over it.  My friend and I had it planned for about two weeks that we were taking this past saturday to go shopping together, just to take the day for ourselves and have some "girl time".  She arranged to leave work by noon, and me by 1:00, that worked out perfectly.  She came home (she is also my upstairs tenant here at the shop), I closed the shop, we went upstairs and spruced ourselves up, she lent me a shirt of hers to wear, and we were outta here.  We had to make a stop to drop her dog off at her parents' home so he'd have some company while we were gone, we gassed up and headed to the mall.  We were in and out of stores, trying on clothes, talking and laughing, it was great.  On and off she was on her cell talking to (who I thought was) her bf and her parents.  She said she was sorry, that her mom called and said we needed to cut our trip short to come back to pick her dog up, they had to go out and didn't want him there alone.  She acted irate and upset, we hit a few more stores and then had to go.  I was fine with it because I had already spent most of my money and got quite a bit of clothes and shoes already.  On our way home she was texting and talking to her bf (so I thought once again), she kept giving him updates of how far away we were from home every few minutes.  I thought it was a little wierd, but whatever!

She dropped me off at my car back at the shop, I loaded up my bags, gave her a big hug and thanked her for taking me, and headed home.  I was invited to a 50th birthday party that night and was debating on whether to just go right to it, or stop home first and change.  I decided to go home first, then go to the party.  I finally reached my driveway and turned into it, I see a balloon tied to one of the trees, then another, and another, then I see that the parking lot is filled with cars.  Some I recognized, some I didn't.  The deck was all decorated with lights and "Happy Birthday" balloons, I am still not computing what's going on at this point!  I walk up on the deck and around to the back, there are tables and chairs all set up and filled with family and friends, they all shout "Happy Birthday!", it was a surprise 30th birthday party for me!!!  :o  I dropped my purse and started to cry, I couldn't believe what I was seeing, I never had a surprise birthday in my life, it was amazing!  In the house were trays and crockpots all filled with food, all vegetarian!  A beautiful little cake that said "Happy 30th Birthday" to me on it, bottles of wine, candles lit, gifts, I'm tearing up now just thinking about it all again!

The shopping trip was all a set up, every time my friend was on the phone with who I thought was her bf or parents, she was actually talking to my husband!  The whole having to go home early to get the dog was a fake, and the whole ride home and 'time updates' were all to my husband too!  The 50th birthday party was real, however, and obviously I did not make it to that one.  It was just the most amazing night of my life, I was never made to feel so special, I just can't believe he went through all of that for me.  We all talked and laughed & joked, ate and drank all night, it was so much fun.  My birthday really isn't for about another two weeks, but I guess he really wanted to surprise me, and that he did, I had absolutely no clue.  And what a good job my friend did on keeping me away and out for the day.  I'll remember that night for the rest of my life!

Back on the real subject here, Hair!  I've really been pampering my hair since my last cut, I've been pretty good with oiling nearly every day.  I recently bought a new bottle of Pantene hairspray, which came with a free trial size tube of...I think it's called Intensive Moisture treatment.  So I gave that a whirl, it's been ages since I've done any kind of treatments on my hair.  I washed with the 2 in 1 and followed up with that stuff, I gooped it on the ends and bunned it up.  I left it in for about 10 minutes before rinsing it out.  Worked pretty well.  I haven't tried it again yet, I still want to try the SMT also when I get some free time.  As always, I'm alternating my use of washes and conditioners, I switch between the 2 in 1, Ice Shine, and Restoratives Breakage Defense currently, that's what I used this morning as a matter of fact.  It all works well for me, but after a few days of using the same thing, nothing seems to work, that's why I'm always switching!  I'm due for a good ACV rinse soon, too!

That's about all the new news I've got to report for now, till next time!

What a fantastic surprise for you!!   ;D

How very special!  Surprise parties can do soooo much for your self esteem.  Congratulations and Happy Birthday (early)!

Oh Magz,how nice!!  I teared up as I read it!!  lol  It sounds like it really was great!  So cool,there was vegetarian,too! (from one pesco-vegetarian to you)  all in all sounds like you'll be walking a foot off the ground for a while ;D

Woohoo!!!! PARTY!!!!

Good setup by your husband & gal pal. What an awesome surprise!!  :D

WOW!!! so awsome of your hubby and friend to set all that up! :)
Definitley a day to remember, and smile about while walking down the street, eh? ;)

Thanks gals, it really was an extremely special night for me, I'm still talking about it and still thanking him, I just can't believe he did that for me!  I think that's what was bothering me about turning 30 the most, I was afraid that it was just going to pass by like it was nothing special.  He took all of those fears away for me, so I think I'm going to be fine about it now.

Not a whole lot to report on the hair front.  I opted for the Restoratives Line this morning once again, my hair seemed to like that.  I did, however, forget to oil my ends, which I really wanted to do today.  I'll have to try to remember when I go home, and I should really bun my hair up for today to keep it protected.  Makes for pretty waves, too. :)

I haven't measured since my last cut, which was about a month ago, but I don't feel any real growth so I think I'll wait a bit on that.  It's too easy to get obsessed with measurements.

BTW, Beesan, it's good to hear from you again!

maggie, hi..i've enjoyed reading your journal. i've just started my own recently.
the surprise party sounds like it was fantastic. maybe i'll make my dear hubby read the journal entry to get some ideas (hint, hint-evil laughter)...looking forward to chatting more. -rtg

Aawww you have an awsome hubby and friends!  Very tricky of them.  That was funny they did it early so you still had no clue even with all the balloons up!  Tee hee  Very cool!

Hi rtg, thanks for stopping in my journal, dropping a few hints couldn't hurt I guess, right?  ;)

Yeah, it was a really nice surprise, Khrome, and it was very trick of them.  I give them utmost kudos on pulling it all off, though, I don't know if I could be so suave!

My poor, poor hair, it should be hating me today!  :-[  It was sorely abused and taken advantage of yesterday...by me.  My husband and I went out to see a concert last night, a heavy metal one to say the least, and I think I took out all my pent up frustration and stress out on my hair.  I just went nuts styling it and wasn't too careful about doing it.  I really hope I didn't do too much damage to it, I know I can't undo it if I did, but I'm going to be especially gentle to it from here on out.  I washed and condtioned it before going to work that morning, as usual, came home and showered again before getting ready for the show, and again washed and conditioned it.  Styled it using the blowdryer on the heat setting, pulled it, clipped it, pinned it, sprayed it like crazy and then added my favorite sticks to it.  I will admit, it was a huge change from my everyday, normal and safe hairdo's, it looked pretty wicked.  In fact...I received a hair compliment from a guy standing behind me at the show, can you believe it?  He tapped me on the shoulder and told me that he really like the way I did my hair that night, who'd of thought?!  Anyway, after the show I was covered in sweat and certain things that the band was dousing the crowd with (don't ask, it's not as bad as you think!) so not showering again was not an option when we got home.  So for the third time that day I had washed and conditioned my hair.  And of course, just a few short hours later it was time to get up and get ready for work, so into the shower yet again, but this time I only rinsed my hair, no shampoo, no conditioner.  I gave a generous dose of jojoba oil to the ends and saved it from the dryer again.  I will admit that my hair is feeling pretty dry and worn out today, I've really got to give it some pampering now, I'm thinking that a treatment is in order.

My hair did look really good though... ;)

I haven't mentioned anything about my cousin for a while, I'll just update that he's supposedly in remission now, so I guess that's good.  I say supposedly because the whole thing is very wierd, to me at least.  He went from massive doses of chemo and hospital visits and tests, to suddenly nothing.  No more tests, no more treatments, and nobody really is giving a credible update on his current condition, it's all very strange., maybe there's something I'm missing, I don't know.  They (family members) say that he still has masses in his lungs, but they have shrunk down from what they were.  I ask if he still has active cancer cells, I apologize, I don't even know if that's correct cancer terminology, or if he's in remission and that's when the confusion comes in.  They all give the same response of "I guess so", what does that mean?  I don't know, it's all very unclear to me.  I pray to god that he is in remission and that he could continue to live out the rest of his life as a normal and healthy kid, I just wish I knew.  :-/

Well, I'm off to get some work accomplished, I'll spill more later!

hey Mags,good news about your cousin :)  I think your hair will forgive you,you do take care of it all the other times so it probably was able to withstand your torture!  Have you recovered from the concert?

Ahhh hair & heavy metal. Seems like a match made in heaven. heh If only...

A few deep conditioning & heavy oiling treatments should do the trick. Sadly, I'm no stranger to torturing my hair on occasion either, and that's how I've always gotten my hair to "bounce back." Though after a night of teasing, heat, spraying and pinning, hair always feels dried out & tortured the next day.

Remission is a tricky thing. A lot of the time, it's permanent and the patient can resume their normal lives. Just remember that after care is extremely important, along with regular screenings!
  Sometimes, however, it's a dormant stage and cancer can return...even many years later. This was the case with my grandmother, who had been in remission for over 10 years only to be rediagnosed and pass away from it months later. I pray this never happens to your cousin. Again, make sure he gets post-chemo therapy.

Hope your hair & your nerves settle down soon, sistah.  :)

Hey Maggie! :D

Like Angel said the after care (maintenance therapy is what they call it) is really important to follow up on. I would be really frustrated if all i ever got was an "i guess" !!

Though i pray that heis in remission and stays that way. You know, miracles do happen. You just have to believe in them :)

Thanks Curlgirl, Angel & Beesan, I'll just take it for what it's worth for now.  His mother is a works in the hospital, so I'm sure that she'll be right on top of his follow-ups, I doubt that'll be an issue.  I think I'll call my mother to see if she knows any more of his condition, he's really been on my mind lately.

And yes, Curlgirl, I am pretty much recovered from the concert, I'm still just a little bit sore, though.  My feet from getting trampled on, and my back from being pushed into the metal rail behind me by the crowd all night long, but that's part of the fun of going.  ;)

I think my hair's starting to think about forgiving me, I used a diluted solution of Alterna shampoo this morning to wash my scalp only, then followed up with Pantene's Intensive Therapy something or other conditioning treatment.  I put that in, bunned my hair up and left it in for only about 5 minutes before rinsing it back out.  I oiled my ends with jojoba, let air dry and then coiled my hair up safely into a bun.  As Curlgirl mentioned, I do take care of my hair on a regular basis, so hopefully it will be ok.

It's like Christmas here!  I got my shipment of new merchandise in yesterday and I've been unpacking and pricing like crazy!  It's exciting opening all the boxes and seeing the products in person as opposed to in the catalogs or on the screen.  Silly, I know, but I love re-merchandising my little store, it makes it look so "fresh" and inviting.  Most of it is for Christmas, so I can't put that out yet, but some is also fall and everyday, so I'm working on that for now.  So much to do!  I'm also working on trying to create a template for invoicing here, I currently still do it the old fashioned way, hand written, but my hands just can't take all the writing anymore.  I guess I should have decided this before ordering a brand new box of Invoices, eh?  Oh well, I have them if I need them.  I have the whole thing almost all done, I just need to put the formulas in to calculate the sales tax and the ending balance.  I think I'd like to make a change in the design, however, I think I'd like to make a part for them to tear off and remit with the check, but that means pretty much re-doing the whole thing.  I'll play around with it.

In fact, I'd better get back to work and get all these loose ends tied up!  Later!

Isn't fun to to get all those packages?!!!  You must be like a kid in a candy store!!

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b244/Beesan19/ele.jpg




;) ;) ;D ;D :D :-*

(((((THANK YOU BEESAN!!!)))))

How sweet, you remembered!  ;D :-*

What a great day I had, too, and I'm so glad it fell on a sunday this year, since that's my only day off (sometimes).  My husband was so great to me on my birthday, we didn't actually go out or do anything, but I didn't want to, I just wanted a quiet day at home with him.  He made sure that I didn't lift a finger that day, I spent most of it in my jammies, he cooked for me and we shared a bottle of champagne.  It was a really nice and relaxing day.  That in combination with the party he threw for me two weeks ago, I couldn't have asked for more.  ;)

In hair news, I think my locks have forgiven me, as I've been pampering them like there's no tomorrow to make up for the abuse.  I'm a little worried though, because I'm noticing quite a bit of hair loss, much more than normal.  Not due to breakage, but full strands coming out from the root.  I hope this is just normal shedding and nothing else!  Lately I've been using Pantene's Classic Clean line and every few days I'm using a deep conditioning treatment on the bottom half of my strands.  Classic Clean is a line that I've used for years in the past, so I can predict the results and know that I'll be (for the most part) happy with them.

In other news, my SIL sees the doctor today and might find out the sex of her baby.  I wonder if it will be a boy like she thinks...or a girl like I think??  ::)  We'll see, it's so exciting to watch her grow and change, she has such a beautiful "mommy" glow about her, did I mention how happy I am for her?  I've been talking with her mom (my MIL) about getting a shower together for her, it'll be here before we know it!

That's about it, boring, I know, but's that's it!  More next time...

Maggie;
Glad your birthday was an enjoyable one.  You have a very special hubby.

As for the shedding - I too have started my fall shedding.  I've never understood why I shed in the fall and not the spring, but I do.  Maybe the new short hair is supposed to be warmer than the long ones?  Anyway - you are not alone.  :D

Sounds like a pretty darn cool birthday, Magz.  ;)  Fitting for a pretty darn cool chick! *hugzzz*

I only wish that I could be online more, so I could actually wish you a happy birthday on time!  ::)  hehe In any case, welcome to the best decade of your life.  ;)

All the best to your SIL...let's hope she has a girl!

Okay, I just did a travel back in my journal here, aaaallllll the way back to July 18th...that was my last measure, it was right after my last cut & I came in at 24" even.  I am very pleased to say that I did my first measure since then (I think?) and I grew over and inch, I am at 25 & 1/4 inches!!  Now I'm back to where I was before my last cut, yeah man!  I'm happy with that.  My ends still seem to be in good shape, too, so I'm not going to plan on another trim for a while yet, I have been very good to them...with the exception of my "concert hair".  But, it seems all is forgiven.  ;)

I felt adventurous yesterday, I finally found some aloe juice so I could put together and try some of Kimberlily's leave in spray, I posted my results in her thread, but I'll say it here too.  I used 1/4 cup spring water, 1/8 cup aloe juice & 1 tsp jojoba oil, put it all in a little spray bottle, shook it like crazy and sprayed it on after showering.  I concentrated mostly on the middle and ends of my hair, when dried it was left very soft and shiny, it felt and looked really pretty and healthy.  I used it again this morning, and I now have my hair in a low bun held with my beautiful, wooden hairstix from Lisabelle, from our last gift exchange  :D.  I'm trying to be as careful as possible to keep these ends of mine in good shape, I've got a goal to (try to) reach!

We found out last week that my SIL will indeed be having a baby girl, see, I was right!  ;)  She still can't believe it, she was so sure that she was carrying a little baby boy, I wonder if she's getting used to the idea yet??  Who knows, those things aren't always 100% correct, so maybe she will turn out to be right after all...then we'd all be really surprised, wouldn't we?  From what I understand the new ultrasounds you can get these days are pretty amazing, my MIL said she could see the details in her little face, that she has chubby cheeks, and that she seems to have long arms and legs already too.  Can't wait to meet her!  :-*

I totally did not dress right for the weather today, it's way chillier than I expected it to be.  I don't want it to be so cold yet...no!  Fall-yes, winter-no.  Winter is sooooooo looooonnnngggg...

Quote:

We found out last week that my SIL will indeed be having a baby girl

*taps fingertips together* Eeeeexxxcellent....  ;)

About the winter, I'm afraid it's inevitable, my dear. But I'll gladly trade you for the 80+ degree Christmases we often have here.  :P

wrote on Sep 11^th, 2006 at 7:41pm:

I'll gladly trade you for the 80+ degree Christmases we often have here.  :P

Never!!  Christmas is about the only day I look forward to the cold, ice and snow.  What would Christmas be without trudging from the Parents', to the In-Laws', to Grandmother's house knee deep in snow & arms filled with packages?  Weighing every step ever so carefully as to not hit an ice patch and break that beautiful new something that you just got from nana, or spilling out piles of clothes from mom and dad, or dropping that extremely heavy new appliance that dear Father in Law picked out just for you.  Oh, no, I wouldn't trade the weather on that day for the world!!  80 degrees on Christmas Day?  That's just too wierd for me!

I also always look forward to the first major snowfall of each year, one that leaves you no choice but to stay trapped at home and in your jammies all day long.  ;D  It's only when we're pulling through into february and march that I start to vomit at the site of more snow that lay black and ugly on the sides of the road, and more ugly grey-colored slush that sits in puddles everywhere because the days finally start reaching above 32 degrees, only to re-freeze and knock you on your bum after dark.  That's when the aching for spring and the smell of that first warm day begins to hit hard, knowing that we're not really out of the winter woods for another 3 months.  Ah, the many faces of winter.

