Interviewing

Angela, my blogger friend, has encouraged me to begin my job search with her many employment offers. I had been procrastinating with updating my resume. I only needed to add my current job, but for some reason never found the time. A few weeks ago, I stayed up until 1:15am to complete my resume and apply for two position that I have a strong interest in. It's not that I'm unhappy at my current job. I call it "testing the market." I need more money for J and I. He'll be leaving for college in two years and I need to get my finances in order ASAP.

After two telephone interviews, I was asked to come in. I scheduled both interviews for the same day within 1 1/2 of each other. I am confident that I will do well. I have learned to just be myself and not try so hard to impress the interviewer, because if it's for me God will make it happen. :o)

My only issues is my natural hair. I pledge not to put any heat on my hair for one year. It is very important that I land one of these positions and I don't want my hair to be an issue. So, I purchased a wig for my interview. lol What do you think?

FYI - I wore the wig to work and everyone gave me the thumbs up. :o)

Do you think it's necessary to change yourself to better yourself, even it's just "hair"?

I Can Do Hair

I have been two strand twisting, flat twisting, banding, and coiling my hair, since going natural seven months ago. I've become pretty good in styling my hair. Lately, I have been telling my family and friends to let me do their hair. Well, my cousin, D, was brave enough to allow me to two strand twisted her hair and it turned out really nice. Check out the pics.

She's really happy with it. So, happy that she sent me this text, "Next time you can do them smaller. Actually, different sizes for practice." I started laughing and responded, "I don't need practice. I have a full-time job." I know I have a smart mouth. :o) I must confess that I enjoyed doing her hair.

We washed her hair with my Karess Krafters Shampoo Bar, her Nexxus Conditioner and I used Jamaican Mango & Lime Locking Gel and Jamaican Mango & Lime Resistant Formula Locking Gel to twist. Her hair was so bouncy when I was finished. I really felt good about my work. Now, I just wish my hair was the same length has hers. I could really have some fun with my hair.

What is your favorite hairstyle?

I Love Run's House!

My favorite reality show has been Run's House, since Season Two aired. I have enjoyed watching with J, because of the family dynamics. They have opened their lives for everyone to see. I know they edit the episodes, but still have let us in to see the heartaches, struggles, and challenges. What has resonated with me the most is the FAMILY LOVE they have shown and how the father (Rev Run) is revered the head of house. He is very much respected by his family. I JUST LOVE THEM. So, I couldn't wait for Season Six to start. Oh boy did it start. (Yes my DVR/TiVo is set to record all new episodes.) :o)

J has slacked in watching a few seasons, which is fine. However, it was important that he watched last Monday's show. My heart sunk when JoJo (the oldest son) was arrested for possession of marijuana and reckless endangerment. I cried. Goodness, children can bring out so many emotions, because of their choices. It makes parents feel like they haven't done their job.

In watching the show, I was pleased how Rev Run handled the situation with JoJo, but it took big brother, Russell, to remind him of his marijuana smoking back in the day. At first, I thought Rev Run's only concern was the family image and not JoJo. Then, I remember how I have explained to J that he represents me when he's out and vice verse.

I could see the pain JoJo was feeling. He looked defeated, embarrassed, and remorseful. He knew that it wasn't the image he wanted portrayed to his younger brothers (Diggy & Russy). I have expressed to J that every choice has a consequent, because he has made a few questionable choices and one that was extremely disappointing.

This episode was a GREAT conversational piece for J and me. :o)

Run's House is the finest entertainment out and has been for four years. Check it out on Mondays 9 pm CST MTV.

What's your favorite reality television show and why?

How would you haved handle the situation, if your child was arrested for possession of marijuana? I pray this never happens to J, but I would hire an attorney and do my best to have the charges reduced. We would have talk (more like I would fuss) and let it go, because he would be beating himself up on the inside.

Where were you when you heard?

The day Michael Jackson pass will always be a day I'll remember what I was doing and where I was at. It has been a powerful musical day today. I love all the Michael Jackson songs. It has taken we back to some wonderful memories.

Here are some of them.

