Okay, after all this time, I'm taking the journal plunge. I feel like it will help me stay focused on my hair goals - AND - give me a place to rant when I need to! :D

I just deep-conditioned (love my heatcap!). When I deep-condition, I mix together:

My favorite conditioner (which changes all the time)
A few drops of Rosemary EO
A few drops of Ylang Ylang EO
A few drops of Monoi Oil

I wash my hair completely from scalp to ends, rinse well, slather on my concoction, then my heatcap, then I relax in a nice hot tub for about a half hour (usually I'll do a pedicure, shave, and all that fancy girlie stuff).

I usually deep-condition once a week. I clarify with ACV once a month. I stimulate my scalp with a good brushing every night before bed (concentrating more on the scalp than my hair).

When I first found the boards (LHL), which was about 2 years ago, I was at 20" of colored, fried, dry hair (thankyouverymuch PERM!). Although I haven't gained much length (because of frequent trimming for layers to catch up and growing out a perm), the condition of my hair has improved drastically. Right now I'm at 24". My first goal is 26" (only 2" to go!). And then 30"....and who knows after that!

I admire so many of the girls (and guys) on the board. But I have to say that my favorite hair idol is Avrilon. Her hair is very similar to mine (but longer!). I actually have some wave to my hair, like she does, but I prefer to dry it slightly to straighten it for now, only because it feels longer that way! :D Ultimately, I want my hair to look like hers.

I've been under a lot of stress lately, so I think that's why I saw no growth last month. :( But I've got a very sweet hubby who supports me in everything, even growing my hair, so life is good.

Hmmmm.....I think I'll start using his pet name in my journal...I know Anne has "Punkins", and Karen has "Smooch"...so what the hey! I call mine "HoneyBunch" (actually it's Honey Bunches of Oats! REALLY! Because that's his FAVORITE cereal :D ) But HoneyBunch will do.

My poor son (20) just ordered some Rogaine. He thinks he's losing his hair - I think he's nuts. But I will support him no matter what.

My daughter (4) has the most beautiful straight brown thick hair. I'm trying to take good care of it, but it's tough to get peanut butter, syrup, chewing gum, Elmer's glue, etc. out of a 4-year-old's hair! But so few girls that age have long hair and I'm determined to teach her how to care for it properly.

Well, time to sign off for now. I need to take my vitamins and herbs and hit the sack.

'Til next time....

I thought of more to add about my hair routine (while lying in bed last night trying to sleep! :coffee: )

I mentioned that I like to slightly dry my hair straight, but failed to mention that it was only on special occasions that I do this. Most of the time I just air-dry.

At night, I mist (distilled water & EO's) and braid. During the day, I usually just wear my hair up in a claw clip. I'm not one for sleek, tidy updo's, although I find them quite lovely on others. I prefer the tussled look (maybe it's because I'm lazy - hehe! :D ) Seriously, it's because I just don't like the way my hair looks "up." So I'm not into buying hair toys, I've never even seen a hairstick! :shock:

My vitamins and herbs consist of:

Multivitamin
Biotin - for hair
Vit. E - for heart
Fish Oil - for heart and hair
Horsetail - for hair and nails
Valerian - for relaxation/heart
Hawthorn Berry - for heart
Don Quai - for heart/PMS/blood purification
Bilberry - for eyes and vein health
Gotu Kola - for skin/blood vessels/mental function
Horse Chestnut - blood vessels (I have spider veins!)
Green Tea - cancer prevention (I'm a smoker :rolleyes: )
Alfalfa - blood purifier
Milk Thistle - liver purification and regeneration
CoQ10 - mental function/joints

Ummmm...I think that's all (that's enough, huh?) It's probably overkill, but it can't hurt.

I've been trimming my hair fairly regularly, but am now at the point where I'm going for length since the condition is good. Once a month, I do "micro-trims" for the scragglies. I like my ends to be blunt.

I've colored my hair for 20 years and for 20 years I've used Loreal LB02. However, I never "re-fresh" the color throughout as the box suggests. Every 4 weeks, I touch up the roots while coating my ends with conditioner and oil. Works for me!

I do have bangs. Proud of 'em and keeping 'em no matter what the style is! (I need them to cover forehead wrinkles! ;) ) I also think I look better with them.