Hair...I washed with Pantene Ice Shine and followed up with the respective conditioner this morning, I haven't used it in a while, so my hair seemed to welcome it back.  After showering, I combed out, blotted dry with my towel again, and then distracted myself for about 15 minutes by folding and putting some laundry away.  This was enough time for my hair to at least half-way dry.  I treated my ends to some more of Kimberlily's leave in spray, I wonder if I'm supposed to be keeping it refridgerated, btw, because of the aloe juice?  I then re-combed, and left it to dry the rest of the way, it is now almost fully dry..2 hours later!  For some reason my hair is deciding to be wavy today, it looks nice, so I don't mind.  I may actually leave my hair down today, although I doubt it...I know that once I start working & it's getting in my way I'll be pulling it back.  Oh well, that's okay too, at least it'll be safe.

I'm listening to Rod Stewart's Great American Songbook volumes, I love listening to the old love songs & (attempting) to sing with them...only when no one's around of course!

Bewitched, bothered, & bewildered am I

Sing it Rod & Cher!

It makes me wonder if this old building of mine is already familiar with these old songs.  Maybe these walls heard this music a thousand times before, watching people singing, dancing, twirling, laughing or crying to them.  I wonder?

Well, I'm still using Kimberlily's LIS, and still loving it.  It really seems to agree with my hair, I've been using it every day since I made it.  I've also been keeping my hair in a bun nearly every single day, it keeps my hair safe and out of harms way & free of tangles.  I have even been sleeping with them in too, I just really want to keep these ends safe so I don't have to cut them for a good long while.  I've had enough semi-major trims...what I consider and inch or more...I've successfully removed all my dead and split ends so that I could get to this point and keep going.  If my ends can remain in good shape I won't plan on another trim for a few more months.  *fingers crossed*

I washed with Pantene Purity the past two days, my hair unfortunately gets too weighed down from the Ice Shine, what a bummer.  :-[  I really liked it at first, and I think I even persuaded Angel into trying it...sorry Angel, I think I steered us wrong!  :-[  I still break it out every now and again, but one day of use is enough, plus I find the need to clarify more often when I use it.  Oh well, blast those shiny ice cubes they have on the bottle, they know just how to lure me in!  >:(

Before I go ahead and buy any more new products, I've vowed to myself and now all of you that I must use up all of my odds and ends first.  It's beginning to get rediculous, all those half or barely filled bottles lined up like little soldiers in the "cast away" closet.  If nothing else, I use them up as body wash, at least they'll get used....well, I can't do that with the conditioners, now can I?  Maybe I can pawn them off on hubby.  *evil laugh*

Wow, I don't have anything else to say, how weird.  Hmm, I guess I should hop back to work then.  I think I'm going to start on some centerpieces I need to have ready for the end of the month, there's 63 that need to be made.  It won't be so bad if I work on a few every day, I've got to push aside that urge to procrastinate (who, me procrastinate??)

Oh yeah, I will mention that Hub & I rented and watch Poseidon over the past weekend, it was a really cool movie.  I like films that involve water tragedies, don't know why ???, just my weird thing.  Anyway, after seeing that and finding out that the Director, Wolfgang something, also did The Perfect Storm, I had to run right out and rent that too.  I had been wanting to see that for quite awhile, I think we'll watch it tonight.  Hope that one's just as good.

Peas!

[quote]I really liked it at first, and I think I even persuaded Angel into trying it...sorry Angel, I think I steered us wrong!   :-[/quote]

Eh? Ice Shine always worked just fine for me.  ???  The only reason I stopped using it was because it took too long to rinse out, as is common with Pantne (mother is anal about shower time, you know). Plus, I liked the fragrance of Restoratives better...and the "liquid gold" feeling it always gives my hair.  ;D

Haha I know all about those little cast away soldiers. I actually used the shampoos as bodywash, too, when in a pinch. As for the extra conditioners...just use them as 2nd conditioners and condition twice.  ;D  That's what I always did.

Poseidon was the last movie I ever saw with my ex.  >:(  :P

Hi Maggie, I decided to pay a visit your journal and I've really enjoyed reading it :)  I felt some comfort in knowing that I'm not the only one thats finding it tough to stick to one regimen.  

I tried the leave in spray and liked it as well, I can't use too much though or else the water makes my hair frizz but a light mist really helps. I hadn't thought of refrigerating it either, I guess I should :P

I had never heard of Pantene Ice Shine but I recently learned that my hair loves cones so, I'm going to try that out too.

You were mentioning hair trims and I was wondering if you've tried the search and destroy method?  I was thinking maybe that way, you could eliminate your split ends while keeping your length, and you could do it yourself.

I can't believe how hectic and busy your life is.   My life is so much the opposite, I don't work and my husband works from home so it seems as though we just slack off all day, I wish I could volunteer to help you out during those busy times. :(

You should feel really proud to have your own buisness at such a young age, it's such an accomplishment!!  I'm in agreement with everyone else that said you need a vacation, you're so long overdue, even if it's nothing more than a weekend getaway, you'll still feel so much better.

Happy belated birthday and congrats on soon becoming an Aunt!  I went to Mardi Gras for my 30th birthday the year before the hurricane but, I didn't like it too much, your party actually sounded way cooler! :)

Oh, I forgot to ask you, did you ever find a good scented candle?  I've been looking for a very strong scented candle but I'm having no luck.

Angel:  Ice Shine does take forever to rinse out, doesn't it?  I guess it's all that gunk left behind that's supposed to be the "shine".  Worked great the first few times, but after that it was just too much gunk.  :-[  It must be lovely having liquid gold (spiderwebs  ;)) for hair, it puts such a pretty vision in my head.  So what you call liquid brown hair...Ew!  Let's not go there!  :-X

La_Diosa:  Thanks for coming into my journal!  ;D  Yeah, I really do like that LIS, I mist my hair with it in the morning before going to work, and again after coming home.  And actually, I did not refrigerate it, I thought it might solidify the jojoba oil too much to make it sprayable.  It seems to be ok so far, so hopefully no harm done.  As for the Ice Shine, have you tried it yet?  Maybe with your hair type you will have better results than I did, my hair is too fine for it.  Search & destroy...oh yes!  It's almost like an addiction sometimes.  I can easily get lost in those little strands looking for those evil splitz, but *knock on wood* my hair's in pretty good condition now and damaged ends are few are far between.  Thank you for the birthday and impending Aunt wishes, my birthday was a really nice one, and I'm really looking forward to my new little niece arriving.  ;D  As for candles, I just placed an order with a candle company called Old Virginia Candles.  I ordered a small amount of their WoodWick Candles to see how they sell.  They are pretty cool, they've got a wick that's flat and wide, made out of wood.  They are stongly scented and they make a crackling fire sound as they burn.  I've got one at home that I'm testing now, and the only drawback I'm encountering is that it's not the cleanest burning candle.  It leaves a bit of black soot at the top of the jar no matter how far I trim...well, break....the wick back.  Plus, it's not exactly a "bargain" candle, I will have to charge at least $16 for an 11oz. jar, so it'll be more of a novelty thing most likely.  I'll make my official judgement after I get them in & see what they do, however.

Hair:  I've just come to accept that it is impossible for me to stick a routine of any kind when it comes to my hair.  The only thing consistent about it is my method of washing, that's about it!  I got in the shower yesterday morning to find that my husband had pulled out one of the "cast aways" from the closet of the doomed and forgotten & moved it into the shower to be used.  This was very surprising to me to see him stray from his beloved VO5, but whatever, I figured I'd give it a shot.  ABBA complete one step shampooing is what it is, I read the ingredient list and it seems to be ok stuff.  You know, I'm not even sure where we got it from, I know I didn't buy it!  Must be from his mom?  It says it's a 100% vegan formula and not tested on animals, it's got all kind of botanicals going on & no cones.  The only bothersome thing is that it says it has human keratin in it, that kind of really grosses me out.  What exactly is it & how do they get it and put it into the shampoo??  Ick.  I tried it despite that and was actually quite pleased, but I refuse to get over excited about it because I know what's going to happen a week from now...what always happens when I find something I like.  So, I'll take it for what it's worth and use it while it works, after that, back to the closet it will go...or maybe DH will do me the favor of using it up.  ;)  I'm still in love with Kimberlily's LIS, as I mention earlier to La_Diosa.  I use it every morning and night, it's just awsome stuff & my hair loves it too.  I think I will set my new short term goal at 27", the longest I can ever remember my hair being.  Maybe now since I've got it whipped into pretty good shape it can actually happen...pleeeeeease!  After that I will strive for 30", I think I'm dreaming now!

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So what you call liquid brown hair...Ew!

One word, Maggie sis......chooooocccooooolllaaaaaatte!!!!  :D  Ever see those chocolate fountains? Sexy.  ;)

Chocolate, of course!  Much better than what I was thinking!  :-X

Chocolate streams.... mmmmm.... makes me think of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory!  (Both movie versions made me hungry for chocolate  :-X)

wrote on Sep 19^th, 2006 at 1:42pm:

As for the Ice Shine, have you tried it yet?  Maybe with your hair type you will have better results than I did, my hair is too fine for it.

I purchased the Ice Shine because I was having so much success with the cones but now I'm having second thoughts about using it.  My hair is no longer responding well to all of the cones either (I was using hair serum daily) and I'm experiencing alot of build up.  Maybe I'll try the Ice Shine after I clarify I'm guessing that when I wash, I may have that "chocolate" situation myself.

Ooooh, I love chocolate fountains.  I hate going to events that have them though, because of their very strong magenetic energy, I can never stay away!!  ;D

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Ooooh, I love chocolate fountains.  I hate going to events that have them though, because of their very strong magenetic energy, I can never stay away!!

When I read this description I suddenly got a strong mental image of a horde of women in party dresses, eyes bulging in a scary zombie stare, stumbling toward a giant stream of flowing chocolate!  *snort*  

Man!  I totally thought I made a post yesterday, I lost the whole dang thing.  How typically me.

Anyway, lol at the zombie eyed women migrating toward the chocolate fountain!  Hehe!  They sound really awesome, but I tend to have issues with communal things like that.  I live in fear of the infernal double dippers out there.  Eeeew!

I am one miserable chick today.  I've got a thumping headache, I'm losing my voice and coughing, I'm exhausted from working like I'm 5 women in one, plus Auntie Flo dropped by last night and plans on staying for a week, she brought all of her cramps aches and pains right along with her.  :-[  I would have given a billion $$ to stay in bed this morning, it's all grey and cloudy out with rain on the way......*perfect* lazy day weather.  Lazy day, what the heck's that??  That's like that other word, what is it now?  VAY-KAY-SHUN or something?  I'm not sure what they mean, oh well.

Did I mention that my eyes are swollen too?  So, I look like I'm stoned.  Like Stewie Griffin.

Hair, let's see....yeah, it's still there.  I still have hair.

I just got done reading Running With Scissors by Augusten Burroughs, it's a memoire of his early childhood into his later teen years.  It was really good, what a messed up life!  I just picked up the next memoire (is there supposed to be an "e" on the end of that?) in his collection, it's called Dry, I haven't started on it yet, maybe tomorrow.  I think this one deals with him getting messed up with drugs and alcohol and having to straighten himself out.  Not totally sure on that.

I'm still using and very much loving KL's LIS, in fact I've discovered this morning that is works awesome on freshly shaven legs.  So sooooothing!  Just mist it on, no muss no fuss, available at all fine drug stores near you!  Oh I want to go home!  Tomorrow I plan on clarifying with an ACVR, maybe I'll finally try that snowy's treatment.  I can't seem to find my empty bottle that I keep to use for my rinses, I bet that my husband saw it and through it out for recycling.  >:(  Now I need to find a new bottle, grrrr.  >:(

I have to come up with an idea for party favors for my SIL's baby shower.  I'm thinking of doing something with votive candles, I'm not sure yet.  I'll google the idea and see what comes up.  I have to keep it cost effective because there could be 50-60 people coming.  Man, I don't think I even know that many people!

A guy is supposed to be coming to clean the furnace out today.  I really wanted to get that dead pigeon carcass out of the scary, disgusting basement before he was to go down there.  It's laying right in the doorway where you have to step over it, it's just a skeleton with some feathers, but really really gross.  I wish I could get someone else to do it, I hate going down that basement!  It would be the perfect room for a torture scene in a scary movie, maybe I should rent it out to Hollywood and make some money off of it! :P

I had to break down and clean the alley way out again.  I think the pigeons are finally under control, the town hired some people to come and "trap" them & take them away.  I'm not so sure that's their method, as I've been finding gross dead pigeons plopping out of the sky and onto my property, surrounded by kernels of corn.  So now I'm left to pick up these disgusting dead things, and clean their crap up.  That's probably why I'm sick, I probably have some exotic pigeon disease.  Anyway, I suited up late Thursday afternoon...and by suited up I mean I made a suit out of garbage bags.  :P  It was quite a sight.  Got the do-rag, face mask and several pairs of rubber gloves and went at it with recklesss abandon.  I swept, scraped, hosed, soaped and bleached like a made woman.  The alley's clean as a whistle, and I'm sick as a dog.  :-/  It had to be done, and no one else was going to do it.  Story of my life.  :-/

Speaking of, maybe I'll go get rid of that carcass waiting for me now.  *barf*  Isn't this supposed to be a guy's job?

Feel better!!  

I hope you're feeling better now and I'm very happy to hear that you still have hair!!! ;)

Thanks Curlgirl & La Diosa, I do feel much better now.  :)  Just a bit tired though, but I think that's always the case!

I've only got a minute here, but I wanted to at least make an update.  Actually, I've been attempting for three days now, only to be interrupted and lose the post each time.

Life and work have been crazy and hectic as usual, it was wedding all weekend long and now it's all funerals...not personally, just workwise thank gawd.  I'm waiting for my flower shipment to get here before I can attack the bulk of the work, but I'll get whatever I can done until then.

I'm really beginning to worry about all this hair loss I'm having, I'm praying that it's just a seasonal thing and nothing else.  Every day as I comb my hair I lose easily 20 - 30 strands, each time!   :(  I wonder if it's all the stress I'm under??  I am noticing quite a bit of new growth though, so maybe it is normal and I'll be fine, I hope!!  I'm still switching up between s + c's day to day, but mostly I'm using Classic Clean from Pantene.  And yes, I am still absolutely in love with Kimberlily's LIS, that is just the best stuff ever.  I use it on the middle section of my hair, but mostly concentrate on the ends of my hair, and I use it every day in the morning and again at night.  Awesome, awesome stuff!

I used a face mask yesterday that temporarily stained my hands and face green.  Temporarily being key there!  It wasn't an all natural one, after seeing what happened I read the ingredients and saw it basically a bunch of crap with coloring in it, with a pretty little label on the front that made it seem better than it actually was.  Thankfully it did eventually wash away, I was not left to look like the incredible hulk, and needless to say it hit the garbage can pretty fast.

I still need to come up with favors for my SIL's baby shower, I'm not exactly sure what to do yet, I want it to be something different, I'm trying to avoid the ever popular "mints in netting" thing.  :P  It's only about 4 weeks away, so I need to come up with something soon.

I'd better get back to work now, latah!

Man, I'm having a cruddy hair day today, it's just aweful!  :(  No kidding.  I used ABBA complete shampoo, no conditioner, maybe that's why.  I was under the impression that this stuff was like a 2 in 1 deal, maybe it's not.  Hmmm.  It says ABBA one step complete shampoo on it, come to think of it, it doesn't mention a thing about conditioning, oh well!   :-[  I did follow up with K's LIS as usual though, so the ends should still be somewhat moisturized and protected.  Speaking of ends, I'm starting to bum.  I'm beginning to find a few splits here and there, I was *really* trying to go withough trimming for a while yet.  I was hoping to at least reach 26" before having to hack some off.  Maybe I should just deal with it and get it done.  I think I will.  New hair makes everything better.  ;)  I want to measure before doing that, however.

I haven't had a chance to start on my new book yet, I thought I may have time over the weekend, but it was far to hectic.  Hopefully sometime soon so I can buy another new one.  I'm addicted to books!

I've been taking, or should I say making more time for things like drawing and painting in my life, it's such a wonderful outlet.  I used to do it all the time when I was a teenager, but then real life took over and it all got pushed aside.  I missed doing it and forgot how much I loved it, I'm so glad I'm making time for it in my life again.  Not that I'm any good, that doesn't matter in the least, it's just that it's a way to help release sorrow, stress, anger, whatever, that's what matters.  I love getting lost in the colors.

I haven't heard much more new news on my SIL and the baby, she still doesn't believe that it's a girl hiding inside of her, she's pretty adamant that it's a boy.  This will be interesting to find out if her motherly instincts are right!  I *still* need to come up with an idea for the shower, I think I'll post it in Letting Your Hair Down to get some ideas.  Couldn't hurt, right?

I don't wanna cut my hair again!  >:( :-[ :'(

Last night I watched movie about the life of Betty Page, it was really interesting.  I never knew that she was actually a very religious southern girl, I guess from her pictures I could never tell!  Great story though.

Okay, I'm going to post to see if I can gather some input and ideas for the shower.

Peace!

Mags, just wanted to say that I've been shedding a lot, too, lately.  As soon as the autumn-ish temperatures hit here in Missouri, bam!  So don't stress too much about that aspect of your hair.   :)

Oh, thank you Trisha, that definitely is reassuring.  I just never noticed so much loss before so it really worried me.  Maybe...hopefully it *is* just normal shedding!