• Standing in front of the dresser mirror doing the "Rock" with my fake microphone sing "Rock With You" on my record player.
• Trying to do the moonwalk unsuccessfully. :o)
• My one and only Michael Jackson concert as a tween.
• Excited about the premier of the Thriller video.
• Listening to my Jackson 5 Christmas album enjoying "I Saw Mommy Singing Santa Clause." :o)
• Stephanie C. wearing the MJ glove to high school, it could have been junior high. I was quite hilarious then. lol

I downloaded some MJ videos on my iPod last night. (Remember The Time, Rock with You, Billy Jean, Thriller and another one I can't recall.)

My favorite Michael Jackson album: Off The Wall
My favorite Michael Jackson song: Man In The Mirror (I love the intro - I'm gonna make a chance for once in my life...)
My favorite Michael Jackson video: Thriller, but I love Remember The Time.

Where were you when you heard Michael Jackson was dead at age 50? :o(
I was working at my desk listening to the radio and if you know me I rarely listen to the radio.

I'm in total shock. I can't put my head around him leaving this world at 50. It just makes me realize again tomorrow isn't promise to anyone and put GOD first.

God Bless The Jackson Family in their time of mourning!

Karess Krafters - Homemade Shampoo Bars

I haven't posted about hair products lately. I have received some good advice from Mature Natural Weblog. First, it was Darcy's Botanical Madagascar Vanilla Styling Crème and now, Karess Krafter Homemade Babassu Herbal Shampoo Bar. I just wet my hair and rub the bar all over. It has a great lather. My hair is squeaky clean without losing its moisture. The smell is incredibly pleasant.

Here are the product facts from the Karess Krafter:

What is it?

Shampoo bars are an all natural conditioning shampoo in a solid form. Our natural shampoo bars are formulated in small batches with rich oils, soothing herbs and premium essential oils designed to naturally clean, strengthen and condition your scalp and hair while leaving your hair soft, shiny, and most of all HEALTHY! An herbal essence infusion of Marshmallow, Burdock Root, Nettle and Hibiscus conditions, nourishes and soothes hair and scalp as well as provide better manageability. Marshmallow helps provide slip to the hair to combat detangling while conditioning at the same time. Burdock Root is reputed for its ability to promote hair growth while Nettle helps control dandruff and Hibiscus soothe scalp conditions. Herbs are already well known for their nutritive properties and the oils used in our Babassu Herbal Essence Shampoo bar are just as remarkable. Babassu restores strength and elasticity to hair. Hemp Seed oil is high in omega 3 and 6 and gamma linolenic acid, which makes an excellent natural emollient and moisturizer for your hair. Rice Bran Oil conditions and moisturizes hair. The essential oil blend is a warm scent with hints of spice that stimulates hair growth.

How It Works?

Saturate hair, separate into sections (if necessary, for easier manageability) and work bar into a lather directly on your scalp. Massage into hair and scalp, then rinse and condition if needed.

My initial order consisted of the Babassu Herbal, Beer, and Botanical Shampoo Bars. J is using the Beer Shampoo Bar. The shampoo bars are now a hair staple for us. Now, I just need a good natural deep conditioner. :o)

What shampoo and deep conditioner work well for you?

Off Day

I was off yesterday and would have loved to have just gone back to Memphis or rode up to Chicago for the weekend. However, the funds are low. If I had a newer automobile J and I went have flown the coop. My car is a 1997 Toyota Camry. I don't have any intentions of purchasing a new car anytime soon unless the Lord blesses me with one. Eventually, a new one will be in my future.

J and I were up and out of the house before 11:30 am. I had to close an Uppercase Living party that was held last month. My hostess wanted to show her family and friends in another state the product before closing it. It turned off to be a good show. I sold $400 in product, which wasn't too bad.

Those of you who aren't familiar with Uppercase Living it's vinyl expression/words you can add to about any surface. I just love them. They add so much character to your home. Let me know if you are interested in learning more about the product. :o) Below is an express I have in my home.

Then it was time to eat, but I wasn't sure where we would dine. So, I went to my GPS Nuvi 750 for help. It listed all the restaurants in the area and we decided on Red Robin. Neither of us had been and didn't know what to expect.

We walked in a the place had so much energy from the bright red walls. There were pictures cascade of every possible thing you could imagine. I told J the pics would look nice in a basement movie room. When the menu was placed in front of us my eyes got big, because I wanted everything on it. My entree choices were the following:

• Whiskey River BBQ Burger,
• Burnin' Love Burger (J chose this one)

Bruschetta Chicken Burger

I went with the Bruschetta Chicken Burger with garlic chicken steak fries. YUMMY!