I finally got out of the 80's and tamed the "poof". I used to have REALLY BIG HAIR!!! (Marge Simpson had nothin' on me!) I think it was a self-conscious way of hiding my face. I used to be very insecure about my nose. It's not that it was big, I just felt like it didn't look right because I didn't have a "dip" in it like most people. I used to tell HoneyBunch that I felt like a Bjorn (from Star Trek) :D He is so understanding. He always said I was beautiful and that I didn't need to change a thing, but he knew how much it had bothered me my whole life, so 3 years ago I went in and had rhinoplasty (as well as breast lift/enhancement). I used to be shy about sharing that information, but I'm proud. I believe in cosmetic surgery if it makes one feel better about themselves.

Okay, I'm going to be brave and post pictures. The first one is of me PRE-nosejob and with long scraggly permed hair (this was 6 years ago).

http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/Dec/200312124046153647295741.jpg

And this picture was just taken in September of 2003. As you can see, I've tamed the poof, my hair is in better condition (although shorter), and the nosejob is subtle.

http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/Dec/200312125996998351176232.jpg

That CoQ10 better kick in pretty quick because my mental functioning needs some help! I forgot to add a couple of important things in my previous post:

The reason I take so many herbs for my heart is because I have Mitral Valve Prolapse. It's a common condition (I refuse to call it a "problem"...just a "condition") where the mitral valve of the heart does not function properly. In simple terms, it buckles shut so that it's not a tight seal, therefore some "regurgitation" is happening causing blood to leak back into the chamber. I was diagnosed in my early 30's and it scared me to death at the time. I was having really bad heart palpitations and with each one I feared impending death. It was horrible. But I've learned so much about it over the years and now I just accept it and try to relax more. The valerian and hawthorn really help with the palpitations.

Also I wanted to add that HoneyBunch is Native American, Citizen Band Potawatomie. Most people think he looks Spanish, but I think that's because of the way he wears his mustache. He's trying to grow his hair and keeps it in a braid. I've never measured it, but I'm guessing it's around 23" or so. He won't let me trim it so it's really thin on the ends. The poor thing has really curly, frizzy hair and he longs for that dark, straight Native American hair so. He's a "manly man" so he doesn't like to pamper his hair, but I've shared all the wonderful information I've learned from the boards and at least he's conditioning now and misting before braiding. It's a start! I've also told him about our wonderful male members like Sunsailing, LONGHAIR, michael, Mark, Bob, Bill, Chris, Robert...um...who'd I forget? :D

I share everything with him, so he knows all about the Mentals on the board! :D And he knows how much I'm looking forward to an LHC meeting one of these days and is really supportive of that.

We had a very tough time in our marriage a couple of years ago and the LHC girls (LHL at the time) helped me out soooo much. I'm still thanking Tresses for her wonderful words of wisdom that I still carry with me today. She said "sometimes women are in love with the idea of being in love". Isn't that brilliant? And so true. I had never realized that before, but because that "feeling" had long since passed for me, I felt something was missing...when really it wasn't. She helped save my marriage and I'm not even sure she knows that. Thank you, Tresses! I love you!

Okay, enough for now. ;)

It’s Friday night and I’m sitting here sippin’ on a “Mike’s Hard Cranberry Lemonade” that HoneyBunch just went and got for me. Mmmmm, they’re good. I hope I don’t get a buzz and post something silly. Friday nights are our night to reeeelax. I’m feeling particularly tired tonight….don’t know why….wait a minute, yes I do. It’s because I’ve got a husband that snores like a bear. http://users.telenet.be/eforum/emoticons4u/mad/boese104.gif

My hair feels very soft after my deep conditioning last night. I woke up this morning, misted it, and then put it up with…what else…a claw clip. But I tucked the ends in, sort of like a French Twist. Okay, it didn’t look anything like a French Twist, I just thought it would sound cool to say that. But the ends were protected, so that’s what matters.

I want to measure, but I told myself I would stop the frequent measuring and just do it the first of every month. We’ll see how much willpower I’ve got. I’m not expecting much growth this month with all this cold weather. BRRRR!