I also experience heavy shedding when fall comes around....... you are not alone!

Oh, thank you, you both help to put my mind at ease.  That's odd that we would shed in the fall, isn't it?  Go figure!

I did a clarifying wash this morning using Pantene Purity, followed up with an ACVR & then with Pantene Classic Clean conditioner.  I had to use regular white vinegar, so I guess it was just a "VR", not an "ACVR"  :P, whatever!  Somebody needs to slap me around a little because I've been bad with using my hairdryer on the heat setting *ducks*, no wonder I'm finding split ends.  It just seems to take forever to dry anymore and I guess my impatience was winning me over.  I've even been waking up a half hour earlier to allow my hair more air dry time, it's just when it comes down to crunch time & I'm ready to leave and my hair still is mostly damp that I give in and grab the dryer.  I do keep the cool button in for most of it, but it's still NO GOOD!!  I've got to cut it out *slap, slap, slap*!

I really, really don't want to have to cut my hair again (I think I've mentioned this earlier  ::)) so I'm trying to convince myself to push it just to see how long my hair can get, then trim it.  But maybe I'll be more heartbroken that way?  Aaargh!  I should just do it, get a nip now and keep things from getting worse.  Yes, that's what I have to do.  Besides, a fresh haircut always puts a new spin on things for me, so it'll be good all around.  There, done, decided.  ;)

I have to say that I absolutely *love* this time of year, the leaves are just getting to their peak in color, it is just soooooo pretty.  I love the smell of autumn, too, it's so crisp and earthy, unmatched by any other.  I am so fortunate to live in an area that showcases such beauty, I just wish it wasn't such a short lived season.  Oh well, beautiful all the same!

That's about it, I guess I'll look for my hairdresser's phone # and finally schedule that trim.

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Somebody needs to slap me around a little because I've been bad with using my hairdryer on the heat setting *ducks*, no wonder I'm finding split ends.  It just seems to take forever to dry anymore and I guess my impatience was winning me over.  I've even been waking up a half hour earlier to allow my hair more air dry time, it's just when it comes down to crunch time & I'm ready to leave and my hair still is mostly damp that I give in and grab the dryer.  I do keep the cool button in for most of it, but it's still NO GOOD!!  I've got to cut it out *slap, slap, slap*!

Maggie!! *SMACK SMACK.....tosses your blowfryer out the window!*

Now then...what I usually do is just leave my hair down until it dries. No matter how long it takes!  :P  If I get frustrated, it goes up in a velour scrunchie. That's it.

*sigh* Your state is so beautiful in the fall! I hope to see it for myself one day. Not to mention the wealth of history around.

I live in a town where you can't smell a thing
You watch your feet for cracks in the pavement
                                        -Radiohead, Subterranian Homesick Alien

Oh man, what a weekend....not necessarily in a good way, unfortunately.  Friday and saturday were total 'workaholic-wedding days' as usual, by the end of saturday I had developed a pretty decent thumping headache, it was still manageable at this point.  By the time I made it home and fixed something to eat it had grown into a full blown migraine, oh god how I hate those, they are soooo painful!  It became impossible for me to open my left eye, the light, albeit overcast, was entirely too much for it too handle, then came the nausea to join the party.  Why not?!  Needless to say, I wasn't able to eat or enjoy any of my food that I was so very hungry for, at only 6:00 I had to retire to bed with bags of ice on the top and underside of my head and a towel over my face to keep any light out.  I was just praying to fall asleep, unconsiousness would have been such a blessing, but it seemed that each time I started to doze that some moron in the woods would fire his gun off, causing the dog to bark and me to wake up in pain again.  After refreshing my ice bags and relieving my nausea (ew) a few times, I did finally manage to pass out somewhere around midnight, thank god!  The pain was just getting to be too much.  I woke up in the wee hours of the morning again to find that the migraine had mostly passed, oh sweet relief!  I was very ginger all day sunday so as not to do anything to trigger it off again, I dread them so so much!!  :(

The rest of the day sunday, yesterday, my head felt okay, but I on the other hand did not feel okay.  I felt dizzy, weak and rubbery, so again I spent most of the day in bed getting some much needed rest.  I'm feeling mostly back to normal again today, yay!  :)  So hopefully all is back to normal.

To start my day off, my computer gave me a good scare, actually I'm still not really sure what's going on with it.  I came in to work and one of the first things I do it turn my computer on, except this morning it was acting totally dead, I could not get it to power up.  Over and over again I tried and nothing, I was really panicking because everything that's important to my business is stored on this thing, and stupid me never bothered to back any of it up.  You can be sure that I'll be doing that from now on.  Anyhow, after getting really upset and frantically pushing the power button over and over again I finally heard the start up chime, and on it came.  I was so relieved!  After checking a few things to make sure that everything was there my husband suggested shutting it down to see if it would restart again.  So I did, and it didn't.  >:( :'(  Over & over I tried to power it up with no luck, I know that there are quick keys and different things to try, but I don't have my manuals here with me and didn't know them.  I gave up for a few hours before trying again, then after once again pushing the start button repeatedly it finally came on, this time I wasn't about to shut it back off again before doing some research.  I made a point to find out the different methods and quick keys so I can try them if this happens again, which I'm sure it will.  :-/  I won't do this befoe backing up all of my important info to cd though, scary lesson learned!

Thank you for those smacks, Angel, I needed that.  I'm proud to say that this morning I went 100% hairdryer-less.  :D  I took your advice and let it down to dry, now matter how long it took, and since I'm back on a 2-in-1 it didn't take all that long.  I have been using Pantene's Moisturizing 2-in-1 for the past few days, I stopped at the drug store over the weekend for something totally unrelated & saw that it was on sale, I couldn't resist, so I bought it even though technically I didn't really "need" it.  But who's getting technical here?  ::)  I spritzed on some K's LIS and then used a bit of aloe gel in my bangs & in lieu of the hair dryer I just rolled them around the round brush a few times to help shape them a bit.  It worked alright, I can't really complain.  If anything my hair is just a little bit on the limp side, but so what, I can live with that.  I have not yet contacted my hairdresser to set an appointment, I am still reluctant, but I know that I need to and eventually I will.  ::)  

I'm off to do some more research on this computer problem thing....and to back up my important stuff!  Later.

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Thank you for those smacks, Angel, I needed that.

Anytime, Maggie sis. I'm always happy to lend a hand.  [smiley=evil.gif] Bwahahahahaaa!

You know, my old iMac used to have that very same startup problem. I don't know what its deal was, but I remember being so frustrated with it that I eventually got rid of it.  :o  Perhaps that's not very encouraging. You could try reformatting...or just leave it on all the time (in which case, it would probably freeze). Ah, technology...

Wow, 11 days since an update, sorry!  I guess I haven't had much worth journaling...until now.  And it's not necessarily a good thing.   :-/

First let me start by saying that I have not made an appointment with my hairdresser yet, I've been S & D-ing and felt like I could hold off for a while yet, the only thing that really needed a good trim were my bangs...notice I used the past tense in that phrase.  Yesterday morning after getting out of the shower and combing my hair, I noticed that when combed straight my bangs came down to my upper lip.  This would be great if I was trying to grow them, but I still want to keep them, which meant that they were just too long.  I decided that I could take matters into my own hands, I've done it before, so I'll do it one more time.  I've studied my hairdresser as she's done it and it didn't look too difficult, she combs them this way, clips 'em that way, razors these this long, and those that long.  Easy, right?  I took my best shot, using the razor comb that I had bought quite a while ago & it looked pretty good while it was still wet....then they dried.  Eeek!  I went a *little* too short, whoops!  :-[  It's nothing devastating, they'll grow & be too long again in no time, I just have to look a little silly for a while, life goes on.  

Besides that little incident, nothing has changed in my routine, well not really.  I got a little crazy yesterday & used my husband's VO5 instead of my usual Pantene, the results weren't totally horrible, but not really great, or even good.  I don't think I'll be doing that anymore.  I'm still using K's LIS, it's really great stuff, in fact, I just killed off my first bottle's worth of it, time to mix out a new batch.

I finally started my new book, I don't think I've mentioned that yet...sorry if I did!  I try to read a few pages at night before falling asleep, and again in the morning if I have time.  I'm a little less than half way through, I'm really enjoying it so far.  It's not really exciting, scary or a thriller, nothing like that, it the real life memoires of a gay man who got caught up in the world of advertising and fell into the trap of drugs and alcohol.  He only goes to rehab to keep from losing his job, not thinking that he really had a problem, only to learn how bad his addiction really is while he's there.  The book of his that I read last dealt more with his childhood into his late teen years, this one picks up in his mid-twenties.  I think I'm going to stick to his writings for a while before moving on to another author.

Wednesday night was spent helping my SIL by getting some of her baby furniture put together.  My husband, my FIL, the father to be and I were on the job.   We got 2 out of 3 pieces together, I was ready to keep going but all the guys pooped out on me.  Figures!  Men, they just have no "stick-to-it-tivness", do they?  As for my SIL, she's looking and feeling great, her belly really grew and dropped since I saw her last.  We're all having our doubts that she'll even make it to Christmas at this rate, but that's not up to us to decide.  Her baby shower is next saturday, and yes I finally came up with the favor ideas.  I took mini hand lotions in pretty little tubes & wrapped them up in a silky nylon wrap, then glued little sprigs of silk hydrangea florets onto them in colors of sage and lavender.  We two baskets filled up with them, I'm going to decorate those up too, and people can just pull one out to keep.  My MIL & I worked on them, they look really pretty I must say.  :)  Now I just need to think of a dessert and centerpieces to make and take.  I love being able to do this for her.

Oh, did I mention that I've been having this strong urge to cut my hair?  I didn't?  Hmph, well I have.  I'm doing my best to ignore it, but I'm getting these urges to go above shoulder length...way above....someone needs to talk me out of this, and soon!!!  I go through these phases every so often, like once a year, usually it passes but not always!

Okay, I've got a wedding to get started on, I'm hoping that it turns out to be a slow day so I can get lots of work done on it.  Then I won't have to stay all night!

Listen verrrrrry carefully...... you do NOT want to cut your hair.  At least not right now.  Wait 2 weeks to decide.  Then wait another 2 weeks.  Then another 2 weeks.  If you still want to cut your hair after the 3 waits, then I think you will be ready for it and not regret the move.

;D LOL, bikerbraid, that's good advice...although you probably didn't mean it to be funny!  I think the urge has safely passed.  I still think about it now & then, but I am more interested in having it long, at least for now, especially seeing that my goal of waist length is just maybe attainable.  I owe it all to the support of everyone here on the boards, though, because otherwise my hair might have been long gone due to stupid impulse!

My bangs are just fine now, no big tradjedy, I should just know better than to try to do it myself.  It does save on hairdresser bill though!

My hair must be in a period of dormancy, it is still measuring in at only 25 1/4", which is what I measured in at last time, weeks ago.  Maybe I measured incorrectly last time, who knows?!  I am still faithfully alternating within the Pantene line, I just used up the last of my Restoratives and am currently working on the Moisturizing 2 in 1 followed up with Classic Clean conditioner.  I still also faithfully use the LIS, I mixed up a new batch a week ago or so, I went a little heavier on the oil this time since the cold, dry weather is creeping up on us.  My hair will need it.  I still haven't scheduled a trim yet, I think I'm going to wait it out as long as I can.  I've been on several S+D missions and am successfully trying to defeat the invasion of the splitz, I really, really want to see how long I can get this hair of mine!!  That LIS is helping tremendously, I'm so glad I tried it!  I still have yet to try out Snowy's treatment, that one's been on my list forever now!  :P

I finally finished my book, Dry, by Augusten Burroughs, and I see that they have made a movie out the first one of his that I read, Running With Scissors.  How cool, I had no idea it would be made into a film, I'm anxious to see it, but have doubts that it will live up to the book, they rarely ever do.  I feel lost without a book to clutch on to, I have nothing to read right now, argh!  I hope to get to the mall this week so I can get a new one, I'm going to stick with Augusten's works for a while, so I'll find & buy the next one in his progression of memoires.

I saw a friend of mine from high school yesterday, we are not total strangers, we cross each others' paths every so often, but don't see each other all that often.  She said something that at first made me laugh, but then I started to dwell on it as the day went on....she told me that I was "really aging well".  Aging well?  Is that a compliment, or not, or what?  :P  Aging, me?  I know I just turned 30, but I don't really consider myself "aging" yet, although technically we all are, I know that.  It was like a needle of a compliment in a haystack of insult, search for it!  I think it was just her wording that struck me so wierd, I really wasn't insulted at all, it just made me do some thinking, that's all.

The baby shower for my sister in law went off beautifully & was very successful.  There was 50-60 people that came and they all brought such beautiful and thoughtful gifts.  There were family, friends, and tons of food and love, the whole thing was just really nice, we couldn't have asked for anything more for her.  The time is coming closer for her, she just had another ultra sound and baby seems good and healthy so far, they are still saying that it's a girl.  She is in the head down position already, and squished into place, less than two months and we'll have her.  I can't wait to hold her & hug her & kiss her!

That's about it for now, more next time!

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LOL, bikerbraid, that's good advice...although you probably didn't mean it to be funny!

Actually, I DID mean it to be humorous, but with truth behind it to make you think before you acted.  I'm glad you did!

Sounds like the baby shower was a wonderful time.  I hope her final weeks go well for her and you can be holding the baby soon.

Thanks, Bikerbraid, I'm glad I thought before I acted on it too, I'm known for doing impulsive things...such as drastically changing my hair on a whim.  I can't say the idea of it is completely out of my head, but I am certainly not going to make any rash decisions about it.  I think what happens is that I get so frustrated with being stuck at BSL that I get totally irrational and chop it off.  I certainly am feeling frustrated now, having been stuck at or around 25" for over a year or better now, maybe this really *is* my terminal length.  Phooey!

I'm really wishing that my hair didn't require washings every single day, especially with the dry winter air on it's way.  I know my hair would really benefit from having a day of rest in between scrubs.  LOL, I don't really "scrub", you know I wouldn't do that to my poor hair!  Anyway, I have tried it in the past & I just to too greasy to pull it off.  If I ever had any blasted days off I'd try it then, but a lot rests on that little word "if", so that's as good as out the window.

As I was combing my hair yesterday, my husband told me that he had been looking through some old pictures, and he said that he couldn't believe how much my hair had changed.  I was completely surprised by his noticing and was totally prepared for a compliment to follow.  *BIG, SOUR GAME-SHOW BUZZ*  I couldn't have been more wrong in my thinking!  He went on to say that my hair used to look so long & thick, it was "awesome" he said.  I replied with, "And now?"  He said that now it looks thinner & flatter, not as full and nice as it used to be.  GEE, THANKS!  >:(  He must be retarded to say something like that to - A) a woman, B) his wife, what was he thinking??!!  I didn't feel so bad after he showed me the pictures he was looking at, what he considered "nice & full" was actually more like big & frizzy, it must have been humid out that day or something.  It actually didn't look nice to me at all!  As for the length, it's pretty much the same exact length it is now, maybe an inch or so longer...and I know that because I measure!  ::)

I then politely reminded him that his hair was thinning too, much more than mine has or ever will.  ;D  ;)

What?  He started it!

I received an update on my cousin's condition over the weekend, the one battling cancer.  He went for another scan and they informed him that the masses in his lungs were still there, they didn't get any larger, which is good, but they didn't get any smaller either, which I guess is not so good.  Does that mean that he still has cancer?  Is he in remission?  I don't understand exactly what they are considering it to be.  The good news is that he is feeling good, and looking good, he's put weight back on and all his hair has come back as normal as it was before.  His spirits really seem to be up, at least in public, I don't know how he feels or acts when he's alone, I'm sure this experience has changed him in all sorts of ways.  I keep praying for him, as do all the local churches and organizations, and anyone else who knows and cares about him.  He's only 20, he's got sooooooo much life to live yet!

As for my SIL, the doctor told her that she can expect to go any time after Thanksgiving, and judging on the way she looks & baby's position, I think she just may go that early.  I'll be very surprised if she hangs on until Christmas, or New Year's as first predicted.  I got to see the new ultrasound pics yesterday, and you can see her chubby little cheeks, and puffy little lips, even my husband couldn't get over it.  Our precious little niece might be here before we expected, but that's okay, we are all ready for her!

Have a great day, everyone, I've got to get to work now!  :-*

*hides the scissors*  ;)

That was really rude of your husband to say that your hair isn't as cool now as it was then. Someone needs to explain to him that the big, bad hair days of the '80's are long gone. I'm sure there's nothing wrong with yours at all. Long, flowing chocolate fountain, remember?  ;)

As for your cousin, I'm afraid that he does indeed still have cancer, though they seem to have stopped it in its tracks for the time being. Rather, they have stopped it from spreading. For now. Lung cancer is tricky and very difficult to remove. What matters is that he's feeling better. There's no point in having a longer life if it's going to be a miserable one. I'll keep him in my prayers, as I'm sure everyone here will also.