We will be dining at Red Robin Gourmet Burgers again!

After lunch, I dropped J off at Barnes & Noble. He loves bookstores and can stay there for hours. So, I knew that I could go to the Sprint Store and have my cell service and return and J still enjoying his time at the bookstore. I was right. When I returned he was still looking and reading books. I didn't rush him to finish. It gave me a chance to view the bargain books.

The bargain book section is an excellent way to try an author you wouldn't normally read at a "bargain" price. I love reading Walter Mosley, but only his Easy Rawlins series. Yesterday, I picked up Killing Johnny Fry to see if I'll still enjoy him as an author/writer without Easy. The book is very good and the price tag of $5.95 (hardback cover) made it even better. I also purchased Church Folk by Michele Andrea Bowen whom I have never read. The storyline is promising. I'll follow up later on my reading progress.
(J did purchase a new comic series by James Patterson.)

We stayed at the bookstore until it was time for us to head to J's Engineering Club meeting. He hadn't been there in some months due to school obligations. I sat in the foyer and read Killing Johnny Fry and talked on my cell. When we left I felt exhausted. I wished J could drive. I just wanted to get home and hit the bed.

When we got home I crawled in the bed with my Walter Mosley book. I didn't get far with my reading, because the telephone started ringing. Then, I needed to twist my hair and that's an hour process, but it gave me a chance to watch So You Think You Can Dance...oh how I wish I could express myself though dance. My eyes didn't close until well past 11:45pm, by the time, I finished my hair, surfed the web and whatever else I did.

Do you find your off days exhausting?

Six Week Challenge

My blogger friend, Angela, is not happy with the picture I posted of us July 16. She has shared her displeasure of herself in the pic via blog posting, email and text. She even sent me a nice picture to replace it of my sister, son and myself. I'm sorry, but the picture is staying. :o)

The picture doesn't reflect the appearance I want of myself, but it's me right now. (Remember photos add weight. lol) For the last couple of years, I have struggled with my weight. I know it has to do with my age, stress, eating habits and the inconsistent exercise program. My son is starting to make comments about my food choices.

It's not that I'm fat and disgusting. I just need to tone the triceps, back, abs, stomach and thighs. Most people wouldn't believe me if I told them my current weight. When I share with them they are shock. I just hide it well, but sometimes not well enough. I want to stop hiding it. I want it gone for good.

Here is what I am challenging Angela and me. You can join in. I will be in Angela's city the end of July, first of August. Then I would like to take a picture of us and post it showing our weight-loss. What does this mean? We both need to get motivate to loss weight for the challenge, since we were so unhappy with ourselves in the picture.

This is my new schedule for an active lifestyle:

Exercising

• Cardio (walking, running, biking or jumping rope) 4-5 times a week (SunTueWedFrSat). Did you know 1 minutes of jumping rope burnings 100 calories?
• Exercise bands or free weights 3 times a week (MonThrSat)
  
  
  
  
• Abs exercise 5-7 times a week. This is my problem area - weak abs = bad back.

I find it easier to exercise when I have music. Therefore, my iPod comes in handy.

Eating

• Incorporate more fruit and vegetables in my daily intake. Summer is the perfect time to eat fruits. I love homemade smoothies

1 cup of fresh or frozen strawberries
1/2 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries
1 banana
1 (or 1 1/2) cup of vanilla yogurt
Put into a blend (add some ice if you use fresh fruit). Yum!

• Less meat and more soy for me. According to Eat Right 4 Your Blood Type, I should eat like a vegan. I have an interesting veggie juice.

5 leaves (or so) kale
2 stalks celery
1 cucumber
Place the veggies in a juicer and enjoy. (NOT! It's nasty, but good for you.)

• No ice cream, potato chips, chocolate and stay away from fast food. :o)
  
  
  

A good nutrition website is Nutrition Diva, which is also a free podcast.

If you are interested in joining us, please take a picture of yourself before June 21 and another picture August 2. Let me know you are up for the challenge and I'll provide you with an email address to send your pics. I think it will be fun.

My goal at the end of the six week challenge is to have lost approximately 10 - 15 solid pounds. Angela, I hope you are up for the challenge.

What is a reasonable amount of weight to loss in six weeks?