I’m ugly tonight. Let me explain: I’ve been doing glycolic peels for the past couple of months (and seeing some excellent results!). Well, last night I thought I’d leave the peel on just a wee bit longer than usual. Not a good idea. Uh-uh. You’ve heard of “Scarface”? Just call me “Scabface”. I’m not too worried though, it’s very superficial. Just enough to be ugly and scabby. :(

On a lighter note, I’m quite happy with my weight lately. I thought I would have gained a couple of pounds because I’ve been snacking (note to self: remind son that even though I love Turtles, he cannot bring them to me every week.) I can’t resist Turtles. But no harm done…this time. The scale read 129 lbs this morning. I’d feel much better at 125, but it could be worse. I really need to get the treadmill out again. Yeah, right. http://users.pandora.be/eforum/emoticons4u/happy/783.gif

Well, time to chill with HoneyBunch. Our moments together are precious and few. http://users.telenet.be/eforum/emoticons4u/love/144.gif

Today was a good day! It snowed....and snowed....and snowed.....I love it! My daughter and I went out and played in it for a while. I felt like a kid again!

I guess I should have worn a hat to protect my hair, but I don't have one (must get hat). Hair still feels soft though.

I tried to do a French Twist today. I mean, I REALLY tried. I've never felt so incompetent in my life! http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/pullhairsmiley.gif If I'm ever going to accomplish an updo, it's going to take a lot of practice. I really am updo-challenged. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/wipingtears.gif

I went through some hair pictures today, that's what I do when I need encouragement. When I feel like it's not growing, I can look at the pictures and it reminds me that although it's S-L-O-W, it actually IS growing!

These 2 pictures were taken 3 months apart (one on July 1, one on Oct. 1). As you can see, I made some progress! I did do a half-inch trim after the Oct. picture (that's reflected in my siggy pic.) Also, both pictures were brushed dry, no dryer. I don't like it when it looks like that, that's why I sometimes slightly blow it dry (like in my siggy pic.) Anyway, here they are.

http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/Dec/200312132340114986825678.jpg

I won't wash again until tomorrow, then it's CWC. The CO makes my hair feel too heavy, so I dilute some Suave shampoo and that's what I use to wash with. Next Thursday when I deep-condition again, I'm going to try adding some honey to my concoction since it was mentioned on the board. Sounds kinda sticky, but hey, I'll try anything once! http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/wink.gif

My scab-face is pretty much healed today! (That was quick!) Must be all those vitamins and herbs. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/dunno.gif

I think I'll do a bentonite mask tonight (thank you, Dulci, for hooking me up with bentonite!) I absolutely LOVE those masks!!! I think I'm addicted to them, really. I'm only doing the psyllium and bentonite shakes once a week now (it's really hard to choke down that powdered psylllium! :puke: )

I made chicken wraps for dinner tonight, and I'm getting hungry so I'll sign off for now! http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/eatery.gif

I did a bentonite mask last night. My face feels so clean afterwards! And have I mentioned that Emu oil is my friend??? That stuff is so versatile…I use it as a facial moisturizer (usually mixed with my favorite face cream), as a hand moisturizer, and as a leave-in on my ends (it’s absorbed so completely, it hardly feels like oil!) Yep, great stuff.

Last night we went to dinner with MIL. It wasn’t a wash night, so I just misted my hair, scrunched it, and clipped it up with a hair claw. HoneyBunch even gave me a compliment! I did use a little bit of hair spray to keep it in place (bad Kimmy), and I expected it to feel a little crunchy today, but it doesn’t.

It’s time to color (as of last Friday). It’s been 4 weeks, but my roots are not that bad, which can only mean one thing….my hair’s not growing!!! http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/bawling.gif
But I’m not going to measure until the first…nope….not gonna do it.

It’s so cold today, all I can think about is running a nice hot bath this evening and soaking for a good hour. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/bath.gif
Maybe I’ll do an early deep-conditioning for this week, too. I'm anxious to try the honey.

Yesterday was P&B shake day. It’s really not too bad when mixed with grapefruit, but I really hate that powdered psyllium. It feels so chunky going down my throat. Eeewwww! :puke: But it sure cleans you out!

Well, time to go choke down my 2,193 vitamins/herbs (that’s what it feels like sometimes!) Keep telling myself: “they’re good for me, they’re good for me, they’re good for me…..”