Hope everything goes well for your SIL too. Get ready to become an auntie!  ;D

Yeah, that was quite rude of him, wasn't it?  But, this wasn't 80's hair we're talking about here, this was only from like two years ago!!  That makes it that much worse! :P

As for my cousin, Angel, I kind of figured that that's what the case was/is, it's just really wierd how nobody's talking about it in our family.  Like if they don't mention it, it will go away, it's really strange.  But, like you said, what's important for the here and now is that he's is feeling good and enjoying life right now, I just hate not knowing what his future is.

Oh, and thanks for hiding the scissors.  ;)

The way my hair's acting today I just might be tempted to use scissors on the poor, unsuspecting locks.  I'm on "Operation Clear the Closet Out", which means that I'm forcing myself to use up all the miscellaneous bits of soaps, shampoos and conditioners that have been tossed to the wayside for whatever reasons.  So far, I've only successfully killed off 1 tube of Restoratives shampoo, the matching conditioner was long gone.  Now I'm trying to use up that infernal Alterna stuff, I used it yesterday and it worked great.  My hair smelled fantastic, felt light, full of body and -cone free.  Today?  Not so much.  Today after using the same exact products it feels waxy, heavy and disgusting.  Not to mention it took forever to dry, in fact it's still not totally dry, but I had to bun it up before I ripped it out!  >:(  Grrrrr!  I paid nearly $40 for the set & I can't even use them up!!  That really stinks!  I really doubt that I want to use them again tomorrow, I'll have to throw them back to the closet of the damned for a while and pull out something else to use up.  I'll be 80 years old and still trying to use that stuff up at this rate!

We made a trip to the health food store last night, I picked up a bottle of Biotin tabs, some goodies for the dog, a box of detoxifying tea, and of course we had to order our Tofurkey for thanksgiving.  What would thanksgiving be without Tofurkey?? :P  I have a feeling that we are going to be let down (yet again) by the health food store in coming through for us.  They need a minimum of 6 requests before they'll place an order for them, and in this meat & potatoes area it's just not going to happen.  I think we're the only ones who request it, gotta love small town life.  They said they'd let us know by saturday if they can or can't help us.  We can order directly from the Tofurkey website, but it will cost us nearly twice as much, so I really hope they come through for us.

As for the biotin tabs, I bought those to try for my hair (obviously!).  After reading about so many people here  taking it, I figured I'd try it out for myself, see if it helps out any.

That's about it.  I'm hoping to close for a bit this afternoon so I can have lunch with my grandmother.  Usually on a thursday she brings me lunch to the shop, it's kind of tradition, but I thought that it would be nice if I could be there to actually eat with her and enjoy her company.  I hope it works out that way.

Have a great day everyone, ciao!

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Oh, and thanks for hiding the scissors.  ;)

hahaha You're welcome.  ;)

You've already got the right idea. If you hate your hair, just put it up into a bun & forget about it. Out of sight, out of mind. Whatever. Right? And as long as it's going to be up in a bun all day, you may as well douse the ends with oil or Kimberlily's Leave-In Spray, eh??  ;D

Still a bummer about your husband's comment. At least you have all of your hair sisters here who appreciate those pretty chocolate locks...whatever shape they're in!

Ignorance ain't bliss...and ignoring cancer won't make it go away. Believe me, it's something that your cousin thinks about on a daily basis. That said, I'm sure that he doesn't want the family to dwell on it either. Because of the unpredictable nature of cancer, it's not really possible to know what his fate will be. Sorry to say it. This is why you have to just take it one day at a time. Focus on the here & now, deal with the rest when it happens.

Hope the Biotin works out for ya. There are those who swear by it, but it never did anything for me that I was aware of.   :-?

Welp, I did it again.  I bought a new shampoo and conditioner that I certainly didn't need.  I was supposed to be on Operation Use-Up!  Aye, I'm so hopeless!  Actually, the excuse I gave myself to buy them was to help "cover up" a more embarrassing personal product that I had to buy, and no, I won't be elaborating on that.  :-X  We all have to do it sometimes, go to the drug store to buy something that you would rather not be seen purchasing, so what I do is buy a whole bunch of other stuff to disguise it in.  How pathetic. :P  So anyway, I picked out a brand that I've never used before, I ventured out with thoughts in the back of my head telling me that I will most likely be disappointed by it, as I usually am when I stray.  I bought Rusk green tea and alfalfa shampoo (I think that's what it is) and a Rusk moisture treatment that has aloe, honey and some other natural junk in it.  It's more of a twice-a-week treatment than an everyday conditioner, it's pretty heavy.  I used them both this morning, of course, and my initial response would be that they are decent.  I'm not doing back-flips over them, they're.....different, yeah, different.  They're -coneless, so I wasn't sure what to expect.  I will say that I liked the way my hair felt after washing and conditioning both in the shower and afterwards.  My hair was very easy to comb through, but as it usually does with -coneless products, it took a long time to dry.  I followed it up with K's LIS & now have it back in a low ponytail, which I intend to change, because my hair knots up where it rubs against the back of my shirt too easily.  Best to keep it from touching.

I am enjoying this beautifully dreary week that we are having, I always have preferred cloudy, dark and rainy over bright and sunny, makes me feel calm and happy for some reason.  Maybe I'm a few ounces vampiress?  Nah, that couldn't be, I like gahhhlic too much.  :P  And I'm definitely not nocturnal, society has molded me into a daytimer whether I like it or not.  4 am, 5 am?  No problem.  Past 10 pm, forget it!

I'm feverishly trying to get the shop totally ready for Christmas, there's so much to unpack, price and display, as well as create, price and display.  I've had a "touch" of Christmas in the shop since early October, but now's the time to completely overhaul the joint, Christmas it up from top to bottom....and then tear it all back down in January.  I really, really wish I had the extra space to have a Christmas room out year-round, a place I can decorate & keep docorated for good.  I think about that so often, I also wish I could have a separate wedding space too, but you know what they say, wish in one hand....

On a separate & unrelated note, I learned that I am still sleepwalking, it seems to happen at least once a week lately.  I woke last week to find my closet door opened and the contents that I keep stored away rooted through...by me.  I know this because my husband was not even sleeping in the same room as me that night, we rarely sleep in the same quarters anymore.  It's a snoring thing.  A few nights later, he said that I stood at the edge of the balcony yelling down at him, he said he couldn't understand what I was saying, & he wasn't sure if I was awake or not.  I had no recollection upon his asking, so once again I was sleepwalking.  God, I hope I don't decide to go for a drive one night or something worse!  I'll have to be shackled down soon!

Alrighty, back to work, must keep christmas-izing....

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Actually, the excuse I gave myself to buy them was to help "cover up" a more embarrassing personal product that I had to buy, and no, I won't be elaborating on that.   :-X  We all have to do it sometimes, go to the drug store to buy something that you would rather not be seen purchasing, so what I do is buy a whole bunch of other stuff to disguise it in.  How pathetic.  :P

LOL!! I do the same thing!!!
   Just last night, as a matter of fact, I had to make an emergency embarrassing shopping run...and I bought like 3 boxes of Christmas ornaments just to cover up what was in the basket! lol
   Also, why does there have to be guys galore when you're on one of those embarrassing personal shopping missions?? Ever notice that?? hahaha Oy.

You know you're not alone in your love of "dreary" days.  ;)  Today was our first real one of the "cold season" and I've been loving every minute of it! In fact, I think I may go to Disneyland later...care to join?  ;D

And now...  *smack, smack!* for the unnecessary S & C purchase. Just use up what you have, honey. Bonus if you have some Pantene stored away...

I know what you mean about hiding the unmentionables. I use to as well but now since I've worked in drugstores for years these things don't even phase me anymore. I just plop it down and smile! :D

Sleepwalking, that sounds scarry.  Is there something that you can take medication wise for that?

I also thought I was part vampire because I AM nocturnal, but I never thought about the fact that I like garlic.  Oh well, I guess I'm out too. ;)

I don't hide my "unmentionables" either.  I just feel that it's only natural to need certain items and if others can't handle it, that's on them.  I let it all hang out but then again, I've never run into someone that I know while on a drugstore run.  I once tried to break a friend of mine of her hiding habit.  I loaded  her up with a ton of "embarrasing" items which I had her walk around with hoping that eventually she could feel comfortable.  I thought it was working but then, some guys she knew came in the store and she completely freaked out.  My "therapy" didn't work for her however, we did get  a good laugh out of it. ;D

I'm glad you didn't cut your hair.  I know what it's like to want change and feel that cutting is the quickest way to get that change but, be patient it will grow.    I hope the biotin works for you.  I really like it, my hair seems to be fuller since I began taking it.

hee hee - hiding the "unmentionable" purchase.  I'd forgotten about doing that.  I eliminated that "embarassment" when I started using a product that some people think is even more unmentionable!   ;D  

bikerbraid wrote on Nov 15^th, 2006 at 8:58pm:

hee hee - hiding the "unmentionable" purchase.  I'd forgotten about doing that.  I eliminated that "embarassment" when I started using a product that some people think is even more unmentionable!   ;D

HEE!  I'm in the same boat.  What's the most amusing about it is my husband (SUCH a keeper) still asks if I need any "lady stuff" when he runs to the grocery.   ;)

Teehee!  "Hiding the unmentionables", so we all do it...or used to do it then!  I just always feel the need for the 'add-on' item(s) when buying stuff like that, so I can be like "Yeah, I needed this (unmentionable) AND shampoo, and conditioner, and lipgloss, and hair ties, and 10 other rediculous little things".  Maybe next time I'll take Lisabelle's approach, the "plop & smile", I like that.  ;D

It's been a little while since I've posted, but I'm encountering my usual holiday hecticness this time of year, come May I'll probably be nearly non-existent again. :P  I had a great, relaxing Thanksgiving, as I hope everyone else did.  I'll have to peek in everyone's journals when I get time to see.  ::)  I closed the shop on thursday and friday...yes, black friday.  Believe me, people are NOT storming my little town for shopping on black friday, they're hittin' the malls.  Me personally, I hid in the house on friday and stayed in my jammies all day long, it was heaven.  :)  Back to work saturday, and off again on sunday....3 days off in one week!  That's just unheard of!  I really enjoyed the R&R though.

I still haven't had my hair trimmed, yes it does need it, but yes I'm still pushing it and baby-ing it the whole way to see what happens.  I'm not so crazy about the latest s + c purchase, the Rusk stuff, I knew I wouldn't like it.  Why do I do it?  I've successfully used up another bottle of shampoo, and almost have yet another one down.  So, operation use up is still on!  I've mostly been wearing my hair up in stix or a french twist lately, any damage I can prevent will all be worth it.

My sister in law is getting very close to her due date, I have a feeling we'll see a little baby girl within about two weeks or so, I have my doubts that she'll make it to christamas.  I'll make my prediction now and say that the big day wil be......the 19th.  December 19th and I'm stickin' to it!  We'll see though.

That's all I have time for today, have a great day all!  :)

12 days since my last post!  Christmas is coming & things are really getting crazy!  I'm feeling exhausted already & we still have 2 weeks to go!

Good hair news, I grew an inch since my last measure on november 4th.  I was (stuck) at 25 & 1/4", I measured today and now I'm at 26 & 1/4".  Yeah!!!  :D  I think this is officially the longest it's been since I've been measuring it.  Unofficially, I think the longest I've reached is 27", but that's only by rough calculations figured after a 4 inch hair cut.  So, I'm not even going to count that, I'll say that this is the longest my hair has ever been, that's so cool!  8-)

As if my head's not already inflated enough over this, I got 3 "long hair" comments this week, people are beginning to notice the growth.  This is such good news to me, who knew one inch could get me so stoked? :P

This makes me want to wear my hair down more, but that causes more tangles, which we all know leads to damage, so I have to be careful with it.  Besides, I think there's more of an impact when people are used to seeing you with your hair pulled up and then they see it while it's down.  More dramatic.  ;)

I just thought of something, I wonder if the biotin tabs are making a difference?

I've been a good girl and not bought any new shampoos or conditioners since the Rusk disaster.  I really don't like that stuff, especially since I noticed that the second ingredient listed in the conditioner is alcohol.  How didn't I notice that before I bought it?  That was an expensive mistake.  :(  So, I'm still using up and rotating between all of my Pantene products, and I managed to polish another bottle off.  Slowly but surely I'm clearing out, then I can buy some new stuff!  I think my next purchase will be the Moisture Renewal, I really like that stuff, works great for the winter months.  K's LIS is still a part of my daily routine, it's such a saviour for my ends.  And as for sleeping, I'm finding that a simple low braid is the best way to go for me, I wake up almost completely tangle free that way.  Makes combing out a breeze before showering.

Still no baby yet, I can't understand how she's holding out....and feeling so good.  Her belly has gotten so big that her maternity shirts no longer reach to the underside of her belly!  Poor thing!  But, she's still working, shopping, cooking and going on with her everyday life the best she can.  God bless her!

Yesterday my husband & I and his parents got together to make the home-made pierogies up for Christmas eve, we call it Holy Supper.  It's tradition in his family and he and I carry it on.  I think we made 19 dozen yesterday, we still have to make some more with different fillings, but the bulk of them have a potato/cheese filling.  They're good stuff.  ;)  My job was making the dough, and then my FIL & I rolled out and cut the dough into small squares.  My husband and MIL were in charge of filling, pinching and crimping them.  It's a lot of work, but I love doing it, it's so worth it when it comes time to eat them!

I haven't even begun to think about Christmas shopping yet.  :-[  I'm just not getting any time off with the business, but hopefully next week I can find some time to get started.  Last year I did it all on Christmas eve, that was entirely too crazy!

Speaking of work...it beckons as usual.  Off I go!

Holy cow! A whole freaking inch in a month?! My hair has never done that in its life! WTG, Magz!  :D

Maybe there is something to those Biotin tablets after all. How long have you been taking them?

Good luck with the Christmas shopping. You're totally not alone in the fact that you're not done yet. Only 13 shopping days left - yikes!  :P

An inch in one month is impressive!!! :)  I take biotin too and thats never happened to me :'( LOL!!!  But I'm happy for you!

Perogie making night with your husband and his family sounds like a lot of fun!  I'm sure they'll be yummy!

Hope you get a chance to get to the stores before Christmas eve this year, I can't even imagaing what shopping on that day must be like.

CHRISTMAS IS OVER!!!

Finally, I can breathe again, woooooo!  I haven't posted...or even looked at my computer....since the 11th, there's just been absolutely no time for anything but work from then until Christmas.  I honestly don't know what keeps me fueled sometimes. :P

On the topic of Christmas, mine was quite nice.  All the cooking, cleaning, last minute shopping, wrapping and running around was nothing short of exhausting, but I guess that's all part of the holiday.  We hosted Holy Supper at our home on Christmas eve and did the gift exchange with his side of the family.  Christmas day was spent between my SIL's and my parents' homes, we did more eating, and more gift exchanging.  Speaking of my SIL, we still have no baby, maybe she's holding out for New Years??

The holiday was tinged with a bit of sorrow with the passing of my great aunt on the 23rd.  I didn't know her very well, she lived out of state and was suffering from Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, so actually her passing is a blessing for her.  We'll all be attending her funeral services this weekend.  Never could I ever have imagined what a roller coaster the floral proffesion is, it really teaches you how to juggle a mixed bag of emotions all at once, that's the truth.  One part of me must remain joyous for the holiday shoppers, another part happy for my newly weds that I'll be taking care of this friday, and yet another part of my will be filled with sadness as I prepare the flowers for another lost loved one on friday as well.  All of this simultaneously, no wonder I'm such a crazy flake, it's emotional overload!

Regarding hair, I must say that I've got an inflated ego going on here after the holiday.  It was like my family was just noticing my hair for the very first time, many of them commented on how nice and long my hair had gotten.  My sister begged me not to ever cut it, and my niece just wanted to keep combing my hair while telling me how silky it felt.  That was really neat, she's so affectionate & it seems as though we've got a special "hair bond".  I've been telling her since she's just a little pea that she's going to be the next Pantene hair model, she's got the most gorgeous locks on her.  It's nearly waist length, blonde in color with stands of shiny gold, and talk about thick!  OMG, it's easily 4 times as thick as mine, it's hair that women would kill for!  She knows that I love her hair, so she purposely "casually" swings it around and then looks to see if I'm looking, it's really cute.  And I must say, she gave me the most special chrismas gift ever, she made my whole day.  She wrapped up her favorite stuffed animal and gave it to me, she sat so proud and watched so intently as I opened it up.  It was really just the sweetest thing, she couldn't wait to give it to me.  :)

That's about it in a nutshell, if I were to go into any more detail I'd take up pages!  So Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone!  :-*

*Quick* update:

I'm officially an Auntie (again)!!!  She was born yesterday afternoon, everyone is happy and healthy.  More details later!

Woohoo, Magz!!  *hugzzz*

Congratulations to you, your SIL & your family.  :)

Congratulations - I'm happy to hear everyone is doing well.  Now you can spoil your little neice.

