I made my first hair product!!

As you can tell from some of my previous posts, I'm natural.  Surprisingly, it seems I use more hair products now than when I had a relaxer.  The hair products that I like get to be a bit expensive after a while... $30 a jar of styling creme just won't do.  I'm trying to be more frugal but use healthy products at the same time.  I guess while I've been a product junkie, I've also been a product snob.

Thanks to one of my friends, I found out about Naptural85 on YouTube.  I love her channel so far.  While I have not tried a lot of her hair styles because I'm either lazy or feel like my hair isn't long enough, I really wanted to try her flaxseed gel and her shea butter cream recipes.  I decided to do the flaxseed gel first because I like to do wash 'n gos.  Maybe I'll use it for an updo of some sort too.

A Tweetup of [Somewhat] Epic Proportions

Mutiny of The Amistad

I'm always on the hunt for new events to attend, especially artsy ones.  I had been wanting to go to see the Hale Woodruff exhibit at the High Museum, so imagine how excited I was when I saw they were having a tweet up?! It was a combo of two interests of mine: art and twitter, they rock! It was also a frugal (read: free) way to see the art work. 

A San Francisco Treat

Fisherman's Wharf!!

This past week, I got to visit one of my favorite cities in the US... San Francisco!!! The Bay Area has held a special place in my heart since I spent the summer of 2001 basking in the lack of need of air conditioning.  That was 11 years ago and since then, I've been able to go back to visit twice.  This time, I went for my sorority's national convention. There was a swarm of pink and green flooding the city and clearly they are not used to seeing a lot of women of color.  Who knows how many questions many of us endured about our bags and why we were dressed up, but I know a few of us got our egos stroked.  The men there loved us and I clearly need to move. 

My Tropical Excursion

Until a few weeks ago, I'd never been anywhere that required a passport.  Honestly, I found that to be quite sad, but that's water under the bridge.  I've been to Canada and the Bahamas, but passports weren't required then.  Well this time, I went to Montego Bay, Jamaica for a friend's 30th birthday.  Needless to say, I was pretty excited at the thought of the beach, sun, wonderful accents and all inclusive fun.

We went on a few excursions, such as a tour of downtown Montego Bay, some hotel/chapel place up in the hills, local shops, Scotchie's and Dunn's River Falls in Ochos Rios.  I enjoyed the beach, the weather and the camaraderie.  I have a few gripes, but the trip had way more positives than negatives. I can't think of more to say at this moment other than I enjoyed the scenery and the food. See some of my pictures after the jump.

Peachtree Road Race

Sometime earlier this year, I pre-registered for the Peachtree Road Race to guarantee that I was able to get a number. Thanks KDLaw! Fast forward to earlier this week... the anticipation was building and I was quite nervous since I heard that this is the largest 10K in the world.

Yesterday, I planned to come home and go to bed early and ensure I got a good night's rest. Well... the train had another plan for my evening.  They had mechanical difficulties a few stops from my destination and we had to get off the train.  They were going to call buses for us to go to other stations.  As this was happening the bottom fell out and there were torrential downpours.  The thought of a crowded bus filled with wet people did not excite me in the least bit.  I called a ride to come pick me up.  While I was waiting, I found a little comedic delight when a dog climbed the stairs and went through the gates like he wanted to catch the train.  People ran and I was so tickled.  I finally got home almost two hours after I intended to.  I finally went to bed a few hours later and it felt like I got the best sleep ever.

Choo Choo

I took a train ride with my dad and they had a historic steam engine.  I'm not a railroad buff, but I had never been on a passenger train as a passenger.  I've ridden in the engine, but this was a different experience.  They had a concession car and one of the guys attempted to get us to sing railroad songs.  I don't know the words to "I've Been Working on the Railroad," so I just looked.  They sang another song, but I don't know what it was, I just clapped (my attempt to participate).  Overall, it was an interesting experience and it was funny seeing all the people along the way taking pictures.

steam engine

 

singing guy

Hapeville Depot

On the Run Again...

I've been saying I'm going to run, I'm going to run, I'm going to run.  Well, today was the second attempt at starting back.  I went back to hilly Stone Mountain and ran with two of my sorority sisters/friends.  We always have fun catching up and chatting, though I can't talk too much because it seems to tire me out a bit.  Honestly, I don't like running right now, but I like how I feel after I run.  I get that sense of accomplishment because I never thought I'd ever run anywhere, unless I'm running from something... and I will run from something, ask my co-worker that I almost left when I thought they were shooting at Screen on the Green last year.  I digress.