I went ahead and did my deep-conditioning last night. I washed with diluted shampoo, then conditioned with my heatcap and a mixture of:

3MM conditioner
Few drops Rosemary EO
Few drops Ylang Ylang EO
Few drops Monoi
Few drops Emu Oil
2 Tbsp Honey

I REALLY liked the honey. It does seem to draw the moisture in and hold it there. My hair has a distinct "moisturized" feel to it today! It's a keeper! Today I misted and bunned (I usually don't bun, but I want to keep these ends protected!) I feel like Granny from the Beverly Hillbillies. :rolleyes:

I also did an aspirin mask while I conditioned and soaked in the bath. The bentonite mask had "pulled" the impurities to the surface and I had a few minor blemishes...but the aspirin mask fixed that problem! Today my skin is soft and clear!

For detoxifying, I need to try and remember to "dry brush" (thanks again for the info, Dulci!) I never remember until I'm already in the bath/shower. I also need to get some more Epsom salt (I used mine on the front porch to melt the snow....Honeybunch said it wouldn't work....I should have listened!)

Well, I've got a ton of work to do...we've got a deejay show for a middle school this Friday and I have to go through the music and pick out the "editted versions" of the most popular songs. That's not easy anymore, especially with the hiphop songs the kids like so much....I don't think Snoop Dogg can sing a song without cursing and being vulgar. :x

Gotta get busy!

I feel *blah* today. Lethargic, tired, lazy....I did manage to get all the music ready for the show tomorrow. I've heard all the music I want to hear for a while (but I have to hear 2 hours of it tomorrow at the show) Oh well, more Christmas money, and the kids will have a good time (it's for a middle school).

Tonight was "glycolic peel" night. I made sure I only kept it on 5 minutes this time (don't want to be a scab-face again!)

I really wanted to touch up my roots tonight, but I have absolutely no energy at all. I know what the problem is.....it's PMS. I'm trying very hard to be pleasant around my family (why should they suffer, too?), but it's difficult when I just want to lock myself in a room until it passes... oh the joys of womanhood. :rolleyes:

I just did a scalp massage, then misted and braided...need to wash, but will do that in the morning. Hopefully I'll feel better. :(

I'm really frustrated with my nails. Fingernails seem so trivial, but I've always taken great care of mine (even when I wore tips). I just got them to a really nice length and I broke one...no problem....I cut them all down. They grow pretty fast. But then tonight when I did a scalp massage, my hair snagged on a nail. When I looked, I saw that I have a split in my left middle fingernail about 1/8" down into the bed! That means I'll have to wait until THAT grows out before I can begin growing them long again! :x

Nothing is going right today. Oh well, tomorrow is another day...

The PMS has let up a little today. At least it didn't last long.

We went and deejayed the show for the middle school today and it went great! One little guy even said I was "cool". Quite the compliment coming from an 8th grader! We had all their requests, so I think they were pleasantly surprised by that, coming from 2 middle-aged deejays! :D

We got bad news on the way home from the show. Pop, my FIL, has to go back into the hospital AGAIN. Congestive heart failure. HoneyBunch took him just now to get him checked in. I know his time is drawing to an end. I just don't want to see him in pain anymore. If only we can get through Christmas....just one more Christmas with Pop would be a blessing.

Hair suddenly doesn't seem too important, but I'll just say I CWC'd today and used a warm curling iron just to smooth the cuticle a bit. It looked nice, I guess (for the show). I used a new gel that my Mom bought (something Aussie, but I don't remember the name...I know it said it had Sage in it...???) I hated it. It made my hair matt up really easily today and hard to brush. I won't be buying any of that. So far, nothing beats the Infusium 23 leave-in.

I'm not doing anything special tonight as far as pampering. I plan to color Sunday...and this time I mean it! http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/gigglesmiley.gif But tonight is "chill" night for me and HoneyBunch, so we'll probably relax and have some wine or something. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/boozersmilies.gif

I finished my Christmas shopping for this year - yippey! The stores were CRAZY! I'm not leaving my house again until New Year's Eve!

I needed more Infusium 23 leave-in conditioner, but KMart didn't have it! :( So I got something new...ProVitamin E Instant Repair Hair Serum. I'll use it tomorrow and leave a review.