Thanks Angel & Bikerbraid, I do have all intentions of spoiling her and loving her to death.  :D

Everything happened very quickly for her (SIL), within 3 hours her water broke, she went to the hospital where they realized the baby was breeched.  They sent her directly in for a c-section, and before we knew it the baby was here.  She never even had a chance to experience labor pains...which I suppose is a good thing!  This is definitely a great Christmas present.  :)

My hair...my poor neglected hair.  Things have been so busy for me that I've had very little time to fuss with my hair.  The routine is basically the same as it has been.  I'm currently using Pantene Classic Clean, and I'm alternating between the regular conditioner and a deep conditioner throughout the week.  I got a new bottle of the light conditioning leave in spray, Pantene of course, I spray that on after showering & before combing.  I then finish off with my jojoba-aloe juice solution (otherwise known as Kimberlily's leave in spray), I spritz my ends and the underside of my hair - where it rubs against my shirt - and usually pull it up into a bun for the rest of the day and night.  I still find that I prefer a braid to sleep in, much more comfortable and keeps the hair tangle free.  :)  Oh, and I have been throwing in regular weekly acv rinses, I just finished off a bottle of the organic raw kind.  Love that stuff.

I'm taking a three day hiatus, yeah!  Off until tuesday, and sooooo looking forward to the rest.  My poor little legs and feet need it!!  We may actually go out this year for NYE, that'll be the first since 2000.  I'm looking forward to it, should be fun.

55 minutes until quitting....and counting!  Just a little cleaning to complete and I'm out of here.  So Have a happy new year to all who read this!

Much love to you all!  :-*

Much love & Happy New Year to you, too, Magz.  ;)

Congratulations on the new niece!

Congrats! :)

Congrats on the new niece!  I know you'll do an excellent job of spoiling her! :)

Thanks for all the wishes, guys.  :-*

I stopped to visit my new little neice and new mommy on wednesday.  Mom is healing up well, and the baby is beautiful and healthy as ever, she's soooo tiny!!!  I wonder if she hit 7 lbs yet?  Just wanted to update on how well they're doing, the christening is tomorrow evening.

Hair:  One thing I vowed for the new year, a "resolution" if you will, is that I'm going to be diligent about finishing any products that I start.  No more throwing it to the closet....unless it really sucks.  But if I stick to Pantene like a good girl, that shouldn't happen, right?  I recently killed off a bottle of Classic Care conditioner, and I'm still working on the respective shampoo, it's getting there.  So currently I'm using Classic Care shampoo, Purity shampoo when I want to clarify, and Ice Shine conditioner or the deep moisturizing treatment.  That's it, I'll only add another when I've finished one off, that's final. :p  I've still got those pesky Rusk products to get rid of, I should have never bought those, maybe I can pawn them off on hubby...the faithful VO5 user that he is.

After washing and conditioning, I still follow up with Pantene's light spray detangler/leave in conditioner and K's LIS.  My hair likes this very much.  :)  I find that since gaining that miracle inch from Nov to Dec that I've been wanting to wear my hair down more.  But I have to be careful because my hair does tangle easily, especially the part the rubs agains the back of my shirt....particularly if it's hooded.  So it seems that I'll wear it down for part of the day, then up it goes into the safety of a bun or something else.

Speaking of that miracle inch, I realized that it's been a month since I've measured last, so I just ran off to see if I was capable of doing it again.  Nope.  Still 26 & 1/4", on the nose.  Seems my hair is just like me, procrastinates until the last moment, and then gets it all done at once.  At least I know where it gets it from. :P

Other exciting things:  None, sorry to disappoint!

Have a good day, all!

lol Magz, you are so funny, sistah.

As I was reading about wearing your hair down with hooded shirts, I remembered that I was wearing one today, and pulled my hair over one shoulder. hehe


Quote:

But if I stick to Pantene like a good girl, that shouldn't happen, right?

In theory. But why is it that the conditioner always disappears faster than the shampoo? It seems that's always happening to me, and I often shampoo twice! Is the conditioner just that great that we have to use tons of it at a time? lol Guess so! For this reason, I usually buy an extra conditioner...I'm bound to run out of the first one before the shampoo is gone. So it's not uncommon to have unfinished Pantene bottles sitting in the closet. Good news is, they don't hang around there forever, either.

And lol @ pawning your unwanted S&C off on your guy. I used to do the same thing with my ex. We're evil like that.  ;D  But let's be honest: for the most part, guys don't care what they use.  ::)

Hope your "resolution" stays intact all year long, love.

Angel:  Yeah, hoods are murder on hair...at least mine, I find.  In fact, I'm wearing a hooded sweater today, and this just reminded me to pull the hair up!  As for the 2:1 conditioner/shampoo ratio, that's a pretty novel idea, why I never thought of doing that I'll never know. :P  I always run out of conditioner first, I guess because I'm very generous with it, and much more sparing when it comes to the shampoo.  As for guys not caring what they use, mine must be one of the exceptions, he's quite the faithful VO5 user, he actually insists upon it.  I personally think it's crap, but he likes it, it's his hair....so whatever!

Hair:  Woke up extremely late this morning, I'm lucky I had time to shower at all.  This being the case, I knew that the product for the job was my Pantene 2-in-1 s+c, half the wash time & half the dry time.  So that's exactly what I did, I still followed up with my usual leave in's, left it down to air dry and was out the door w/o a minute to spare.  As I mentioned above, I just pulled it back into a bun to keep it from tangling up against my hooded sweater.

Tonight is my niece's christening, and I just realized that I don't have a gift for her!!!  Totally slipped my mind, I can't believe it.  I don't know what I'm going to do!  Maybe I can get her a bond from the bank, that's an idea.  Oh, I can't believe this!  Bad Aunt, bad Aunt!

Just would like to add that it's been unseasonably warm here, like eerily warm, especially for january.  I heard it's supposed to be in the 60's today, again, that's crazy!  Not that I mind, it's just strange, that's all.

Okay, I'm off, ciao all!

maggie wrote on Jan 13^th, 2007 at 12:06pm:

Tonight is my niece's christening, and I just realized that I don't have a gift for her!!!  Totally slipped my mind, I can't believe it.  I don't know what I'm going to do!  Maybe I can get her a bond from the bank, that's an idea.  Oh, I can't believe this!  Bad Aunt, bad Aunt!

Congratulations on becoming an aunt!  You're not a bad one, I'm sure you'll think of something.  Savings bonds are actually a good idea. :)

Thanks, La Diosa!  :)  A bond is exactly what I did, I agree that it is a good idea, but I just really wanted to give her more of a "keepsake" sort of gift.  Although, I suppose I can do that anytime, not just on special occasion.

Nothing overly exciting to report thus far.  Relied on the 2-in-1 s+c to get me out the door on time again this morning, my butt's been dragging lately.  I'm going through this phase (I guess you could call it that) where I don't feel like I have the ambition or energy to do much of anything the past week.  Today's a pretty quiet day as far as work is concerned, which means that I should be doing bookwork, or valentine's day preparations out in the shop.  And I'm trying...I'm really forcing myself to get some necessary work done, but I tell ya, I'm dragging my feet doing it!  

Yesterday was the first I had off since january 1st, I should have gotten so much housework done, but again, nothing.  I think I need some vitameatavegamin to get me going.  ;)

(Gotta love Lucy)

Anyway, back to the hair.  I did the 2 in 1 thing, followed up by a little aloe gel in the bangs...as well as all over my hands, elbows, legs and face.  Aloe gel is such a great moisturizer, I had no idea until BB turned me onto it.  Thanks BB!  I also did the usual spritz of jojoba oil & aloe juice on my ends, only to tuck it up safely into a bun.  I used my big u-shaped pin/hair stick thingy to secure it, I'm not exactly sure what it would be classed as.  It's like a long, narrow U, and the prongs are used the same as you would hair sticks.  It's actually a little more secure for me than the sticks, because both of the prongs push thru the hair at the same time, so both are helping to hold the 'do.  When I use sticks, usually only one is doing the holding, the other is just for show.

Okay, enough putting off my work.  ::) I think I'll go make some spring wreaths and swags for the shop.  Later, all!

Glad the aloe is working out for you.  I too find it to be a great multi-purpose "must have" item.  

I'm a big aloe fan too!  I always use a dab when I braid my hair for control.  And when I take it out my hair is as soft as ever! :)

Gotta love the aloe!  :D

I haven't been updating much...because there's not much to update about. :P

I've been doing my best to try to avoid all the nasty colds/flus going around, seems like nearly everybody's getting plagued with it.  But luckily, with Airborne at my side, I'm still healthy & trudging on, and hopefully it stays that way.

Hair's the same-ol', same-ol.  Wash, condition, style, blah, blah, blah.  ;)  With the weather being cold & nasty as it's been, I've been keeping my hair safely tucked as much as possible.  Sticks, scrunchies, bobby pins, what have you, anything but down right now, I just can't risk any unecessary damage at this point.  It's longer than it's ever been before, and I want to be able to keep saying that month to month.  Could waist length actually be possible for me??

I'm also working frantically to get the shop ready for Valentine's Day, as ready as can be, anyway.  I still have quite a bit to do, though.  With that being said, that's exactly what I'm going to go do now...so till later!

Well, the most I have to report is that I'm successfully using up my old & current hair products.  I've killed off two last week alone.  Currently I'm working on finishing my Alterna shampoo, but I'm using a Pantene conditioner with it & that seems to be working out pretty good.  It seems that as long as I finish off with Pantene my hair responds pretty well & it doesn't matter *too* much what I'm washing with.  But if I try to finish with a different conditioner the results are far less than good.  As for the Rusk products I (regrettably) bought, I'll still try to use the shampoo up, but I ultimately ended up chucking the conditioner.  It's just plain horrible.  An $11 mistake, oh well.  :-[  Soon I'll be ready to buy some new Pantene... :D

By the advice & rave reviews of fata morgana, I treated myself to a a tube of Dr. Hauschka's Rose Day Cream, it just arrived this morning.  It's all natural and has lots of wonderful, beneficial ingredients in it, I can't wait till I get home to try it out tonight!  I know I won't be disappointed.  I'll post official results tomorrow.

Other news in short...my new little niece is doing wonderfully, she's growing like crazy.  I can't believe she's a month old already.  Hubby's working on getting a new band together...he & his band mates have been practicing and learning new music like crazy.  It's been about 5 or 6 years since he's been actively playing out, so I'm excited to be back in the scene again, I just hope we both have the energy! :P  It'll keep us young.  ;)

That's 'bout it.  Hope everyone has a great day!

Is it a full moon or something??  Today is off to a wierd & disasterous start...moreso for my husband than for me.  I feel bad for him!  Since waking up, he's walked into about 10 things, dropped about 5, and put a nasty slice into his hand with a freshly sharpened knife.  Ouch!  All of this within the first hour of the day.  This is stuff that *I* usually do, not him!  Hopefully his streak is over now.

Well, I tried my rose cream first thing when I got home last night, and I can honestly say that it is wonderful.  It was totally worth the cost of it.  The good thing is that a little goes a long way, so a 1 ounce tube should last me quite a while.  It's got extracts of rose petal, rose hips, avocado, shea butter, st. john's wort, and lots of other wonderful things in it.  It also has got a beautiful look, texture and scent to it.  I can't wait to see how it continues to work for me...it doesn't take too much to get me excited!  ::)

I've been in need of a new batch of Kimberlily's leave in spray for about a week now, and have just been too lazy to do so. :P  I have all the ingredients, so I'm not really sure what I'm waiting for.  Maybe tonight while the band is practicing I'll take some "me time" and do a new bottle up.  Yeah, that's sounds good to me.

I've still been oiling, however, just straight jojoba oil in place of the mixture, which of course is also very good.  So, my ends are not being neglected, just not pampered so much as they were with K's wonderful spray.  Soon, my babies, soon.

Lately, I've been experiementing with all kinds of new hair styles, mostly quick, easy & cool updo's.  It just seems like that this last inch I sprouted is making all the difference, it's so wierd.  I've been practicing different twists, buns, braids, and different ways of using my hair sticks and different cool little hair accessories.  I'm having a blast doing it, I love coming up with new, creative ways of wearing my hair.  I really wish I had a digi cam so I could show you guys!!

I'm off to get some work done, have a great one, everybody!

Maggie, girl, Valentine's Day is finally over--did ya survive?!   ;D

Thanks for checking in on me, Trisha!  :D

Unfortunately, Valentine's Day is a real sore subject with me this year.  For all florists in this area, actually.  This will go down as the year that the snow and ice stole Valentine's Day.  Long story short, 14" of snow and ice hit us Tuesday the 13th, lasting through until Wednesday night.  I, as were many people, was stuck home for two days, missing valentine's day and all the sales that go with it.  We did all of our deliveries on tuesday, because we knew the storm was coming, so no one was left out, but it still hurt sales in a big, big way.  And that was just the tip of the iceberg.  Besides losing tons of sales and being stuck with hundreds of roses and other flowers, I've got this list of other crappy things...

* Ran out of oil Valentine's day....while I was stranded at home, and no oil trucks could get out on the road.  Thought pipes might freeze overnight.

* Furnace piece broke next day, had to call the heating/plumbing guy, big bill for that.

* Still stranded at home thursday, no vehicles allowed on roads yet.

* Cost $200 to get driveway plowed...3 days after the storm.

* Ice fell and broke my windshield wipers, still not fixed & praying for blue skies.

* Woke up with a wierd rash this morning, terribly itchy.  Think it's from a new soap.

On the bright side?  I think my hair may have sprouted a little more, I'm going to take a measure, maybe right now...

27 INCHES!!!  That's 3/4 of and inch from my last measure on January 12th!  3/4" in a little over a month?  That sounds wierd, I had better check that again, hold on.  Ok, I measured again, still 27"!  Wow!  :D  It's got to be the biotin tabs, I've never had growth like this in my life...not since I've started measuring, anyhow.  Finally, some good news!  :D  This is officially the longest my hair's ever been in my life.  But, can I keep going is the question??

I'm still using up old products left and right, I just polished off an old bottle of Pantene's brunette shampoo, and an equally ancient bottle of Pantene DMR conditioner.  I did treat myself a while ago to a set of Pantene Time Renewal s+c, I never tried it before, and I must say that I like it very much.  They're about half gone already.  I think I'll get the Breakage Defense next time.

Alrighty, back to work.  Have a great day all!

Sorry for your sucky V-day, sis. *hugzzzzzzzzz* Here's to next year.

Restoratives formulas go fast, don't they? And you always have to double up on the conditioner.  ;D

I was wondering how you survived V-day.  I'm so sorry it was such a tough time for you.  Glad you were able to get your deliveries finished early.

Hope the sun shines and melts away all the snow and your worries.

This year is not off to the best start so far, I really hope that better things are in store!

First we had the storm that stole Valentine's Day & killed me financially, which in comparison was nothing to losing my Grandmother last Tuesday.  :'(  Which, btw, was also coupled with a snowstorm that caused us to have to cancel her viewing and procession to the cemetery, and also caused us to have hours worth of shoveling just to be able to have a funeral for her.  Everything just happened so fast that I still can't come to terms with what has happened, I don't think I fully get it yet, but I know that eventually I will.  I'll love and miss you forever, Nana.  :'( :-*

Hair?  I don't know, I'm just glad that I still have some left after all of this!  I've been trying to be as kind as possible to my strands through all the stress, but truthfully, it's been taking back seat lately.  It's been nearly a month since my last measure, I'll wait a few more days and then measure again, see if the growth trend keeps up, it'll give me something to look forward to.

I'm still successfully using up old products, and gradually replacing them with new ones.  I'm currently switching back and forth between Pantene's Time Renewal & Sheer Volume s+c sets.  Still with the weekly ACV rinses & daily K's LIS doses to my ends.  I tried doing an aloe juice rinse in the shower yesterday to see if it did anything beneficial for my hair, but I forgot one very crucial step that should be taken in the dead of winter.  LET IT WARM UP AFTER TAKING IT OUT OF THE FRIDGE BEFORE DUMPING IT OVER YOUR HEAD!!!  Whoa!  :o  Talk about being absent minded!  I got the shock of my life doing that!  Anyway, I shampooed, rinsed, did the ice cold aloe dump, didn't rinse it out, and conditioned on top of that.  My hair did seem extra soft, I'm not sure it did wonders, but I know it couldn't hurt.  I'll try it again ..... warm ..... sometime.

That's it for any new news, hopefully whatever lies ahead for me in the future is much more positive.

Later, all.

Oh Magz,I'm so sorry to hear about your Grandma!! :'(  Big hugs to you in this time of sorrow

(((((((((((((((((((Maggie sis)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

Terribly sorry about your grandmother. You & everyone else were here for me when the same thing happened to me last year. Now we're all here for you. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Hang in there, hon.  :-*

And LOL about the freezing aloe rinse. How did that work out for ya?  ;)

You've been on my mind lately, as I've just gotten bitten by the silk floral arranging bug.

I'm so sorry to hear of your Nana's passing and all the challenges surrounding it.  I hope you can get some quiet time to grieve.  And some sunshine!!

I hope your business recovers quickly and completely!!  Easter's around the corner...and weddings...

Take care of yourself, Maggie.

Maggie, I know how close you were to your grandmother, sorry to hear about her passing.  Take care.