Hair Update

After the big chop

I began my natural hair transition in December 2009. I decided that I would finally transition and not get anymore relaxers. It was my second time going natural and I was determined to complete the journey. Well, after transitioning for 8 months, I got tired of two textures and decided to cut my hair. I was just telling my friend about this earlier after we finished bike riding.  After my hair was cut, I had about an inch of hair when it was pressed.  I never thought I'd cut my hair off, but I found it to be quite liberating. I didn't have to go through a long process to do my hair anymore.

Well, August this year I will have been completely natural for two years.  I rarely press my hair but I decided to get my hair pressed yesterday. I was quite happy with the progress my hair has made after a short period of time. I will admit that I don't quite do as much to my hair as I should and I'm still learning how to take care of my hair in its natural state.

Tour de Cure

On Sunday, May 20, I did something I've never done before.  I rode 37, yes 37, miles in the Tour de Cure.  The purpose of the Tour de Cure is to raise awareness about Diabetes and also hopefully help the American Diabetes Association find a cure for this horrible disease.

Initially, I just wanted to ride to push myself as a part of my fitness journey.  I've said before that I'm trying to make an effort to take better care of my body and be more active. Diabetes runs in my family and I definitely don't want that to happen to me. I want to keep all of my limbs and I don't want to be on medicine. So rather than be reactive about my health, I decided to be proactive and exercise.

I Made the News!

I just wanted to share that I'm famous now! I made the AJC. Yes, Rho did her duty and gave her opinion on the proposed changes for trash pick-up. Yes!!

Bye Bye Braces (for real this time...)

One of the last pictures of me

with braces.

On Wednesday, I had what I hoped would be my last day with braces. If you've been reading some of my posts, I had a previous one where I hoped I'd be getting my braces off. Instead, I got new hooks and more bands. Well, this time, my orthodontist said I could get my braces off. You'd think I would have been extra excited. I was excited, but I just knew one of my previously crooked teeth had moved. I'm still not so sure that it hasn't. I've been asking people to look, don't be surprised if I ask you.

Anyways, I got sentimental too because my braces have been a part of my smile for the past year and a half. I actually began to smile more when I got my braces, I'm not sure why. My teeth weren't really that crooked. 

As much as I've been taking pictures of things, I almost forgot to take pictures of the last moments of myself with braces... Although I miss them, we had some good times together and I won't miss the pain of tightening them and changing my bands... Now I have a new pain though, ensuring that I wear my retainers. Since I made such an investment in my teeth, I need to wear it all the time. I'm concerned about my teeth moving and me wasting my money, so I plan on wearing my retainers as much as possible. It's such a hassle to take them out, especially the bottom, that I think they'll reduce all the unnecessary snacking and all the cokes that I like to drink. Well, now I have straight teeth and I like them. More smiles are in my future!! Pictures after the jump!

Black Tie Cinco de Mayo

 

I never celebrated Cinco de Mayo before I moved here, but I do enjoy the food! I know that's not the original purpose of the day, but alas. Anyways, I attended the Black Tie BBQ Cinco de Mayo secret supper last year at Oakland Cemetery and I really wanted to ensure that I went again this year. When I heard the tickets were going on sale April 1 at 9 AM, I figured I should be at the website at that time to make sure I got a ticket. I did that and was quite glad I did because the tickets sold out in 5 minutes.

This year, the secret supper was held at the Cyclorama (yet another location about the Civil War), adjacent to the zoo. I haven't been to the Cyclorama since elementary school and I'll have to go back when it's open for business. The set up was really nice. As appetizers, there was shrimp, crab cakes and a strawberry gazpacho with mint pesto. It was buffet style and we could make tacos with beef, goat, pork or chicken.  I had beef and pork tacos.  There were three salsas: corn, pico, and pineapple. The guacamole was quite delicious and fresh... that's big for me, since I don't usually like it. The music was really good, the food was delicious and the ambiance was superb. I thought it was pretty neat that Patron was a sponsor and there were multiple margaritas to try... I didn't because I'm allergic to citrus. I did try the White Russian though, it was quite good. I've attached some pictures after the jump.