It's a no-wash night, but I'm still planning to color tomorrow (I've never gone over 5 weeks before! :shock: I'm lookin' like Shakira). I want to measure so badly....but I'm still holding out. Only a few more days...

I was bored tonight, so I did an aspirin mask, a bentonite mask, and a biore strip. :D Then I slathered on Neutrogena Visibly Firm Night Cream and Emu. My face feels really clean and soft!

I didn't do my bentonite shake this week, but I took extra Psyllium Husk each night with dinner. Today I weighed 128 lbs!!! I am very happy about that. I haven't been at that weight since before I got pregnant with my daugher 5 years ago. I love the Psyllium capsules. They really make me feel full, so I don't eat as much, PLUS I've read that fiber absorbs some of the fat you ingest and carries it through your system without digesting it. It must be working because I have absolutely not cut calories at all...in fact...during PMS I usually crave chocolate (and I have definitely given into those cravings this past week!) but it hasn't negatively affected my weight.

Six months ago I was 140 lbs., so I'm quite proud that I'm down to 128 without a lot of effort. It feels good to be happy about something and to have a place to share it!!!! :D :D :D

Last night before bed, I oiled my ends with Emu Oil....I mean SATURATED!!! Then I braided. I thought I would get up this morning and wash it out and then color, but when I got up and took my braid out, I found that it wasn't oily at all! My hair actually soaked up ALL of that Emu Oil! It feels extremely soft now! I'll definitely do that again.

We have to do a show tonight (deejay/karaoke) at a club we've been at for almost 7 years now. I hate it because I come home smelling so much like smoke (esp. my hair!) We don't get home until 2:30am, so I just fall into bed, then I have to get up the next day and shower right away and wash my sheets!

I think what's worse than dealing with the smoke is having to listen to those "singers". Oh my. Whoever invented karaoke should be shot. It's pure hell, I tell ya.

I'm going to color my roots tonight before we go. I can't go out in public anymore looking like this. :oops: I can't wait to try my new leave-in!

Uh-oh....I forgot to take my vitamins today. :shock: Better go do that now.

Until next time...

Can we say "STRESS?" Oh my, I've been such a b*tch lately, I can hardly even stand myself. I wonder why this PMS has been worse than usual? Maybe it's because of the added stress of the holidays. As much as I love Christmas, I think I'll be very relieved to get it over with and get back to normal.....whatever that is! http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/frustratedsad.gif

I'm not so sure things will ever be back to normal, however. Pop (FIL) was trasferred to a bigger hospital yesterday so that he can see a leg specialist. They're thinking blood clots and it's possible he could lose his legs...not surprising, as many diabetics lose limbs later in life. I keep thinking about how difficult life will be for all of us if that happens, but especially for Pop. He's already said he's ready to "give up." So sad...I'm sure this has added to my attitude lately. Sometimes life just gets overwhelming.

HoneyBunch is gone tonight, spending time with his father in the hospital. I'm enjoying the peace and quiet. I just took a nice, long hot bath sprinkled with a few drops of lavendar EO. Did a pedicure, also, and a bentonite mask. Before bed I'll mist and oil my ends (EMU! :rockerdude: ) and then braid.

I did touch up my roots yesterday (finally!) I feel much better about that. And I really love my new leave-in (ProVitamin E Instant Repair Hair Serum). http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/seelove.gif My hair is soft and shiny. So I will alternate between that and the Infusium 23.

I didn't get much sleep last night (insomnia has always been a problem for me, but I think I have to blame my little psycho chihuahua for this one). He kept whining because he wanted out of his crate, so I just got up and stayed up a while. I'm soooo sleepy right now, I hope tonight is better. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/sleeping%20smiley.gif Nighty-night.

My spirits are up a little today. I got the house all cleaned up and ready for family to visit Christmas Eve (but no Pop :( ). I made a deli platter and ham rolls (those are the best!) and dip for the veges. Tonight I'll make chocolate chip cookies and brownies. Mmmmmm!

