Sunday, February 28, 2010

Baggy Method Anyone?

With the cooler weather approaching fast I am starting to think about this year's winter regimen. Last year bunning worked GREAT with my length retention but I never really found something to work for my itchy winter scalp. All winter long my scalp itched in one spot - the crown. It drove me crazy. I am thinking that maybe I need more moisture but that would be terrible for my buns (having to redo them often during the week).

Since I seem to experience more growth during the winter I am trying to add elements to my regimen that will retain length but are still somewhat low manipulation, so I am considering the "baggy method." Keyword: considering

I really like Chicoro's Baggy Method.

For those that have tried the baggy method for an extended period of time, what are your thoughts?



Rainy.

Blue and black

It's been rainy here for a few days now, and I actually kind of like it since I think I have more outfit choices when it's not as warm (perhaps because that is what I am used to), but I am sure the warmth will come back pretty soon again anyway. I started going to a Hebrew course last week to be able to learn the language. I really like feeling that I understand more and more of what people are saying every day, though I think I am a little lazy not studying as much as I should. I have quite a bit of homework to hand in for tomorrow, so I suppose I need to go and do that...


Blue and blackBlue and black Blue and black
Blue and blackBlue and black

Tights from Accessorize, shoes by SixtySeven and everything else from H&M

Saturday, February 27, 2010

you know you're facing finals in a design program when.....


.... your fridge looks like this.

ps: don't worry mom, I went to the grocery store today.

February - #44! So Much to See, So Much to Do!

So much has happened since the last blog. I had a birthday (44 - ugh!), we toured Alcatraz Island, and I'm making great progress on my Leviathan sweater. My birthday was a weekend. Andrew is so sweet, and he makes me feel special everyday. He gave me a dozen orangey-peach and yellow roses and a chocolate birthday cake with whipped cream frosting:

I don't know why he put my "1st birthday" on it. It did have Tinkerbell trinkets on the cake.

The day before, we went to my beloved San Francisco. I LOVE San Francisco. We started the day at a BEAUTIFUL restaurant called The Cliff House. It's on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge. The views were spectacular. I had a Bellini and we shared a plate of spicy calamari. I definitely want to go back to that place.





Then it was off to Alcatraz. It's a penitentary, what else is there to say. I do like the fact that none of the prisoners had to share a cell. It was interesting. I delighted in the fact that some of the prisoners learned to knit and crochet.






We ended up at my most favorite restaurant, The Crab House. I could eat pounds and pounds of the crab. The garlic fries are to die for also. I'm still trying to decipher the recipe. The navy neckwarmer made its first public appearance:


All in all, it was one of the best birthdays I've ever had. Andrew makes it all so special.

On the hair front, I was scouring You Tube looking for layered haircutting vids, and I came across the CreaCut. It looked so neat that I ordered it. Click here for the You Tube video. I'm a little nervous, because I ordered it on Thursday, now their actual http link doesn't work. I'm needing bangs and layers in my Virgin Malaysian Straight. Hopefully, when I start working (a regular job), I'll be able to purchase a new wig whenever I want. I'll keep no more than 3 at a time. I decided to retire the hybrid virgin malaysian loose curly/Amina. I wore it for the birthday weekend, but she was shedding up a storm. I tried reinforcing the seam in the back by sewing some extra lace on top of it. The neat thing was when I removed the wig, I didn't have to remove the adhesive and tape from my skin. It was still tacky (I'd only had the wig on for 2 days). I put another layer of Vapon over what was still there, and put the Virgin Malaysian Straight right on. I did add a little dark makeup to my bandage/wigcap. Maybe I can do this two or three times a month, to further reduce the manipulation of my real hair (since I know how to do the beehive/spiral cornrow).

Speaking of hair, I finally saw Chris Rock's "Good Hair" yesterday. I LOVED it! I could see the comedy in it. I wish there were more natural haired girls representing. As soon as my hair is shoulder length, I'll be LF free. I think it's easier to take care of natural hair once it's fully embraced and accepted. I can't wait to be able to go to the beach and just jump in the water and not care that my hair is wet. As long as I carry my scrunchies and elastic bands in my bag, I'm cool. No more straightening. Just wild, and free, with a few blonde streaks here and there. Patience and tenacity are propelling me towards my goal. I love that the older I get, the more I don't care what other people think. I ran out of my GNC NourishHair caps. I don't really know if they work. I know that the MegaTek works. I will keep using that until forever. I'm trying to go through my products, without buying more. So far, the products (conditioners) that are keepers are: Silk Elements Luxury Moisturizing Conditioner, MegaTek Cell Rebuilder, Nexxus Humectress, and Tressemme Flawless Curls. I like the Organix Vanilla Silk more for the smell. I love the extra virgin olive oil for my deep conditions. Everything else is collecting dust. As for shampoos, I really like the Suave Daily Clarifying Shampoo. It's no more that $2! In these recessionist times, who can beat that! Hopefully, I can keep my hair braided and hidden until I can't stand it anymore. I'll eventually remove the bandage and wigcap and wash my braids. I love the path my hair growth is on.