Beltline Bike Tour

I'm finding that the more I ride, the more I want to ride. What better way to start Cinco de Mayo than with perfect weather and exercise? Initially, I wasn't too thrilled because I was thinking of all the eating I wanted to do yesterday, but it turned out to be a superb idea. I could work off some calories before the festivities I planned to participate in later.

Friday, my coworker, J, emailed me about doing the Beltline Tour and my response was, "meh." Then, another coworker, B, asked me about it. I think two people asking about participation semi-piqued my interest... plus there was a noon deadline, so there was no time to think too long about it. I went to the website and because we're doing the Tour de Cure in May, we decided to do the 21 mile, West Side route.

I Won!!

I usually don't win anything, but lately I've been on a little streak. Hopefully, it'll continue. *Please!!* It would've been nice if I'd won that Mega Millions jackpot, but that's ok... I won something even better though, if you like enrichment!!

I entered the Black Enterprise Empowerment Career Advancement bundle contest for April and forgot about it. The prize was a set of three books:

• The Image of Success: Make a Great Impression and Land the Job You Want by Lizandra Vega
• Work Your Strengths: A Scientific Process to Identify Your Skills and Match them to the Best Career for You by Chuck Martin, Richard Guare, Ph.D., and Peg Dawson, Ed.D.
• Coach Yourself to a New Career: 7 Steps to Reinventing Your Professional Life by Talane Miedaner

Imagine my surprise when I checked my email on Tuesday and I had a notification that I won. *insert fist pump here!* I'm excited about the books, especially the second one. I've included pictures below. Thanks Black Enterprise!!!

Black Tea Sheen Supreme Lipglass

I'm always finding new items I love and this time is no different... I previously listed the items that were used in my M•A•C Trend Show makeover. Weeeeelllll, I love the Black Tea Sheen Supreme Lipglass! The color looks brown, but it's very sheer. Wonderful on top of any lipstick or by itself.

Stone Mountain Trail

Near the Candler Park Area

Today we tried a new part of the Stone Mountain trail.  I was fascinated to learn that this trail actually starts in the city near Piedmont Avenue and runs all the way to Stone Mountain for a total of 19 miles.  We started at the Carter Center, rode to Decatur and rode back.

I want to start at Piedmont Avenue and ride to Stone Mountain one day. I also like this trail because a good bit of it is actually set up as a trail with divided lanes.  There were also other perks, once we got to Decatur, they had bike lanes and we stopped at DQ... ahhh ice cream. Near Ponce we rode through some sprinklers, wonderful and cooling on such a hot day... on the way back, I tried to dodge the sprinklers and scuffed my leg on my pedal. If it could happen, right?

We also stopped at an open house, we saw the signs on the way back... When I say the house was a-mazing... I would definitely say it's a dream house. Get this, the street its on is Tuxedo Avenue... it so fit!! The realtor said it was originally a 2 br, one story home and the current owners turned it into a 5br, 2 story home.  The kitchen area was nice and open, perfect for entertaining.  They also had a fabulous back yard, with a screened in back porch. And get this, they have installed a zip line in the backyard for their daughters! Fabulous! It is out of my price range at $650,000+, but one day I'd definitely like a house that nice.

M•A•C Fashion Forward Trend Show

I know I previously said the lady didn't reserve my spot for the trend show, but I had to call back. Why? That's simple; I love make-up.  Make-up is really like art for your face. LOVE IT!! I think one of my dream jobs would be a make-up artist. I basically only use M•A•C, so when they have something I usually go. This time was no different. I got a 1 PM slot and I chose a look that was semi dramatic without me looking like I'm doing theee most.

On the Trail Again...

Ready to go!

I definitely want to make biking a part of my regular exercise regimen.  I find it exhilarating and somewhat calming.  It's also nice to listen to music on low as I ride. As part of my training for the Tour de Cure, I went with some of my coworker pals to ride the Silver Comet Trail. I think I have found a new favorite place to ride... the scenery and terrain was so nice and serene.

It's great to ride with motivated people because they motivate me to keep riding. I tend to end up a bit behind my comrades, but I catch up to them eventually. Yesterday was the furthest I've gone on my bike, 25 miles. I'll say it again. 25 miles!!!! I have to ride 34/37 on the day of the race, so I'm close to my goal. Yes!!

More pictures after the jump.