Mom gave me an early Christmas present because she knew I'd want to use it for Christmas Eve. It's a gel candle that smells like apples & cinnamon, and it looks like it's got little sliced apples in it. It's burning right now (I couldn't wait) and the house smells sooooo goood. :D

It's a good thing I didn't have to go anywhere today because I oiled my hair last night with Emu and this time it stayed oily-looking. That's okay though, because when I wash it out I know it will be so soft. It washes out very easily, also, which is one of the reasons I like it so.

My nails look like heck. They're so short. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/wipingtears.gif This evening I'll do a french manicure, that'll look nice for Christmas.

Well, I guess I'll get started on those cookies! Lots to do and so little time to do it! ;)

It's Christmas Eve Day! I'm getting really excited! We open our presents on Christmas Eve every year and then on Christmas Day we have a nice dinner and enjoy our gifts.

I got everything done yesterday as far as preparing food...except the brownies, and I'll do that this afternoon.

I did a French manicure last night and my nails look a lot better. It gives the illusion that they are longer than they really are. ;)

I need to wash and condition today. I'm going to slightly dry my hair straight for this evening and wear it down. Maybe I'll get HoneyBunch to take a picture so I can compare it with my siggy pic. for growth (I STILL haven't measured....holding out for the 1st!)

I'd leave cookies out for Santa tonight, except when I did that last year, I woke up to an empty platter and a little chihuahua running around here with mysterious-looking crumbs hanging off his whiskers. :rolleyes: Santa wouldn't get past him without getting an ankle chewed off anyway. :D

Well, time to hop in the shower and get this oil washed out! Merry Christmas!

This journal entry was written on Dec. 27th and pasted here on Dec. 28th since the boards were down. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/ohboy.gif

We had a fantastic Christmas! Everyone received many nice gifts, we had delicious food and family around us….couldn’t have been better except to have had Pop home. http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/weihnachten/xmas-smiley-014.gif We did go to the hospital on Christmas Day and took him gifts. My BIL and SIL had taken some gifts also, along with a tiny little musical Christmas tree to put them under. Pop was very happy. He didn’t look so good though, he’s lost 25 lbs in the last month. He said he missed my cooking. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/wipingtears.gif

HoneyBunch gave me some wonderful presents this year! Here’s a partial list:
[list]A sexy new top (brown with one shoulder cut-out)
A pink angora sweater
A pair of jeans
A gold ring from QVC
A Proheat Rug Shampoo-er
Some nice things from Bath & Body (cucumber melon and sweet pea)
Lots of beautiful great-smelling candles
And $250 shopping money!!!! :rockerdude: http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/kisshim.gif
[/list:u]
I bought a few “cheap” hair toys from Kmart just to practice with. Haven’t been able to manage an updo yet, however (and I still can‘t figure out a “do” for my hair screws). Practice, practice, practice, I guess. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-12/539905/dunno.gif

Tonight I finally remembered to dry-brush before my shower. That was very invigorating! And so was the scalp massage (I remembered that, too!) I also did a bentonite mask, shampooed (no CWC this time), did an ACV rinse and a 5-minute conditioning with Pantene. Now I’m sitting here air-drying donned in my new pink jammies and big fluffy slippers that I bought with my shopping money!

Tomorrow I’m going to do a Psyllium-Bentonite shake. I haven’t taken my Psyllium capsules in a few days and I can sure tell a difference! I’ve also gained a couple of pounds, but that’s expected around the holidays. I’m not too worried about it…….yet. I’m proud to say that I have faithfully taken my vitamins/herbs every morning and evening! http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/thumbsup.gif

Only 5 more days until measuring time! I’ve probably only gained 1/2”, but it certainly feels like it’s getting longer! I’ve decided to micro-trim the scragglies on the 1st of every month and to trim ˝” every 3 months, beginning in March 2004. That would be a total of 2” trimmed in 2004 (the micro-trims shouldn’t take away from the length any). So with at least ˝” growth per month for 12 months, minus 2” for trims, I should gain at the very LEAST 4” in 2004. If I could squeeze out an extra inch (hopefully in the summer!) I would make my second hair goal of 30”! Yippey!!! But as of now, I’m still working on my 1st hair goal of 26”, which I believe will happen in January. *crossing fingers*

That’s all for now! Time to get some beauty rest! http://smilies.crowd9.com/contrib/sarge/Sniffles_anim.gif

I spent the entire day shampooing carpets with my new Bissell Proheat! WooHoo! Does that baby ever clean! (But my back is going to be killing me tomorrow. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/frustratedsad.gif)

I feel so icky (after working all day) but it's a no-wash night, so I'll just take a quick shower and then mist and braid my hair. I've had the heat turned up in the house so my carpets would dry faster and it's done a number on my hair and skin. It'll be nice to get "re-hydrated" in that hot shower!

