Steppin' Out on SEPTA: People with Dementia

I wondered this many times but what exactly results in a person wildly traveling on public transportation, loudly muttering to themselves and being aggressive to other people. I almost feel bad for the random folks I see in the subway, since its almost obvious that their families are not around. I would not allow my mother or father in their old age, to wander the streets of Philadelphia with no caretaker, especially if they have some sort of mental disease. It's a sad sight to see. As for the drunkards, take a break until you get home, you reek of alcohol and your dirty words are disgusting and unwanted.

Squidwards, Spongebobs, & Patricks

So I just realized today that all my co-workers fit in one of three categories (yes, I still watch Spongebob Squarepants on occassion...what's not to like? Lol). There are Squidwards who stay inherently miserable and angry at the world, which is supposedly out to get them. There's the Spongebobs who are goofy, fun, and take life with a grain of salt (that's my category, lol). And of course, there are the Patricks, who couldn't buy a clue if it was on 75% off clearance, lol. Who knew I worked in Bikini Bottom?

(Oh, I forgot about Sandi...I'm sure I'd like the Sandies though...always cheery and spontaneous!)

Brain Function

Silence just means that your brain is processing information exponentially.

The Realist

I think I've managed to evolve into the real me
Swiftly
Gently
Slowly
Over time
A decade's time
Restless teenager whines into womanhood
Struggling through unbeaten paths blindly
Sitting in untraveled meadows with your head down and you heart up
Hard up

Deaf down
Duck down
Look around
Its all beauty
Beautiful
Blinding

Is that light on the horizon?
Do I feel enlightened on the horizon?

The hair lightly gracing my back and shoulders
The curves have all fallen into place

The curve of my lips turn into a smile
Freeze forever in time
Reflect off my heart
Multiply
And die

Dive down into untraveled waters still
Brought my scuba gear here

Not sure where I'm traveling yet
But believe I'm prepared as I'm going to be

Eloquently speaking
Speaking into existence
All my intelligence
It melts into life
Sticky on the surface but still lickable off my fingers

I can taste it
This wealth of experience
Just a mere entrance
Into that folklore that is past the present

Dipping into the future with blindfolds on and arms raised
"Don't arrest me officer, I'm innocent"
I don't think I understand yet
But I comprehend
What needs to be done here

Keep trekking through those untraveled waters
Blindly
But my body's still wet.

The Tightest Hottest Mini-Skirt, I've ever Owned

So, I went to Old Navy not too long ago just to peruse the aisles and see if they had anything good cuz I haven't been shopping in awhile.

I'm down 39.5 lbs and I thought it'd be interesting to see what I could slide up into, that and I think I had something cool to go do with my friends. So, I'm walking around the store, and the only things that stood out to me were some awesome denim leggings, and a couple skirts that were hanging around the same area.

I grabbed a skirt in a larger size and a mini-skirt in a smaller size. I realize that the mini-skirt may not fit, but I wanted to see how far along I've come with my weight loss progress.

First I tried on the skirt which was a size 20. I knew it was very possible that it was too big, but there was definitely a point where this skirt would of fit pretty snug so I gave it a try.

Now, since I was so eager to try on this mini, I tried that first.

I held up the skirt and looked at it, it was pretty small to me. I proceeded to try and hike it up anyways.

I put both thighs in and when I realized the skirt was sliding up my legs, I got so excited! I managed to pull it up over my hips and give it a zip...I was wearing a size 16 for the first time since high school. Granted the skirt was a little tight, but that was ok because I managed to put it on in the first place. I put the denim leggings to the side to purchase in the fall (didn't wanna get too crazy during my shopping experience), and bought my new skirt.

I am so excited to wear it after I lose a few more pounds.

Yay me!

Steppin' Out on SEPTA: Flashed & Mobbed

I've told this story a million times, so I'm going to tell it one more time here, and pass it on!

So, I was off to meet one of my very good friends, Elsa, for a drink after a long, hard week at work at this awesome lounge in Center City, Vango. It was extremely cool in there, very intimate and chill, and the drink I had was awesome!

But, all I have to say is, getting down there was quite a chore.

I live pretty far down on the Broad Street Line (the subway, if you're not from the area), and I hopped on knowing it would take 20 min for me to get downtown. I called Elsa right before I got on so we could meet up around the same time at the lounge.

At the next stop, we were sitting for 3 minutes. In train time, that's a a long time to just open the doors to let people off. I looked around wondering what was going on, but once we moved I sat back and returned to my Ipod. At the next stop and all stops following it was the same deal and my 20 minute ride was almost doubling due to the delay it took to close the door. Finally after 5 stops, we stopped for good and my train was out of service.