EJD

If you know me, you know Eric Jerome Dickey is my absolute favorite author. If you don't know me, now you know. Imagine how excited I was when I went to Barnes and Noble's website and I saw that he not only had a new book coming out, but he was doing a book reading/signing!! Every time I know he's coming to town, I'm going to see him and I own all of his books.

He did a reading from his new book An Accidental Affair, it seems to be pretty good so far... I'll probably start reading it tomorrow.

Pi Mile/Getting Fitted

Saturday morning, I did the Pi Mile at Georgia Tech. Leave it to a techie school to name a 5k after pi. Anyways, it was my first time participating and I genuinely had fun. It was nice seeing some of my sorority sisters that were running too.

Because I hadn't been running this winter, half training and my ankle had been hurting, I was wondering how my run would go... Surprisingly, it wasn't too painful. I ran for a good bit, but it was my improper breathing that got me. According to my sport band, it took me like 40 minutes to finish. Perhaps if I had run the whole thing at my initial pace, I would have finished in 30. I really want to get to where I run a 5k in 30 minutes and improve from there.

In the Dark... Purple

I o I went to the gym yesterday for my step sculpt class and had a super duper workout. After the gym, what did I do? Stop by my favorite counter in Dillard's... the MAC counter!!!

I had been trying to avoid them because I always 90% of the time I find something that I want. This time wasn't any different.  They have a line called Reel Sexy and they have the most fabulous purple nail polish and eyeliner. I LOVE PURPLE! The polish is called In the Dark... Purple and honestly, it's the best purple polish I've been able to find. Opaque creme and vibrant. Can you say, "owwww?" I'll say it for you. I had to buy it and paint my nails ASAP. Had. To. Have. IT! How'd it turn out? I'll say haute to trot!! I wore the eyeliner, Resort, today but I didn't take a picture of it. I was truly lovely too.

To add to the fire, they had fliers at the register for a class they're having on the 28th. What?! Seven hours of the new trends for the Spring/Summer. Rho is so there! I made my reservations today. I'll definitely take pictures and give my take on it. I'm getting sleepy, so I'll catch up with you all later.

Update (4/17): I called to verify my reservation... the lady didn't even have my name in the book nor is the class 7 hours.  It's a one hour reservation where they give a makeover. I was a bit disappointed. Ch.

Bye Bye Braces

Today is my last full day with braces. They've been with me for a year and a half. Because I'm my sentimental self. I'll miss them, but I won't at the same time. Sigh. I'll update if my orthodontist takes them off, cross your fingers.

Update (4/11): I didn't get them off. I was a little sad, but oh well. I'll have them for at least a few more weeks.

A GOOD Weekend

Isn't it serene?

Yesterday was Good Friday and I was off work. Yay!!! I got to sleep late and watch a little TV when I woke up like I had to be at work...

Side of the mountain. Ahh, the history.

I had plans to chill inside, but my mom came to visit and she always wants to do something. Initially, I was being a grump, but I obliged.  We ended up going to Stone Mountain and had a little picnic by the water with my aunt.  It was nice and serene.  Then we decided to ride the sky lift to the top of the mountain.  My mom and I decided to walk back down. I tried to convince my aunt, but it didn't work... My mom and I walked down and we had fun. It was a nice experience. (I'm starting to wake up and realize that my parents won't be here forever. It's hard to think about that.)

Little Fish King

I love Rho!

*sings* Little Fish Kiiiiiiing... Ahhh King.  His real name is Pharaoh; King is his nickname. He's my lovable and cute pet Betta.  He's my company on my desk at work.  He's my entertainment when I'm a little bored.  Yet, everyone is trying to kill him off.  Ok, maybe not kill him, but they're always asking if he's still alive. I've even been asked if he dies, could we have a fish funeral a la The Cosby Show. He's alive and he's active too.

I've had King for about a year, I think. When I first got him I spent more money on him than he cost. He may be just a little fishy, but he's Rho's fishy. He was shy when I'd put my finger up to the bowl and swim away.

Eggtastic

As a child, Easter used to be one of my favorite holidays. It wasn't because of the speeches, which I hated, or Jesus rising on the 3rd day (don't judge me). I loved Easter because of the new dresses (big, frilly and ugly) I would get, with socks to match, the basket and the eggs. I really thought I was styling and profiling in those awful dresses, sigh. 
I remember one Easter I got my hair pressed, with a comb, and got Shirley Temple Curls... this was my Grandmama's idea. I didn't like the heat that close to my head or face and needless to say the beautician burned me. 