Very sorry for your loss, dearheart.  Prayers are with you.  *hugs*   :-[

Thanks so much Curlgirl, Angel, Sakina, LaDiosa & Trisha (((group hug))), your condolences are are comforting and much appreciated.  I'm still not sure that I've come to terms with her loss yet, this one might take a while.  It was just so fast and unexpected.  One day I'm sitting in her kitchen with her wishing her a happy birthday, a week later I'm standing at her hospital bedside partaking in her last rites and communion, only to be giving her my final kisses the very next day.  It was just such a crazy whirlwind of emotions and events, I know that I haven't felt the full impact of it yet.  She was such a big part of all of our lives.

Aaahhhh, anywayz....

So Sakina, you got bit by the floral bug, eh?  How's it going & what kind of wonderful things are you creating?  I bet they're just beautiful!  :D  If you have any q's or need any tips, I'd be more than happy to dish up for you...

And as for the "freezing aloe dump", LOL, I'm going to have to give it another attempt....this time while it's much, MUCH warmer!  I think it would be a lot more beneficial to my hair if I allowed it to soak in for a while instead of just rinsing it right out.  I'll try that next time.  See what grief can do to you?  It makes you dump ice cold liquids over your head....or maybe that's just me.  ::)

Ooooh!  Get this!  I am getting treated to a hot stone massage this afternoon!!!  Me.....a massage?  I can't wait, I've never had a professional massage in my life, let alone a hot stone massage!  My SIL gave me a gift certificate for my birthday, back in August, I figured that now would be the perfect time to cash in on it.  I just hope that I can keep my emotions under check and not turn into a blubbery mess, I heard that tends to happen during a massage.  Like an emotional outpour and release.  Well, whatever happens happens, right?  I'll update on how it went tomorrow.

So, today is the first official day of spring.  New life, new beginnings, and maybe better things to come.  I'm trying my best to take on a positive outlook for the future, in the same breath I'm also trying to be ready for any twists or turns that life my throw to me.  I guess that as long as I can be accepting of whatever is to be is the key, I pray for the strenght everyday...

As for my hair, I'm noticing millions of little curly q's and fly-aways all down the length of my hair, I'm assuming that this is new growth.  It looks insanely out of control right now, but hopefully it's just a growth phase and will pass and normal out.  I'll take crazy new growth over loss, right?

Back to work, have a good day all!

Thanks for your encouragement!  I'm almost done with my first project-a swag.

Ahhh, hot stone massage is one of my favorite kinds.  Your massuese will be used to people pouring out their problems/emotions-its part of the healing therapy of massage.  They will respect what ever you want-to talk or not.  Cry if you need to, or the tears will show up somewhere else.  I imagine it would be hard to make flower arrangements with tears streaming down your face.  I hope you can let yourself go, it is only for your good.

Enjoy!!

Ooh, a hot stone massage. Sounds relaxing.  :)  Though I totally understand your apprehension about turning into a soppy, weeping mess in the process. Stress is stored all over your body, so it's natural to release it during a massage. That's one thing that has kept me away from massages this long...I'm very private and have terrible social anxiety.  :P
   In any case, I hope yours goes well. Perhaps I can share your experience vicariously. Have a good time, Pantene sistah.  :)

And incidentally, the way you're reacting to your grandmother's death is not at all unfamiliar. I went through the same basic thing when I lost my paternal grandmother last year:

Quote:

The last few days have been confusing in the way I seem to be handling my dear grandmother's death. I'm either so well-adjusted or so overexposed to pain, loss and unfairness that I haven't reacted the way I always thought I would. It's all very strange, this near absence of passion. I have cried very little yet.    Perhaps the weight and collective grievance of her funeral will pull me out of my funk. For now, I seem to be just walking around in a haze, with a deep and silent sorrow underneath it all. I can say that since I got the news, it is all I have been able to think about. This might just be one of those cases where random memories throughout time will bring a sudden, uncontrollable rush of tears. I don't know. Like I said, very strange.  :-/

So you're not alone. Hang in there, chica. Embrace the passage of time - it will distance you from tragedy and help you to gain perspective on it. As always, my prayers are with you.

It's amazing how I walk away with so much more than just hair care advice from these boards, *I love you guys*  :-*

The hot stone massage...

I was very nice, my masseuse was very nice and very professional, and the atmosphere of the room was calm, serene and perfect.  However, I still found myself unable to completely relax and let go, I wish I could have.  I wasn't exactly sure what to expect with the "hot stones", exactly how they came into play with the massage.  But it was actually very, very nice.  She first had me undress right down to my gotchies (alone), and then lay down, face up, on her table.  On the table she had placed 6 heated stones with a towel over them, so that when I layed down there would be 3 on either side of my spine from top to bottom.  That atually felt really nice.  She then placed little heated stones in between each of my toes, and one under each of the palms of my hands.  She also then placed a few on my belly, on top of the blanket, I'm not totally sure how many, it felt like maybe four.  She the reason for the stones at that point was to carry the heat all throughout my body....which it did.

She started at my temples, and worked around my face, head and neck.  She then worked her way down my arms, hands & fingers, right down to my legs and toes (skipping the mid section, of course!).  The whole while she used lavender scented massage oil, and alternated using her hands and warm stones to work on my muscles.  She then had me flip over onto my belly so she work on my back and the backs of my legs.  The whole thing lasted an hour.  When she was finished, she left the room so I could get dressed again, and when I came back out into the lobby she treated my to a glass of water and a huge bon-bon.....that's what I'm talking about!  I never got a bon bon after getting my back cracked or my ankles casted.....an awesome finishing touch!  I walked back to my van, sat and enjoyed my rediculously huge bon bon, and then got back to reality.  So all in all it was really nice, it was just my inability to completely let go that held the experience back for me.  So, needless to say, there were no tears.

Thanks for posting your quote, Angel, it makes me feel less alone in the way I'm handling this.  It's exactly as you said, I'm just very confused by the way I'm handling her death, like I know that I've got a million tears stuck inside of me, but I don't know how to make them come out.  I guess they're just not ready yet.  It's really taking a toll on me though, each day I feel more and more run down, miserable, moody and just incapable of handling the simplest of tasks without making mistakes or becoming irate.  Today I've got all that coupled with a blaring head throb, which I have no doubt is stress related and due to lack of restful sleep.  Grief is a crazy thing, and apparently this is how I deal with it.  :-/

Looking on the bright side, the temps are finally rising up into the 40's & 50's again, allowing the bulk of the snow to melt away....again.  I just may go out and chip away at those snow banks for awhile to help them along, being on the shady side of the street means that I'll still have those banks in June while the lucky folks across the street kissed theirs goodbye long ago.  The grass really is green over there. :P

I'm having a horribly yucky hair day today, it feels like somebody else's hair on my head, I don't know what the heck's going on with it!  Those crazy fly-aways aren't helping things a bit, either.  I'll chalk this one up to stress too, why not?  Maybe it's the volumizing s+c I've been using, perhaps I should switch to something moisturizing instead.  Hmmm, I see a trip to the drug store in the near future...

I'm going to take out some of my frustration on the snow banks now, happy spring all!

Whoa baby, go Biotin!!!

Another month, and another half inch gained.  This is amazing!  My last measure was on February 21st and I came in at 27" even, today I measured in at 27.5"  :D :D :D  This is just unbelievable, even my husband has been noticing my newfound length lately.  This is almost too good to be true, I'm thinking that I'm going to have to hit a dormancy period soon.  Wow, could biotin really be helping that much??  Whatever it is, I hope it keeps on workin'!

Well, I went shopping last night to my usual grocery store, only to find something that was not usually there...a whole new organic section!  :D  Finally!  Someone had the forethought to bring some healthy living products into our little redneck town, hallelujah! :P  Anyway, turns out that I couldn't resist a few impulse buys.  I treated myself to a new set of shampoo and conditioner, no, it's not Pantene, it's Alba honeydew hair wash and mango conditioner.  It's this all natural Hawaiin stuff, and does it smell *amazing*.  I also bought a bottle of JASON's tea tree satin soap for hands and face, and ooh do I ever like that stuff, it smells yummy too.  I tried out the Alba s+c this morning, first doing an ACV to get rid of any residue, and I am pleasantly surprised for the first day.  But, we all know what happens with me and new strange products......so time will tell.  I also finished up by spritzing some plain aloe juice on my ends, this is something new I'm trying, like it so far.

That's all for today, more next time!

Woohoo! Congrats on the new length, Magz! And good luck with the new products.  :)

Wow, Good Growing! ;)  You're on a roll!

I bet you were like a kid in a candy store in that organic section!  Hopefully, the products will work but if not I'm sure you'll have fun trying out the new stuff!  Keep us posted. :)

WOW Maggie, it's been a long time since I've popped in so 27.5" is oodles compared to the last time I saw any updates.

Hugs  :-*
Anais

maggie wrote on Mar 21^st, 2007 at 10:01am:

So Sakina, you got bit by the floral bug, eh?  How's it going & what kind of wonderful things are you creating?  I bet they're just beautiful!  :D  If you have any q's or need any tips, I'd be more than happy to dish up for you...

Hi,Maggie.  I hope you don't mind me posting this here, its a picture of my first floral arrangement-a "Powder Room" swag.  Sorry the pic is so large-we've got new software and I haven't figured it out yet.  :P

http://i14.tinypic.com/40ekeg4.jpg


Any constructive criticism is welcome.

Wow, thats really nice Sakina!

Beautiful job, Sakina!!!  :D  No constructive criticism necessary.  I wouldn't hesitate to put that on display in my shop  :)  You're very talented!  And I'm honored that you posted it here for me to see, thanks!

This post will be short, as my typing ability is limited right now.  It appears as though my luck is just not getting any better, 2007 is not my year so far.  :-/  I've been coping with what I believe is a fractured wrist for a while now.  Far be it from me to see a doctor.  ::)  Not that I could afford to if I wanted/needed to, gotta love our health care system.  Anyway, I did as much as I believe a doctor would do for me and charge me a few thousand dollars for, I've kept it iced and splinted, and took some pills to relieve the pain when it got too bad.  And I didn't charge myself a penny for the advice, how nice.

Needless to say, with my line of work, everything has been a task lately, I really depend on my hands....especially my right one, and that's the one that's boogered up now.  Today's the first that I'm able to use my fingers without pain, but I'm being very careful not to over-do it.

Hair's still there & hopefully still growing.  I'm still liking my new Alba products, but I'll elaborate more on that when I'm able.

Have a good day, all!

Thanks, Maggie.  I have many more projects in mind-this is all for Halloween and the Gothic Victorian theme for the house.  Is most of your work with live flowers?  I am sticking to silks for now...

I'm very sorry to hear about your wrist.  I hope its not fractured.  Do you know how long its been hurting you?  As much as you must use it for your work it could be severly strained.  I hope its better soon.

PS-Thanks, LaDiosa, too!!

Eek! Sorry to hear about your wrist, Magz.  :(

Of course I'm not expert, but I should think that if it were fractured, you wouldn't be able to move it. Sounds more like a severe sprain, like Sakina mentioned. In which case, keeping it wrapped and iced is a good idea.

Hope you get better quickly.

I'm still alive.  :)  Just took a little hiatus, that's all.  Needed some time to heal, both physically and spiritually.  All is basically just fine now, hopefully it stays that way for a while.

My wrist is perfectly fine now, took a little while, but it's good as new.  But I have been dealing with a bit of tendonits since then in my right arm.....my "working arm", but I seem to be pulling through that one just as well.

May was a killer month, work-wise, as it is every year.  I've noticed that florists who decide to go out of business usually do it right after the month of may.  They probably think the same thing I do...."I don't know if I can do that again!" :P  A month straight of 80-90 hour work weeks is plain out yucky.  Proms, Mother's Day, Memorial Day, whew!  I survived it though, I have no idea how, but I did.  Lot's of coffee I think. :P

Because my schedule was so insane, there was no way that my available hours were going to match up with my hairdresser's hours, so I had to do a little self maintenance with the hair.  Did pretty good, too.  I took an inch off the length, and just trimmed the layers a bit.  Hey, we do what we have to do, right?

So, that put me back to 26.5", and as of a few days ago I was just a smidge under 27", and imo ready for another trim.  This is when things get frustrating, I just can't seem to get ahead!  I am enjoying this length though, but for once in my life I would like to experience my dream of waist length hair.  I'll keep on trying...

Still on Pantene & alternating my product choices nearly daily.  I love options, what can I say?  Also still using Kimberlily's concoction, that stuff's the best.

Outside of that, I'm taking some time to read again.  This time my selection came from my recently passed grandmother's attic, I decided to step outside of my usual comfort zone with reading, I'm being adventurous!  This one's a novel from 1951, I believe, and it's about WWII......totally different for me.  The Caine Mutiny is what it's called.  I'm only about 20 pages in, but I'm really intrigued by it so far.  Plus knowing that it came from my Nana, and that she at some point read it too, gives me some solace.  She's got quite a library, I'll tell ya!

So, that's the scoop.  Have a great day, all!

Hey Maggie!!!  Good to see you again :)  Glad all in calming down alittle bit for ya :-/

Good to see you back, my Pantene sistah.  ;)

No more flower/arm nightmares...

Hi Maggie!  It's good to know that all is going well after such a hectic month.  27" is nothing to sneeze at, I'm sure you'll make it to waist length soon, even if you do trim.  Enjoy your book! :)

Maggie!  Glad to see you survived another killer May!   ;D  
I can't speak for the book, but the movie, "The Caine Mutiny" is pretty good, imo.  

Been kicked to page 2 again, figured it's time to finally check in!

After my last entry I decided to schedule for a professional trim, I don't remember the date exactly.  I had about an inch taken off which put me from 26.5" to 25.5", I wasn't upset or heartbroken, it just had to be done.  I did more harm than good by just letting my hair grow without getting my regular trims, damage to the underside and ends of my hair was getting pretty bad.  I did a measure today and I'm back to just under 26.5" again, 26 and 3/8" to be exact.  ;)  

I think I've officially come to realize that waist length is just not in my cards, that's ok though.  I'll be happy with what I've got and just concentrate on keeping that healthy.....which means maintaining those scheduled trims.  My hair is more fragile than I've realized, or maybe it's just changing as I get older, I'm not sure.  The biggest problem I'm encountering anymore is trying to leave my hair down for any length of time.  The underside of my hair turns into a big, nasty bird's nest from rubbing against my shirt.  When I detangle it, it results in breakage and hair loss, I don't remember having this problem when I was younger.  So, in an effort to help, I've been treating that area with extra conditioner, leave-ins and/or jojoba oil, doesn't really stop the tangling, though.  :'(

On the personal front, things have been pretty challenging, I think I prefer to just leave it at that.  But day by day we continue to support each other and pull through, my husband & I, that is.  The amazing thing about us, which I'm realizing now more than ever, is that we can go round and round with each other with the best of them, but when push comes to shove we've got each other's backs and make a pretty d@mn good team.  So, I feel that's the positive out of all of what's been happening.

It's summertime now, which means wedding season for me.  Weddings are a ton of work, but I love doing them, it's very gratifying.  It's one of the few things I get to do that is photographed, remembered and appreciated.  It's nice to be recognized for your effort and hard work every once in a while.

Summertime also means vacations, of which I will be taking no part of.  Big surprise.  I think the 3 major reasons for this are 1- financial, 2- fear of the negative effects of closing my business down for any length of time, and 3- my dog.  That's the biggest one, actually.  Who would watch our precious puppy for us if we left, even if only for a weekend?  Sure, we've got family that would check in on her to feed her and take her out, but then she'd be left by herself again which is something that she's not used to and I think would be cruel.  Plus I'd miss her and worry about her the whole while we were gone.  Yes, dog people can be crazy obsessive about their pups, especially when they don't have kids.  I'm sure I'm not alone here.  So, no trips anywhere in my near future.

Well, that about covers everything happening (or not happening :P) in my life now.  Hope everone is doing well.  Til next time...

I completely understand about not wanting to leave the pup behind.. When I was growing up my family became experts at traveling with dogs... we typically left our spaniel mix with my cousins, because she hated car rides, but she was kept inside with their dog. Of course, sharing the back seat of a car with a shepherd mix and a great dane mix was always 'fun'.  

just my 2 cents here,you're not alone in the thoughts of dog people being crazy obsessive about leaving their pups alone.  I won't do it either!!

Good to hear from you, my dear!   8-)  *hugs*

Thanks for letting me know that I'm not alone, and nice to meet you Kiraela!  And it's always good to hear from you both, Trisha and CurlGirl!

I got a little adventurous this week and tried something new.  After reading in
Angel's journal about the different cremes and hair masks she was using, it inspired me to make a trip to the drug store to see what I could treat myself to.  I went with the sole intention of choosing something new from my old-faithful, Pantene product line.  Which I did, I got a hydration treatment that claims to have 3X's the moisturizures of a regular conditioner, it's a once a week kind of deal.  But, the whole while I was there, SunSilk just kept staring me in the eye, saying "try me, try me...".. I was going to be strong and pass it right by, but it was just way too persuasive and insistent, and thus I gave in. lol  I bought a pump of the Anti-flat leave in hair lotion, and with it came free trial size bottles of the Anti-flat shampoo and conditioner.  All 3 products for $3.99, how could one go wrong?