Now this has happened before. The train had broken down or there were signaling problems, and I had to press pause on my whole day. This is not what happened at all.

Everyone got off the train, got back on thinking things we're ok again, and then got back off. The second time I got off I was annoyed, so I asked some ladies (which is outta character, since I usually stay to myself) standing by the door what was going on.

They began to explain to me that a flash mob of teenagers was on the train, causing issues by standing in the doorways, and preventing the doors from closing. The train stopped so the "authorities" could check on the train, and possibly let the flash mob move on with their nonsense.

Luckily, the longer we waited, the more kids hopped off the train. A large group of teenage girls walked by telling me (in my own mind) before I even spoke with the ladies that there was trouble.

We commenced on discussing what the hell was wrong with the youth in our city.

Here's my opinion:
My first question is: where are the parents? I could never get away with anything close to acting a darn fool anywhere because my parents had me in check, and they didn't play that. Second, what possessed you to think this is cool? Like what's so fun about terrorizing people?, and in large groups?

I could really go on and on with how I feel but I'm exhausted with all of this nonsense. I just hope I don't get caught up in this mess again (God-willing), because I'm not beat.

I wish more men would stop actin like boys...

But a lot of them aren't ready for that yet.

It's been said a thousand times but: why does organic always mean expensive?

Ok so this journey all began when I slowly weened myself off of all products that contain parabens.

If you feel like I do, then you know exactly what they are and why they're not safe. If you don't, let me school you for a min:

In terms of organic chemistry, parabens are esters (remember that =O & -OH group fellow science aficionados!) of para-hydroxybenzoic acid (thanks Wikipedia!). They are used in tons of cosmetics as a preservative to prevent molding. Recent studies show that parabens, when put on on the skin, are absorbed directly into the bloodstrem. The problem is: parabens mimic the hormone oestrogen in the endocrine system. What this really means is its disruptive because it mimics the nature of hormones that normally function in the body. A recent study on breast cancer patients showed that there were traces of parabens in cancer tumors. Since most deodorants contain parabens, many of these tumors were found in the uppermost regions of the breast near the underarm. Parabens when put on other parts of the body, were said to possibly be able to travel through the bloodstream and influence the tumor, maybe even driving its growth. There is still a lot of research to be done, but with my family history of breast cancer, I'd like to take as little risks in that department as possible.

So back to the point.

I found out recently that one of my favorite lotions contained methylparabens (Check your ingredients; it's listed as methylparaben, ethylparaben, or propylparaben). Let me just say I was soooooooo very upset. Well, I tried using the product one more time after I found out, and five minutes later, commenced in wildly scrubbing my feet to remove what was left of the product. I just couldn't do it. So today I went to my local drug store to find an alternative.

I've already been in love with St. I've's for ages but I'm even more in love now that I found out all their products are formulated without parabens (well most of them, still check the label). I was convinced they were my solution, but I wasn't completely opposed to finding organic products.

Well, when I first walked in the lotion section, I passed the organic section. Instead of checking them first, I wanted to look at the more cost-effective options and see what they were hitting for. St. Ive's Oatmeal & Shea Butter lotion was definitely paraben-free. I checked a couple other brands and many, to my dismay, did contain parabens. I picked up my St. Ive's and Nivea hand cream (which contains mineral oil-which is a whole 'nother story, but for now, I'll take it) and proceeded to the check out counter. I almost passed the "100% organic" section again until I saw a glorious product- organic mango body butter. Body and butter are my favorite key words! I tried a little on my hand and was mesmerized! For 6 oz though, it was $6. Nothing crazy, but not nearly as cost-effective as St. Ive's. I even checked another brand that had a similar 6 oz product for $13! I would of considered it, but it contained PARABENS! I was so mad because there is nothing organic about that!

Well this was loaded but all-in-all I just wanted to express how difficult it is to find good-for-you products. I love my body and wish to cherish it, but I'm a diva-on-a-budget and will have to play it cool for now.

Eyebrow Threading

One of my very best friends (who is pretty upset with me right now :( ), said that the reason people don't know as much as they did back in the day is because people don't spend as much time passing on their experiences and trades like they used to.

I'd have to agree for the simple fact that from my personal experience (which means results may vary), I felt that I was often presented with information, but never told how to use it. Trial and error is fun (not really), but some help along the way is always awesome.

This is why I'm always sharing all the wealths of information I've been blessed with so someone can learn and have the resources that I didn't have growing up to make better decisions than I did!

Anyways...this is about threading, right? Lol.

I got my eyebrows threaded for the second time last Friday. The picture above was taken today, so that means the process is a week old. I think they still look pretty lovely, right?