Most Easters we went to visit my Grandmama and she and I would color real eggs... Do kids still do this today or do they just use plastic ones? I don't really like eggs, but it was fun to color them and go find them when my family hid them.  I don't remember how old I was, but I brought some eggs home and hid them under my bed because I didn't want my Dad to eat them.  In my extra young mind, they were too pretty to be eaten.  Well, I also was young and forgetful.  I forgot the eggs were under my bed. I think my Mom must have smelled them later and they were a rotten mess. Funny, I don't remember a smell. Oops. 

The baskets were another story... They were filled with junk that no kid needs, but oh were they fun! Bright colors, coloring books, stickers, candy... whaaaaa?! Loved them.  Loved them.  LOVED THEM!!! That's about all I remember, other than church and dinner afterward.

I wish everyone a happy Easter and enjoy the eggs if they're still done the old school way. 

Misadventures in Biking

This'll be short. I went with some coworkers to ride on a path that I found on pathfinder.org. This path wasn't the best for bikes and it was really crowded. Aside from that, it's hilly and will definitely help one get acclimated to gears, etc.

I hate going up steep hills. I like them even less if I have to descend them. There was a REALLY steep one with a speed bump and I went down that hill extra slowly because I didn't want to burst my tire on that bump. I'm convinced that's why my coworker's tire went flat. Well there was another hill that I had to descend that wasn't as steep. There was a walker going down and a jogger coming up... I hit my brakes and my back tire jumped off the ground. If I hadn't been blessed to stop, that tumble would have been ugly and painful. I hope that never happens again.

Chef Rho

Every since I've been cooking,
I've been popping my apron.

It's rare that I'm posting more than once in the same day.  But I'm in the mood to cook, so I'm going to post about it.  I'm making crockpot lasagna... I got this recipe from an amazing person, Nada Dee.  Check out her blog under Stuff to See.

Anyways, I made it do what Rho do. (Don't judge my grammar.)  I can say that even though I'm a southern girl, I definitely don't come from a cooking family.  I mean we cooked, but it wasn't edible banging.  I mean, I'm alive aren't I?  So, recently (I've been doing quite a lot recently haven't I?) I've taken it upon myself to learn to cook become a whiz in the kitchen.  With the exception of my initial try at asparagus, my food has turned out wonderfully.  Reading is fundamental and cookbooks and my friends have been a great help with this adventure.

The Unexpected

Have you ever thought about someone you haven't seen in years, I mean yeeeeears, and you see them in the least expected place? Well, that happened to me this morning. Needless to say, I was truly excited. (I'm blogging as I walk. Multitasking at its best!)

I was getting my standard sugar-free caramel latte with soy from The Bucks and walking back to the office when I heard my name. I was wondering who would be calling "Rho!" out of the blue. Lo and behold, it was a classmate from my first round of college that I haven't seen in at least 7 years. I was actually wondering how he was a few weeks ago.

I'm a Glutton for Punishment (for a Good Cause)...

So you know (my fave phrase) I've been on a healthy for life kick right?  In case you didn't read my other posts, I am.  It's been a bit of an uphill struggle for me. I've been trying to exercise regularly, but my eating habits... not so hot.  I have a 5K next month, a 37 mile ride in May, a beginner's triathlon in June and a 10K in July.  I've been doing the absolute most by signing up for all these activities... heh heh. The. Most.  I've been thinking I need to get on the ball to train so I won't embarrass myself.

Delving into Art

Art has always been a passion of mine.  I think if I wasn't told I'd be a starving artist, I would have chosen art for a career. Or, I would've been a hairstylist... Both are art, but I think the artist fits my personality better.  I admire people that choose whatever career they want because it's their passion. For the past few years, I've tried to find a constructive way to occupy my time. Sometimes, when I discover (or rediscover) something new, I tend to go a bit overboard. This time wasn't an exception.

I'm Back for the Third Time...

I keep saying that I'm going to be consistent with blogging, but I have yet to figure out what I want to blog about. Since I've last blogged, I've changed a smidge. I've started running, biking, gone natural, attempted to knit, become a make-up fanatic... the list goes on and on and on.

So the question remains, "what do I blog about?" I don't want to be boring -> this blogger's fear. So for today, I'll discuss my new athletic exploits.