I'm wanting to do more singing videos. Andrew and I have up on deck: No Excuses (Alice In Chains), 9 Crimes (Damien Rice), Down In A Hole (Alice In Chains), and Set the Fire to the Third Bar (Snow Patrol). Up for me solo is Harvest for the World (Isley Bros), Whenever (Maxwell), Why (Annie Lennox), and a million more. I'm doing songs I love and think are great. Not what's popular. I love music.

Friday, February 26, 2010

JEFF VALLE & VINNE

DJ JUNIOR ROCHA & FRIENDS





GROOVE FOR THE MASSES -DJ JUNIOR ROCHA SET DOWNLOAD

http://www.zshare.net/audio/71548962e609be8d/GFTMJROCHA

Luis Erre - SET DOWNLOADS

Luis Erre - SET DOWNLOADS

Luis Erre Live @ Angels Club Agosto 2009 (The Greatest Hits) 128 kbps.mp3 (60.02 MB)

http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?4imzet2jkxn

Luis Erre Live @ Angels Club Agosto 2009 (The Greatest Hits) 320 kbps.mp3 (150.05 MB)

http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?l2nzwnjotmg

Offer Nissim Feat Maya - Hook Up (Edit Club By Dj Joy)

Offer Nissim Feat Maya - Hook Up (Edit Club By Dj Joy)

http://www.mediafire.com/?ztokgmngi2q

DUDI SHARON

LISTEN!!!!

Sam Samuel - Mi Ritmo (Original Mix)
Ramtim K - Lost In Persia (Original Mix)
Stefano Mattara - Disco Blanco (Andrea T Mendoza Tibet)
Vlada Asanin - Feel The Drums (Ivan Gomez Tribal)
Diego Palacio - For Ever House (Original Mix)
Le Pupe - Marakaibo (Space Drums Vs JJRomero)
Quintino - You Know What (Alvaro Remix)
Blake Lewis - Heartbreak on Vinyl (Danny Verde Dub)
Sunloverz - Now That We Found Love (Big Room Mix)

Mehmetcan YILDIZ -- Black Angels EP --> OUT NOW ON BEATPORT 26.02.2010



     
Tracks:
  1. Black Angels (Original Mix) 
  2. Endless Night (Original Mix)
  3. Hardbass Attack (Original Mix)
                  


Photo Inspiration of the day

Love this picture. Very earthy, and beautifully done.

Photo Source: TPG

Black History Month: Because of...

I did not do as many posts as I originally wanted to do with BHM. February has been busy and time really flew by.

Because of Mark Dean (1957 - ) along with his co-inventor Dennis Moelle created a microcomputer system with bus control means for peripheral processing devices. This invention allows the use of computer plug-ins like disk drives, speakers, scanners, etc... I can blog

Because of Thomas J. Martin patented a fire extinguisher in 1872 my kitchen didn't burn down (long story).

Because of Joseph Winters invented a fire escape ladder in 1878 I have a way to escape a burning building.

Because of Lonnie G. Johnson (1949 - ), an engineer who performed spacecraft system design for NASA, invented the Super Soaker water gun - the number one selling toy in America in 1991 I can win those summertime water fights!

Because of John Love invented the pencil sharpener in 1897 I was provided with a tool for learning.

Because of music composer and producer, Quincy Jones is the most Grammy-nominated artist in the history of the awards with 76 nominations and 26 awards I heard some good music.

And because of the 2.4 million black military veterans in the United States -the highest of any minority group (According to the American Community Survey, in 2005) I am able to live in the land of the free!

Go Canada Go!

So I actually have a good excuse for not writing for a while. The Olympics has been taking up all of my time. Now, I know you are all asking, did I win Gold? Where can I find coverage of your amazing championship showing? Silly you! I know I can easily be mistaken for an Olympic athlete, and my physique rivals those fabulous Olympians, but the spotlight just isn't for me. So I leave it up to those who enjoy competing in front of the whole world, and I man my position on the comfy chair in front of the TV, cheering them on from the anonymity of my living room.

Anyways, I've been glued to the Olympic coverage for the past 2 weeks and that, combined with my already busy schedule, results in no blog posting.