Well, let me just say that it was completely painless first of all. It tickled a little, and at the most pinched, but nothing in comparison to waxing.

The lady who did my brows was really sweet and told me all about threading.

Here's a little background:

Back in Pakistan there are beauty schools where the women learn all about cosmetology, including threading. Many women learn from their mother's as well. It was cute because when I asked her if it was hard to learn she said,"nothing is hard" and, "if you want to do it, you can do it". She gets an A+ for giving me some motivation that day.

Oh and btw, she said women are doing this more so than men because it is customary that women do most of the work in Pakistan, and the men are not responsible for doing it. That's what I got from it anyways. I cracked a joke and said that men wish it was the same way here, lol (definitely not happening here, fellas). Anyways, I'm making this sound like a 3 hour process but it definitely took like 5 minutes. She rubbed some oil on my brows and I was on my way!

I had no irritation like I get from wax, no redness, and none of those little itchy bumps either.

I was extremely pleased to say the least!

The process lasts about 3-4 weeks, but I think it was lovely and will be integrating it into my regular beauty regimen once a month!

Write Byte: King of Sorrow

The plot thickens in the night,
Because in the daytime
He is the light.

Write Byte: Heart Strings

Panoramic views
Dark night skies
Whispers of a night breeze

Can you feel it?

It's calling from deep within the night
At the pitch of a dog's whistle
If you breath in deep, you'll miss it

Then in the morning it's
Jumping out the sun
And the stems of roses

A child's laughter
A mother's child
Matrimony

It's love.

My New Nighttime Regimen

Ok, I'll admit it right here: I used to not brush my teeth before I went to bed. It wasn't because I didn't realize the benefits, it was because I'm kinda lazy. I admitted it. I'm a low maintenance girly girl, and even though I love everything that sparkles, high maintenance upkeep is not my cup 'o tea. This of course is not high maintenance, but just wasn't found necessary by yours truly.

Well, over the years I've become more and more unhappy with my teeth. After a child at the tutoring center I work at on occassion was mean and said my teeth look like butter (its ok you can laugh at that junior a-hole, I love kids but c'mon), I've started to reanalyze my dental health.

The last time I went to the dentist (I'm in love with my new dentist! He is the most gentle and funny dentist I've ever had, and he doesn't make me feel insecure when it comes to my dentition like my last dentist), I was sent away with a clean bill of health except some crowding issues I was aware of. Although this was the case, I still knew deep inside that I didn't like the appearance of my teeth.

I've tried whitening trays and paste, and those only seem to be temporary, but who knew adding a second brushing would be so beneficial.

Go ahead, say it: "duh!" Lol.

So I am proud to say that after a week of brushing before bed, my teeth already are lightening and I am off to a as-close-to-white-as-I-can-get smile. Woo hoo!

As a side note, I also started washing my face before bed (which also wasn't customary), and my skin is a lot less oily and has a lot less redness. I mean I like my little glow I be havin' goin' on but fa reals, it makes blush obselete in some of the worst ways on occasion.

So, I'm thinking this an easy new routine I've developed that will really help in my overall health!

My love for Sushi

I am a self-proclaimed foodie, and with my wealth of culinary knowledge, I have gone out and tried a-many a new thing. I'm one of those cooks who will be quick to give you advice on your techniques, and for your future reference, will give you a full explanation why.

I'm in no means saying I'm an expert. I'm just saying that when you spend every Saturday enjoying the cooking shows on The Food Network, you learn a lot of stuff you didn't know, and a lot of tricks and tips that make a ton of sense.

Now I have no idea when I first tried sushi. For some reason I can't remember that wonderful experience I had when I picked up my first maki roll and went to town. All I know is that now, I cannot live without it!

It seems like sushi almost has a cult following.

Everyone who I knows that loves it, craves it constantly. Everyone that's not too well-versed in it just asks, "Why would you eat raw fish?". If you know what I know, its a whole lot deeper than that!

There's good sushi and bad sushi. But good sushi-that is a whole 'nother awesome story!

There's something about when the sushi rice has that perfect bite, and the fish is fresh and flavorful, and the sauce (if there is one) is perfectly sweet or salty or even spicy. Let me just say I'm salivating.

I can't wait to grab some with my sister this weekend.

Sushi and wine...sounds like the perfect girl's night out! :)

A Curly Girl's: Transition to Natural Hair

The beginning of my journey: relaxed hair...