I used all 3 two days in a row, both with pleasantly surprising results.  I won't go gung-ho raving about them yet, it still has to stand the test of time, I've learned that by now!  But I will say that my hair was left feeling very light-weight and soft, and it lived up to it's name of "Anti-flat" by leaving my hair with tons of body and bounce.  I sound like a commercial, lol.  But that's the scoop on it, hope it keeps working because I like it so far, and it's affordable.  This is not to say that I'm abandoning my precious Pantene, no no no!  Just like something to switch on and off with, that's all.

Today's 'do is a simple french twist being held by a single hairstick, I'm actually amazed that I got it to hold & stay with very little effort.  Usually I only use sticks for holding buns, never tried it for a twist before.  I like it, I think I'll wear it more often.  :)  Ah, it's the little things...

So that's all this time, have a good day all!

hehehe It's so touching to know that I've inspired someone.  ;D  You make me smile, sis.

I've actually been a little curious about Sunsilk also. Lemme know what you think of it after you've been using it awhile. Not saying I'm going to switch either, but...S&C is something that you can kind of "date around" with. lol

And all 3 for $3.99?? Man, I wish I lived on the east coast! lol

Are you sure you wanna live on the eastcoast,Angel?  Maggie and I will both tell you the heat humidity has been disgusting!!!  The humidity has not been nice to my curls this time around!!!  Frizz,looking like the cat dragged something in is putting it nicely!! ::) :P

Amen, CurlGirl, Sistah!  Although, I'll take my frizzy humid-hair over hat-head-snow-hair any day!  Brings me to tears to think that we could be seeing snow again in only another 3 months  :'(.

I don't have too much to update on today, just want to comment that I have used up all of my trial size Sunsilk s+c and am still happy.  I think that I'll invest in the full size bottles soon.  The Anti-flat leave in lotion stuff is pretty nice too, it's like a cross between a leave in conditioner and a styling product.  Leaves my hair really soft & volumized.  Only thing kind of negative I could say about it is that it doesn't do much as far as shine goes, Pantene's got the one-up on that so far.  I wonder if Sunsilk has one for shine, I should check on that...

Otherwise, the weekend was long and busy.  I'm feeling sore and ragged from having to help lift and move some very heavy things, but I'm sure I'll be back to normal in a day or two.  As far as work goes, I'm in the process of saying goodbye to summer and hello to fall, can't believe it's time to make that change already!  The summer is so short-lived here, wish we could hang on to it for just a little longer.

On that note, I must get back to work, have a great day, all!  Ciao!

Ah, Maggie. If only I could drag you out to SoCal for awhile. Our summer lasts through October.

And humidity I can deal with. Don't dig it (or the bugs), but I can deal with it. Growing up in desert country makes a person long for legitimate, defined seasons and something besides dry, hot, sunny and brown.  ::)  So yeah...humidity? Meh.

hey Magz,I think SunSilk does have something for shine.  Saw an ad either on TV or got something in the mail months ago.  Good luck, sista,glad you found something you and your hair are happy with.  As for yesterday fisasco with the heat and humidity,my curls were outragiously well behaved :o  I think it's because I haven't done and ACV rinse in 2 weeks and have just used my shampoo bar with a Pantene conditioner!!  Never thought I'd be a fan of this conditioner,but it seems to give the right amount of slip for now ;)

Angel:  Yeah, I could definitely understand your longing for seasonal changes, I do always look forward to the summer/fall transition.  The foliage just becomes *so* beautiful, and the sweet smell in the air is intoxicating.....but then that is short lived, too.  All too soon the leaves turn brown and leave the trees poor, naked little souls.  And then the winter just lasts forever and makes everyone miserable.  So if there was a way to just have spring, summer and fall, and bypass winter, I'd be quite content!

I wish you could drag me out to SoCal too!

Curlgirl:  Ironically, my hair's been pretty well behaved in all this humidity, too.  It's definitely been poofier & wavier, but not necessarily in a horrible way.  Still, I've been keeping it mostly pinned up, just too hot to leave down!  As for SunSilk, I went shopping last night and bought the full size Hydra TLC s+c, it says it's supposed to hydrate and add shine.  Used it this morning, but w/ all the humidity I'm having a hard time decifering the results, so we'll see.  So, what Pantene conditioner are you using now?  Glad you are liking it!

So yeah, as mentioned I'm now dabbling in the world of SunSilk, not saying I'm a convert, but I can't say that I'm not happy with it either.  The Hydra TLC def left my hair feeling really, really soft and not at all weighed down, which is awesome.  I also picked it because it said that it's good for hair that's prone to split ends, which mine certainly is, so maybe it'll help to protect my ends a little more.  And the price is just too good, they were on sale for $2.99 each, so I didn't feel at all guilty buying them to try......unlike my $17.00/bottle Alterna mistake.... ::)

Other random stuff:  I'm constantly amazed at how the human body can recover and heal, I feel oodles better today than I did yesterday.  My back, legs and arms were so sore yesterday that nearly every movement was like torture, but not today.  I'm still a little bit sore, but it's soooo much more tolerable than it was!  Something I'm NOT rejoicing about is the school taxes we just received  >:(, they are soooooo rediculously expensive!  What urks me the most about them is knowing what we pay to support the school systems every year, and also knowing that we don't even have any children that we are sending to these schools!  Ugh, I could rant on and on about the unbalance of our systems, but I'll spare all of you, this is not the place for it.  Just stinks writing that check out and thinking of all the other things that money could be going toward......like a really, really extravagant vacation  8-).  Ah well, no sense in complaining.

Oh, a totally off-subject thought, speaking of humidity.....was watching the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson (love that guy, he's so funny).  He took a trip out to the east coast and said that our humid weather was like breathing soup. hehehe  ;D  So, is that to say that the west coast doesn't get humid like we do?  Angel???

lol @ breathing soup.

The west coast definitely gets humid, even in the desert regions. Especially during the summer, when we have storms moving up from good ol' Mexico.  :P
   And year round, the marine layer rolls in at night and doesn't burn off until mid-morning. And it's as thick as London fog. But that only happens in the coastal regions.
Now, that only applies to the southern part of the west coast.

The northern Pacific coast gets humidity almost year round because it rains all the time. But it's a different kind of humidity, I suppose, than in the eastern states. Has a different feel to it and whatnot.

And just for the record, winter is my favourite season, even though SoCal doesn't see much of it. I like skeleton trees.  ;D

Wow, bottom of the 3rd page, not good!!!  Time to come back to page 1!

It feels so good to be back, I hope everyone is doing well and growing tons of hair!  :)  I have no idea what length my hair is right now, I haven't measured in months.... so why not do it right now??  What a novel idea!  Here goes...

Looks like 27 inches, not much different from a few months ago  :-/, oh well.

As for the hair-care routine, pretty much the same also.  Only noteable change would be that I've been using Herbal Essences in place of Pantene lately, the Hello Hydration line.  I'm about half way through my first set of bottles and am pleased so far, we'll see how it works out in the long run though, that's the real test.  I haven't given up on my Pantene, just wanted a change of pace, that's all.

Life's been a little crazy the past few months.  I've been busy as ever with work, leaving me little time for anything else...as usual.  I've had a bit of a health issue and underwent a little surgery, it's a wait & see type of thing and hopefully all will be well from this point on.  It's already better so far.  Intermingled with that, my husband and I lost a friend of ours at the young age of 42.  It was very shocking and unexpected, as death usually is, and I know that I still need some time to let it sink in.  And you can throw the flu on top of all of that too, I'm finally starting to get back on my feet again though.  And through it all I've barely missed a beat... maybe one or two, but that's about it.  Life goes on.

Back to the hair....

I'm still faithful with ACV rinses, and also with using Kimberlily's leave in spray.  That stuff is just great.  When I don't want the heaviness of the oil, sometimes I will just spritz my hair with pure aloe juice, it's nice & light and moisturizing.  :)  I also still wash my hair each and every day, it's just a must for me, the greasy look's just not for me!

This winter's been just brutal thus far, wreaks havoc on the hair, so I try to keep it safely tucked up as much as possible.  We've been blasted with snow starting in early november and has been going strong since.  Seems every week we're having a major snow or ice storm, bundles with sub-zero temps.  Not only is it horrible on the hair, but the oil bill.......oyyy!  Today we finally broke above 30 degrees, and I think we may see the 40's this week, so maybe some of this blasted snow will finally begin to melt away!

Well, that's a brief update for now, and hopefully I'll be back to the boards much more often now!

Maggie!  It's so good to hear from you!!   :)  
Sounds like Life has beaten the crap out of you lately.  I know you're busy, but it's vital that you take some time for yourself, even if it's just walking a block or two to clear the ol' cobwebs.  *hugs*  

(((((((((((((MAGGIE SIS!))))))))))))))))

I hoped that you would return to us eventually.  ;)

Sorry to hear about your friend's passing. 42 is indeed too young.  :(  And surgery and a flu on top of that? Ugh. *hugs* Hope things smooth out for you soon.

27" is a good length. I'm less than an inch behind you!  :D

Love and blessings.  [smiley=engel017.gif]

Maggie!!!!!!!!  I've missed ya,sista!!!!  Sorry about the passing of your frined :(  It's always hard at any age to loose someone.
Hope all is well and you'll drop me a line!
Peace and White Light!
Curlgirl64

Great to have you back! (((hugs)))

Thank you ladies! (((BIG HUGZ)))  I love that I always feel welcome here... :)

Today is a lovely, chilly, rainy day...and by chilly I mean friggin' cold...but lovely none the less.  A day like today allows me to clear my head and get my thoughts together, there is something so peaceful about rain.  I just love it.

I seem to be reflecting a lot today, thinking about everything that's happened since the new year so far.  Illness, death, surgery- and what it all makes me conclude is that life is pretty amazing.  No matter what each day brings, no matter how wonderful or how disastrous, there's only one thing that remains true and steady, and that is the age old adage that "Life goes on".  It's amazing, because it does, it truly does...no matter what.  Tomorrow will always come, with or without me, life just does continue going on & always will.  So simple and yet mind blowing all at once.  :-?

Ok, enough philosophy, I'm just going through a lot of changes and realizations in my life right now.

Hair...

I'm at a cross-roads here and am not sure which direction to choose.  My bangs are now at the point where they are definitely in need of trimming, if I am to keep them that is, that's the dilemma.  Part of me wants to grow them back out again and the other part of me wants to keep them.  I not quite sure what to do.  If I keep thinking about it long enough, they'll be grown out and I won't have to worry about it! lol.  It's just the awkward in-between stages that make me want to cut them again, but if I could just stick it out for a month or three that will all be past.  Hmm, what to do?

Small potatoes, right?

Well, I think I'll check out some of the other journals while I've got a few minutes.  Ciao, all!

New products!!!  :D

I finally finished up my bottles of Herbal Essences Hello Hydration, well acutally I finished the conditioner before the shampoo, this always seems to happen anymore.  My ratio is 2:1, so I think I need to start doubling up on the conditioners from now on.  So, this is the first time in a LONG time that I've used the same product through from start to finish without doing any product switching in between.  Cool!   8-)  I never felt the need to switch, it worked consistently well from the first use to the last, with weekly ACV rinses of course.

So if I liked it so much, why didn't I buy them again?  Because I'm me, that's why.  Because I'm constantly hunting and scanning for new & different stuff, I can't ever just be satisfied when it comes to my hair or skin.  It's just me, what can I say?  So I head to the drug store after work with the sole purpose of returning home with a new set of either Pantene or Herbal Essences s&c, this was my goal.  Did I stick to it?  Kind of.  I did indeed pick out some new HE, unmatching and not the same as last time.  I chose Drama Clean shampoo and Long Term Relationship conditioner, which is supposed to be formulated just for long hair and those growing their hair long.  On my way up to the counter what catches my eye but something new, something organic, and something with a totally enticing name and aroma?  Organix Vanilla Silk shampoo and conditioner!  At $6.99 a bottle I should really pass it by and keep moving, since I've already picked out what I was there for.  But....... what is that little tag hanging off the cap, "Try me free", full rebate by mail.  Free?  Shiny and new and good-smelling?  Yup, no way I'm leaving without that in my bag too, so to the counter it went.

Now, which one to try first?  Well, I've already dabbled in the world of HE, so I decided on the Organix for my next-morning shower.  I seated them neatly in the shower caddy and they awaited me until morning.  I was actually excited to waked up early and give them a whirl.   ::)  I started off with a nice ACV rinse of course, so I had a clean slate to judge from, I did this before shampooing.  The texture of the shampoo was very nice, and the smell was out of this world, I am a huge fan of vanilla so this was a treat for me!  It washed nicely and rinsed out clean without my hair feeling stripped.  I left the conditioner in for several minutes, rinsing out as my last duty in the shower, and it, too, rinsed out nicely, so far so good.

After towel drying, I combed my hair out and allowed it to air dry, only using the hair dryer along with a large barreled  round brush on my bangs for a few seconds.  Just enough to keep them from laying too flat.  After that I was off to work (after getting dressed too), and I contemplated leaving my hair down for the day because it felt so nice, but decided that it was probably best to keep it safely tucked away in a bun while I work, so up it went.  At the end of the day it pulled the pins out and let my hair flow loose for the ride home, and I noticed how silky it felt, when I got home I was even greeted with a comment from my husband about how long and shiny my hair looked that day.  :D  I'm hoping it was a sincere comment, being that I recently confessed to him how obsessed I've been with my hair the past few years, and how I'd love nothing more than to have my hair sweeping around at waist length.  He was a little bewildered looking, like "I had no idea"  :-?, but he was cool about it, being that he's a long hair, too.  ;)

So, it's only been two uses on the Organix, but I'm liking so far.  As usual, I don't want to get too excited about it, because it still needs to pass the test of time and repetition.

This morning I tried out my new HE for the first time.  Results aren't as good as with the former, I'm not doing back flips over them, but I'll use them both a few more times before forming a solid opinion on them.  The Drama Clean shampoo left my hair feeling a bit dry, maybe that's only good for occasional use, like when I want to clarify.  The conditioner's not too bad, though.  Maybe I'll try coupling that up with what's left of my Hello Hydration shampoo, see how that works out.

Oh, and I think I've decided on growing my bangs back out.  They are just about past the tip of my nose, and annoying as sin!  If I can stick it out to chin length I think I'll be ok.

That's it for today, peace my friends!  :)

You're not the only one constantly on the lookout for the best hair and skin products!!!

I've been working on training my hubby to remember to give me honest hair comments.  I don't count the ones where I ask him what he thinks of my hair (does my hair look long, or nice or whatever) because he basically repeats what I say.  I guess what I really want is spontaneous hair compliments from him.  Even when they happen I wonder if they're genuine.

Happy growing!!

Thanks, Sakina!  It's good to know that I'm not the only one who can't leave well enough alone.  :P  We're curious souls, I guess.  hehehe

Hair:  Well, I jumped back to the Organix this morning to see how use #3 would be.  And it was awesome.  You know, I almost hate to say that, I'm sure that I'm putting a hex on it by doing so, I just know it!  Anyway, hair is lurvely again today, soft, supple, well conditioned and shiny..... and smelling wonderfully vanilla.  :)  Although, upon closer inspection of the ingredients it's not exactly what I'd call an "all natural" product.  Yes, it does contain some organic and natural ingredients, but the rest of the list is all chemical sounding stuff..... including alcohol.  :(  Hopefully the vanilla bean oil and shea butter (the good) out-perform the rest of the ingredients (the bad).  I will continue to use it even still.  For now.

Other stuff & things:  I am sooooooo longing for spring to start acting like spring.  After nearly six months of snow, slush, ice & sub-zero or hardly above zero temps.....not to mention bulky clothes, coats and boots...... I want a nice day already!!!  I'm sick of filling my oil tank every two bloody weeks, which is costing an arm and a leg right now, which I'm sure everyone else is aware of.  It's breaking my bank, man!    I want to wear sleeveless or even short sleeved shirts once again, and I miss my flip flops, socks be gone with!  Although I do love socks, wild, weird and crazy socks of all kinds, not the point though.  I also miss the wonderful smell of fresh air blowing in through open windows and doors, the smell of rain on a hot day, and the sight of, well, color.  Trees & leaves, flowers, grass...... the sound of crickets at night and birds in the morning....... when will it finally come?  At this point, not soon enough.

End rant.

Well, I fell better now so back to work for me.  Have a good day, all!  :)

*rubs hands together* What!  Another sock fan??  Are you aware of www.sockdreams.com ?
Yummy!!

You can come over to my house, its in the 70's right now and it isn't even noon!!

Oh, the Organix sounds nIIIIce...I'll be interested to know how it performs in the long term.  --And you can't beat free!  Sakina, that's a COOL sock site!   :)

hehe Silly Magz...only Alcohol Denat. (denaturated alcohol) and rubbing alcohol are bad for your hair. If you found your "alcohol" in a S or C, chances are that it's a fatty alcohol, which is more like a conditioner, and won't hurt your hair. Same as fatty acid is not the same as battery acid. Comprende?  ;)

Glad to hear that you've found something you really love!  :)

Sock Dreams????  I've been a long time customer!  If you ladies haven't visited the site,you're missing out!  Stop and shop by!