The boys and I are busy busy busy! There is a BIG trial coming up in a couple of months, and I am aiming for a "Big Ribbon". The Canadian Shetland Sheepdog Association National show and trial is being held in combination with the Hub City Kennel and Obedience Club's annual show April 30 - May 2. Shelties from across the country will be gathering in Saskatoon to compete in obedience, Rally-O, conformation, and agility. Of course, I will be focusing on Rally-O, but may also dabble in a couple other venues. But details aren't nailed down yet, so I'll keep those plans secret for the moment. As of now, the boys and I are amping up the practice for Rally-O. They are already 100/100 scoring dogs, so we are now aiming at increasing the speed of execution. Fast, precise, and consistent. If I can nail those things down, then we are in a good position to take a "Big Ribbon". *fingers crossed*

Therapy dog visits are continuing as normal. Gio continues to visit his ladies twice a month, and Romeo patrols City Hospital every Monday. This year, Saskatchewan St. John Ambulance therapy dog program is focusing on child certification tests. There are two levels of tests in the therapy dog program: the base level adult certification test where dogs are tested to visit adults, and the child certification test where dogs are tested to visit pediatric wards, day care centers, schools, or anywhere with children. There are two child tests planned for Saskatoon, and two for Regina in 2010. Since I am the one doing the evaluations in Saskatoon, I can't very well test my own dogs. So the boys and I will be trucking off to Regina in a couple of months to be tested (and hopefully certified) there.

As I mentioned in a previous post, Gio has been having some more trouble with seizures. For a while, he was having one seizure about every 4 months. That is a level that I can accept. But recently he has been having one seizure every couple of weeks. I don't like that frequency, so last Friday I took him back to the vet for some blood work to see where things are at. Everything looks good, so we are just going to bump up his phenobarb levels a teeny bit and see what happens. So far so good!

And, of course, the photo project is continuing!

From last week:
Last Monday was Family Day, a random long weekend holiday that some Canadian provinces have picked up. The going theory is that it was added in the middle of February due to the increased suicide rates in that month. Regardless, it is a long weekend and I love it! Since the sun was shining brightly and the weather was actually kinda sorta warm, I took Gio to run at the park behind our house. The park was empty, so Mr. Run and Bark could run and bark to his heart's content. And that he did!

And from this week:
I have had plans now for weeks to do a particular shoot, but it keeps getting pushed to the side. I've now been lured by the sunlight two weeks in a row. Yesterday I got home from work full of plans to set up the shoot that has been backburnered for a couple of weeks, then I saw this beautiful square of bright bright sunlight on the wall and plans changed. During the winter months, it is generally pitch black when I go to work in the morning, and pitch black when I come home from work in the evening. So this sunlight on the wall when I got home from work made me very excited. First real sign of spring!

I quite like this picture. The only thing I would change would require home renovations. I wish I had a large window that would be at the right angle to catch this beam of sunlight that didn't have that extra bar down the middle. But that is a minor complaint on my part.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Greek braid: "Gaia the Earth Goddess"



Here is a style my friend Kate made. I can't do it on myself, but it is really lovely and much like styles on Greek and Roman statues. It would also be great for a Renaissance Faire. I think Kate even looks like the pictures of Gaia in my elementary school history textbooks...

Gratuitous Plug: A Woman's Perspective

Wear it Proud

So you don’t like me because of my hair
It is not a statement,
Trend,
Or, some self-righteous movement
This is who I am and who I will always be.
Let’s take a walk
Down memory lane
If it wasn’t for
Something called press ‘n combs and relaxers
We wouldn’t have anything to change
This is who I am and who I will always be.
Don’t try to hold me down
Because you don’t understand
What it means
Being a NATURAL black woman
This is who I am and who I will always be.
I wear it proud
and with my head held high
No longer will I choose to fit in your mold
Of how you feel
I should look
Or
Even wear my hair
This is who I am and who I will always be.
Why must I cover
How I was made into this world
My hair is a gift,
A gem,
And my one and only pearl
This is who I am and who I will always be.
My hair is my stamp
The one and only imprint
I have to be who I really am
It’s time to set my own mold
And break down the box
That has been set by you
And everyone else after you
You can try anything
To get to revert back,
But,
I love my NATURAL black hair
Because that’s what makes me BLACK!

©2010 Poetic Voice

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

crunch time, and a question


As if I haven't been busy all quarter long, I'm about to get even busier. This quarter we're designing a tiny (0.3 acre) park in the downtown area of Seattle. We have the option of making it an off-leash dog park, which it currently is (but was not designed to be), or a people park. As you might imagine, I have some pretty strong feelings on what's a good dog park looks and feels like--from the dog's point of view. So I toyed with some design ideas that included an off-leash area (as well as a partial off-leash area, a third option), but have decided to design a "people park". There are very few families with children in the neighborhood in question, but that demographic is on the rise, so I am trying to design a site that's fun for kids, without being a playground. Any suggestions? I've got some ideas that involve lights, varying ground surfaces and interactive art installations, but I'd love to know -- have you ever seen (or wished you had) something in a park that really caught your attention?

An Education.

An education

On the plane last week I watched "An Education", which is a movie that I need to add to my favorites since it is simply brilliant: 60s nostalgia, haircuts and hairstyles, dresses and coats, well dressed men, Paris and London - what more can you ask for? Carey Mulligan is so beautiful as Jenny in the movie, and I think both her and Peter Sarsgaard play their roles wonderfully. If you haven't seen "An Education" yet, I absolutely think you should.



An educationAn educationAn educationAn educationAn educationAn educationAn educationAn educationAn educationAn education