Apparently I'm a touch narcissitic (more like self-conscious, on the other end of the spectrum), because I just realized I have 175 photos of myself in my Sprint Picture Mail account. Luckily, I've found that these photos document my transition from relaxed to natural hair. I've always had a complex when it came to my hair. Although I've always been told I had beautiful hair throughout the years, I've come to realize that my hair is so truly special now to me. I don't worry about the weather, sweating, HUMIDITY (not as much at least), going to the beach...who knew my hair could cause me this much stress?

I am in a new frame of mind and my hair makes me feel free. I know it was the perfect time to transition.

While transitioning I went through many phases. I receieved my last relaxer on August 1, 2008. I grew out my relaxer for 7 months and then had it pressed and cut off about 6 inches of hair in May 2009. The result was a cute chin length bob I wore straight for 2 days. From there I continued my transition.

My chin length bob right after I got it cut-cute, right? The day after...going to a dinner party...



Throughout this time period I did tons of beautiful roller sets (a style I leave for the winter months), wash and gos, braid outs, and a lot of textured updos.

Roller-set:


Wash & Go (post 6-in trim):



Braid-out:



On August 1, 2009, I did my version of the big chop and let go 2 more inches of hair (photo below).



I was liberated and able to do so many more styles with 100 % natural hair. I added twist-outs, curly fros, and fro-hawks to my hair arsenal and became unstoppable! Lol ok not really but I am quickly approaching my 2 year Nappiversary and at my last length check (in which I did my first blow-out in 6 months), I had hair that was healthy and 2-3 inches past my shoulders. I also did a bit of a trim (which I don't do often). I have tried tons of hairstyles and have found a new self-confidence I didn't know I had (tons of style photos below!).

Last but not least, one week after my light trim...wow, have these locs grown!

I've said it and will say it again: "I am...in love."

A Poet's in the Corner: Intelligence, pt. #2

If I could swim in an ocean of intellect
I'd be so turned on
I'd electrify
Be a constant energy source for charged-up onlookers

Hair-raising, frizzy, frying, personified humidity

Lightning striking down on society

Spitting words like a crazed rapper tells stories
Of grandeur, and glitz, and glamour

I love to fashion my intellect

Sport it in writing

"Can I get that in writing?"

Express that to me.
Verbally or non-verbally.

Educate.
Influence.
Ignorance isn't ever bliss.

Elaborate.

I knew that.
"Oh really?"

Believe me.
I'm more than serious about this.

A Curly Girl's: Doodling Method & Doodle Twist-Out

As aforementioned (I love that word but never get the chance to use it without feeling snobby lol), my hair tends to set in about a million different ways. Since this is the case, I decided to show what it looks like when I first set my hair, and what it looks like after I sleep on it for a few days.

I must say that 2nd, 3rd, and 4th day hair always looks the best to me, but certain sets tend to look very pretty on the first day and soften with time. Doodles, which are also called a coil- out, are one of my favorite FAVORITE hairstyles! This is one of the first methods of hairstyling I learned from tightlycurly.com when I first started my natural hair journey, and is a method I still use to style my tresses.

It is a tad time consuming, so I only tend to do this style on days where I have extra time to style my hair and let it dry before going to bed. I wouldn't suggest doing this style right before bed since it can tend to smoosh to your head while your sleeping. I like to do this when I have extra time before I get ready to go out for the day, so I can let it air-dry, and then twist it before bed.

For a more extensive tutorial, read where I learned this wonderful natural's method @ tightlycurly.com.

I tend to start most of my styles in the front of my head so when I get tired and lazy towards the back, noone will see it lol. Anyways, after washing and conditioning with a leave in, I part out a section of hair, and pin the rest back. Depending on how big of a curl I want, I section a small piece out and starting at the root, twirl the piece gently around my finger (don't pull too hard or you'll pull out your hair!). I then drop the curl gently and proceed to section off and curl the rest of the hair in that section. It can take awhile but it is so worth it! I usually wear the style for the day, and then at night, take each section, being careful not to break any of the curls, and gently twist them together. In the morning you will be able to gently undo the twists, and separate them with your fingers. Pictures are posted below!

The Doodling Method: the result is a very defined curl...

The Doodle twist-out: about 3 days later, the doodles or coils have all softened into pretty delicate waves...I love my hair like this! I get a lot of compliments :)

Delays

Although I love creative writing and usually write with much intention and purpose, a lot of what I write is more inspired than it is written on some sort of time frame. I noticed I still have about 8 or so blogs to write, as promised, on natural hair and just haven't gotten to them yet. It's not that I don't want to provide everyone with this information, but more so I want everything to be right before I start the writing process. I have to find the necessary pictures, etc to conjure up these blogs, and make sure I link the proper resources.

So in short, sorry for any hold-ups because I didn't intend on taking this long. Lol. I'm sure you didn't notice though :).