Yeah, me and my big, fat fingers went over to sock dreams to make sure I had the address right and spent $60.  

Ack!

lol!  It's ok.......nothing wrong with spending on your tootsies,hands,hair.........oh hell,the whole body!!! ;D

[smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif] [smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif] [smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif]Aaaaaaahhhh!!!  Sock addiction overload!  I'm absolutely giddy with this new discovery, thanks for the awesome link, Sakina!!  Oh man, socks, socks and more socks.... half socks, ankle socks, knee socks, funky, soft, slouchy, stripe-ed, everything I could ever imagine.... whoa!  :o  Not to mention hand and arm goodies too, *breathe* must calm down *breathe, breathe, breathe*  Hoooo-hooooo, Okay, I'm good now.

Woo-hoo!

I'm actually still waiting for the page to load, I don't even know where to start looking.... knee socks maybe, or maybe loose socks, oh I don't know.  I'll have to close my eyes and click.  I have a feeling I'll blow your $60 right out of the water, Sakina, so don't feel to guilty!  And Curlgirl, you knew about this and kept it all to yourself?  Shame, shame!   ;D

Trisha, the Organix is really nice so far, my fingers are crossed that it stays this way.  I can really feel the benefit of the shea butter and vanilla oil in it.  And the smell, oh the smell!  Vanilla heaven.  And you're right, you just can't beat free with a stick, so I won't feel too, too bad if it turns out to be a flop decision.

My Angel, I just assumed that any kind of alcohol would be less than good for the hair, guess that's not so.  I read the ingredients again this morning and if my memory serves me right it's methyl alcohol that's in there, but whether good or bad it's pretty far down on the list so shouldn't be too bad.  I won't venture to say that "I love" it so far, I need more time and usage before coming to that conclusion, but it is pretty nice so far.  I'm still a Pantene Sistah at heart.  ;)

Hair:  Today was day, or use should I say, #4 with the Organix, and still liking it.  I was running so late this morning that I couldn't even let my hair dry before throwing it back into a bun and pinning it safely in place.  So I really won't be able to truly judge the results until I let my hair down at the end of the day.  And that would be absolutely literally, not figurative at all, I have but 3 days to clear up nearly a year's worth of book work, sales analysis, and receipts before my accountant is here awaiting me to do my dreaded taxes.  So my work's been coming home with me all week.  I really, REALLY, should be organizing this stuff monthly, but I hate it, so I procrastinate, and I don't.  Period.   :P  So every blessed year I'm pulling all nighters and trying to beat the tax dead line.  I just love to punish myself, I guess.

My Sock Dreams should be ready for me now, so away I go.....I hope I don't spend too much!

Peace & Love  :)

Quote:

I read the ingredients again this morning and if my memory serves me right it's methyl alcohol that's in there, but whether good or bad it's pretty far down on the list so shouldn't be too bad.

And right you are. Methyl alcohol (or methanol) is indeed a "bad" alcohol. In large doses, it is highly toxic. In your case, it may be used as either a denaturant or preservative.
   Ingredients toward the bottom of the list are present in very small quantities, so there probably isn't enough of it in there to cause any harm.

Too funny the way you proceed so cautiously with things. Always giving them time before you decide whether you like them or not...as if you're waiting for some huge disappointment or something later on. hehe Oh, Magz...

Ok- scratch that whole methyl alcohol thing, it's CETYL alcohol, and actually in the shampoo it's the 2nd ingredient on the list.  So, if cetyl alcohol's a bad thing, then there's lots of it in there.  :-?

I guess it's a little silly how cautious I tend to be in giving out my seal of approval, Angel, but that's just me.  My hair products have to earn my respect, by-d@mn it, it doesn't come easy!   Lol  Actually, I'm that way with most things in life, if disappointment is to come out of a situation I always try to be somewhat prepared for it so it's not so bad.  A small way of protecting myself.

Day 5 and still pretty good.  The only thing I'm noticing is that my hair is feeling a bit weighed down today, must be from the oils.  Tomorrow I'll do an acv rinse before shampooing and see how that helps.  I have also been using additional oil after getting out of the shower, so that could be it, too.  I usually let my hair air dry for a little until the strands start to separate on their own, I then give my ends a good spritzing with pure aloe juice and let that soak in for a little before spritzing again with jojoba oil mixed with aloe juice.  Just a light, light spray of that stuff or I'll look too greasy, ack!  I then put it up, most often in a bun, and let it go for the day.  A quick let-down and re-comb when I get home from work, and back up it goes for the night.

Just a little thought... I'm noticing that the more my hair grows and the longer it gets, which is what I want, the less and less I actually leave my hair loose.  Am I doing all this growing just to hide it all by bunning it up everyday?  I really want nothing more than to just let my hair down and flow free as can be, but I rarely do anymore because I'm so afraid of doing unnecessary damage.  Is this a catch 22 or what?  Maybe once the weather (FINALLY) breaks and I can put the bulky sweaters away I'll get a little more adventurous with leaving it down.  Also, maybe learning some new up-do techniques will help to lift my spirits about it, too.  Like I said, just a little thought.

Foot note-  I never did get to check out my Sock Dreams, I still have the page pulled up and fully loaded, awaiting me.  Now all I need is..... TIME!  

(Did you get it?  FOOT note... socks.... feet & socks.... foot note?  Ha!)

Back to work, peace!

Quote:

(Did you get it?  FOOT note... socks.... feet & socks.... foot note?  Ha!)

;D


Quote:

I guess it's a little silly how cautious I tend to be in giving out my seal of approval, Angel, but that's just me.  My hair products have to earn my respect, by-d@mn it, it doesn't come easy!   Lol  Actually, I'm that way with most things in life, if disappointment is to come out of a situation I always try to be somewhat prepared for it so it's not so bad.  A small way of protecting myself.

It also shields you from completely enjoying what life gives you. You don't want to end up a jaded, cynical old bat like me, do ya? http://www.smilieshq.com/smilies/evilgrin0041.gif

And cetyl alcohol is a conditioner, Magz. It's good for your hair.  ;)

I've got barely a minute to journal, so here goes...

Hair:  Completely in a state of product indecision, as usual.  I like Herbal Essences one day, Pantene the next, Organix the day after that, it seems that nothing is doing any good for my hair right now.  Which most likely means one thing, I need a trim.  Don't wanna, and maybe I won't because I am DESPERATELY trying to break this 27" curse!!!  It's the same cycle, I trim and grow and trim and grow until I reach the dreaded 27".... then my hair goes hay-wire and I have to do a major trim.... which put me right back to the start of the whole ugly circle.  I'm going to try to push it as long as I can before having to cut a few inches off, until I change my mind that is.  ::)

I've even started washing the length only every other day to try to help.  I bun it up and wash only my bangs and let water rinse over my scalp quickly.  On that day I will mist my hair with aloe and jojoba and keep it pulled up.  Today is one of those days, as a matter of fact.  Tomorrow morning I will wash with one of my many hydrating shampoos, which one is up to the sun. :P

I told my husband that I'm having this crazy urge to go above shoulder length with my hair, that I'd like to start fresh growing all over again.  He gave me an emphatic "No!", saying that he liked it being so long, to leave it alone.  So I will, for now.  But if I keep feeling this frustrated with my hair I may just accidentally happen into a salon one day on my way home.  Ugh!  I hope I can stick it out, if I could just reach 28" I think I would have a renewed sense of hope.  C'mon 28"!!!

Work:  NUTS.  No time for me.  Only going to get worse, particularly the next two weeks, we're talking proms on top of weddings on top of holidays, throw in your miscellaneous birthdays and funerals and we've got a real party here.  Add in there lack of reliable help and lack of funds to hire said reliable help, and I don't even know what, let's just say STRESS.  Stress and no sleep.

The cost of oil and gas really has me questioning my floral future, it's affecting everything, EVERYTHING.  It's really hurting us small business types, well, all business I guess, but I think that the small business owners feel it the hardest.  People just don't have the extra money to spend on anything other than necessities, myself included.  I'm just praying every day and night for an answer to come my way!

Well, my time's up, I must get back to work.  Peace, all!

Hey Maggie!  Missed ya!  You hang in there!  I'm hoping things get better for you.

((Thank you, CurlGirl))

Unfortunantely, 4 months later, things don't seem to be getting much better, business is still hurting, I think I may have to call it curtains.  :'(  But I do believe that old saying that when a door closes that a window also opens, so I guess it's just time for my life to take on a new direction, that's all.

After my last post, shortly after, I did schedule a trim.  I had two inches taken off, my hair really needed it, I was sad losing those precious inches but was very happy to see how healthy it looked and felt.  I haven't measured it since so I have no idea how much of it has grown back since then, maybe tomorrow morning I'll do a measure.  I'm back on Pantene again, good old Pantene.  I've been using the Beautiful Lengths collection and am really liking it, in fact I'm almost out and need more.  I'm going through it twice as fast now since my husband has become hooked on it too.  Yup, that's right, I finally got him off of the VO5 and on to the good stuff!  ;)  He tried it in the shower one morning because of his stuff running out and he noticed how much better his hair looked and felt, and said that he has stopped losing hair since the switch.  It really does look noticeably improved, I guess we're officially a Pantene household now!

As for the Organix, meh, I could live without it, it really hasn't impressed me for long term usage.  I finally received my rebate check from their "try it free" offer....a mere 16 weeks later.  Better late than never, though.  Herbal Essences is a pretty close second to Pantene, I really do like the Hello Hydration line, so I will probably continue switching back and forth between the two.  That's about all for now...

Have a good day, all!

Hey, Maggie!  Glad to hear from you.  Sorry about biz hurting.  A friend of mine had to close her business just last week.  Hard times.  Things always work out somehow.

Good Luck!

Hey Maggie!  Glad you popped in!  Sorry about the business!  It is true about a door closing and a window opening though!  I feel good things are going to come for you!  

So you got your husband hooked on the good stuff, eh, sis?  [smiley=happy.gif] We're takin' over.

And I am so PM-ing you in a bit.

Well, I've finally broken the "27 inch curse", I'm officially at........15 inches.   :o  Yep, it's true.  Last Thursday I had a hair appointment, and until the very last minute I was unsure if I was just going for a typical maintenance trim or for a major cut...seems I went for the major cut.  Now, 15 inches is using the measuring method of starting at the hairline and going up and over the head to the ends of my hair, none of my strands are actually 15 inches long, far from it.  My longest locks are around 8 inches at this point.  My official measure before the lop was 27.5", so that's 12.5" taken off the length, ouch!  You think I'd be crying in my soup after that, but I'm not really, at least not so far, maybe it hasn't really hit me yet but I seem to be coping pretty well with the "loss" so far.  The first night and following day was pretty tough, I will admit, I was actually feeling physically ill from the thought of what I had done, but by day 2 I was much better.

So, why did I do it?  I've actually been thinking about it for quite a while, I think I've actually talked about it in my journal here before but wasn't quite ready for the change.  Well, seems my life is all about change these days so it felt natural that if I was ever to do it that now was the time.  Not to mention the frustration of not being able to surpass the 27 inch mark, I was really beginning to feel stale not being able to move forward in growth.  My ends were becoming increasingly more damaged by not trimming as often as my hair really needed it, all in attempt to get that length.  It came to the point where I was rarely, rarely letting my hair down, and when I did I was left with such a tangle!  Detangling my hair day after day lead to more damage and a lot of hair loss, which isn't cool... I'd rather have to deal with short hair for a while than NO hair!  The thinning was definitely a major reason, I'm noticing significantly less hair loss since the cut, which is really, really nice.  I feel like I've got a brand new start to a brand new journey to long and healthy hair.  And that's the miracle of hair, right?  That it WILL GROW BACK.  :)

Now I can look forward to the comment of "Your hair is getting long!" once again along my journey, that will be nice to hear.  :)

As for my shop, we haven't officially closed anything down yet, but we have been in touch with a realtor about possibly putting things up for sale.  :'(  I've never been so distressed and confused in my life, it's terrible, I've never felt so out of control of my own future.  I'm seeing business after business fold and I'm trying my darndest to hang on to every last thread of what I've built up, but  I also can't let it take me down.  Ugh, I HATE these major decisions, I really pray that I make the right one, I'm not sure how much longer I can hold on!  Guidance, dear Lawd, I need guidance!!

Well, I will keep posted on my progress, whether I choose to embrace shorter hair for a while, or choose to jump right back into the goal of my dreaded 27 inches! :P  It's exciting having the choice, I will say that!  Wish me luck...on everything!

Maggie, dear!  Good to hear from you as always.  *hugs*  Yes, I know what you're going through with the thin spot(s).  It's depressing, to say the least, looking in the mirror and seeing scalp where I don't think I should be able to.   :P  So far, my solution has been to part my hair on the other side (on the right) and, for now, that's enough to cover.  I have horrible premonitions of being one of those older ladies we see with little to no hair on top, and what hair they DO have is chopped short.  I have already made a vow to myself that I will NOT be one of those women.  If worse comes to worse, I will shave my head and either (A) go bald or (B) wear a wig.  I've been bald before due to the cancer and it honestly wasn't too bad.   8-)  

I'm sorry to hear about your business.  Could you perhaps work out of your home?  --Sell the store/property but keep the business going?  Though I'm sure you and hubby have gone over every possible scenario.  *hugs*  Just remember, even if the business does go away, it doesn't mean you have failed.  

Ohh, Maggie sis...you already know I wish you luck, but I'll go ahead and say it anyway. ;)

It was almost 10 years ago that my locks went from waist length to 6" so I can sympathize with the shock of suddenly short hair and the looooong journey that lies ahead of you. I bet you're vowing to take the best care of it that you possibly can as it grows out, aren't you? ;) I did too.

Having your own business is tough. My parents are now facing the same decision and that means a change for everyone. But change is good. Hang in there, girl. :)

Good luck on your business and your new hair journey, whatever you decide.

Hello, hello  :)  Figured I was do for a pop-in and update, it's been so long!

Well, my hair is still short, I'm not even going to bother with measuring, it's pointless at this stage :P, it's easier to say that it's above shoulder length and below chin length.  I had it cut again right after the new year, I actually felt that I wanted it a little shorter than it already was, believe it or not.  I went a little more dramatic, I had her cut my bangs short and straight across, and had more of a blunt cut made up to my chin.... she actually had to shave my neck hairs!  Weird, never had that done before.

I'm still not sorry that I did it, but I do miss my long hair from time to time, being able to pull it up in different ways and especially using my hair sticks.  I love hair sticks!  It was a needed change in my life and I will admit that it was really cool to not have to be hair obsessed for a while, not worrying about wind, knotting or tangling, dry and abused ends, not to mention the amount of time it took every day to carefully wash, condition, and wait for it to dry.  I wasn't enjoying it anymore and it was feeling like an unnecessary stress in my life, and lord knows that I don't need anymore stress in my life than I already have!  I think the reprieve did me good and I might be ready to start growing it again.... I might have one more cut in store just to reshape it and prepare it for it's new journey, but I think I got all this short hair stuff out of my system for now.  I wonder how long it will take to get back to where I was??

As for my life and business, well, ugh.  We put the building, just the building...not the business, up for sale before Christmas and let me tell you that it's been a slow-go.  We had one looker weeks ago but haven't heard any offers from him, so it's safe to assume that he's not interested.  A friend of mine is possibly interested in buying it as a rental property, she and her husband are coming to see it on Sunday, so we'll see how that goes.  If it does sell then that'll be the end of my little flower shop, I'll use that money to get out of some debt that this last year has incurred for me and then I guess I'll have to find a job.  Blech.  I must say that these are very depressing times for me, I keep trying to look for the positive things, but it's hard sometimes.  I'm just really hoping to not have to declare bankruptcy.  I've been frequenting an online community dedicated to helping people find ways out of debt, personal and business, and it's really been helpful for me, it's also comforting to know that others out there are in the same boat as me looking for answers to.  Seems we're all learning from each other.

Sorry to be such a downer, but this is where things are at in my life right now.  I hope that a year from now I can look back at this post and say "Thank God all that's over with and things are better now".... "And my hair is so much longer, too!"  ;)

Well, love and best wishes to all of you who read this, I'll keep updating.  :)

Hey Maggie!  Welcome back!  Don't worry things will turn out ok,chin up!!

Welcome back, Maggie! :)  Hope everything works out for you!

Good to hear from you, Maggie.   :)  Listen, if huge corporations like Ford and GM and Bank of America, etc. are having financial problems then you, as a small personal business owner, have no reason to feel bad.  You've done the best you can under adverse conditions and that's all any of us can do.  Our best.  

As to your short hair, I just got a lot of mine cut off, too.   ;)  The thinning sitch, doncha know.  Mine is now collar bone length.  Short enough to disguise any potential problem areas yet long enough to still wear combs and clips and ponytails.  It seems to be the perfect length for me and I love it.  I hope you find your perfect length and/or wish you luck should you decide to grow again.  *hugs*   8-)