Got my Kenra samples today! I'll try them tomorrow evening when I get ready to go out for New Year's Eve! I still haven't figured out a thing to wear! http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/confused.gif


I didn't sleep well last night, HoneyBunch was snoring like a freight train again. Hopefully, I can hit the sack early tonight! I'm going to do an aspirin mask and a bentonite mask before bed. They seem to work well together. Makes my face feel really clean and smooth.

Well, next time I write it will be 2004! I'll have lots to tell about my New Year's Eve and I'll report on the Kenra products, too! Oh, and I'll finally get to measure! Yippey!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

It’s 2004! http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/yay.gif http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/yay.gif http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/yay.gif

We had a wonderful New Year’s Eve party. Honeybunch did a great show and there was no karaoke (yippey!) I was with my favorite people for the countdown (DH, best friend DeeDee, and my Mom). We all hugged and toasted the new year…it was great!

I was so excited about measuring today….and for WHAT?! http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/cussingsmiley.gif
I’m STILL at 24.5”! I just KNEW I would be at 25”, but NOOOOOOO! So I’m a little disappointed that I won’t be reaching my first goal in January, like I thought. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/wipingtears.gif Oh well, what can I do? Just keep pluggin’ along, I guess.

My new siggy picture was taken last night after using my Kenra samples. It’s really good stuff! I will most certainly be ordering from them in the near future.

CWC is the best invention ever! (Thanks, Martine!) It has made such a difference in the condition of my hair, especially the ends. These pictures were taken six months apart, and although there’s not much increase in length (because of much-needed trims), the condition of my hair has really improved! The picture on the right is more my color, the one on the left just has weird lighting, I guess).

http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/Jan/2004116295547926300171.jpg

No more trims now until March 1st. Maybe I’ll FINALLY reach my first goal by then?????????? A girl can hope! :rolleyes:

I really needed my deep-conditioning this week, but I just haven't had the time. Today I took a quick shower, washed and conditioned, and put my Infusium 23 Leave-in throughout, then air-dried. I think tonight I'll oil my ends with EMU and leave that in overnight. Hmmmm, maybe I'll add a few drops of my favorite EO's to the EMU, haven't done that as of yet (not for oiling anyway.)

This evening will also be a glycolic peel night. I haven't been able to do those with all the holidays (because sometimes it leaves me red and/or scabby), but it's time to get back in the swing of things. I feel so "out of whack", I'm aware that it's part of my OCD, but when my routine gets screwed up it creates havoc in my mind. I'm weird. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/blushing.gif


I drank a P&B shake today. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/sick.GIF I didn't think I was going to be able to keep it down. I have not had an appetite at all today. I think it's stress. That, and not getting enough sleep. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/pillowsmiley.gif



I do have good news....Pop is home from the hospital as of 2 hours ago. HoneyBunch brought him home and he's quite happy to be here. He looks terrible though. He's lost about 30 lbs. and is nothing but skin and bones. He's also taking twice the medications he was taking before (a four page list!) I made his favorite meal....TACOS http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/eatery.gif and he's eating like there's no tomorrow!

I'm very happy to have him home....but I would be lying if I didn't admit that I'm extremely stressed out. The diet I have to provide for him is next to impossible...I'm very scared. But I'll do my best and we'll get through this. I still can't believe he is still here....I expected him to be gone a long time ago, but I guess the man upstairs has other plans. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/wink.gif

Oh Jeez, HoneyBunch just came upstairs from Pop's room (I wondered where he was), and I guess Pop took a spill. He's okay, his legs are just weak and he just went down. What in the world am I going to do if he falls tomorrow when I'm here alone???? I can't lift him! He's lost weight (from 220 down to 190), but 190 lbs. of dead weight is still too much for me to lift!

If you're reading this, say a little prayer for us, huh? I'm really nervous. :undecided:

Well, after a couple of days of getting Pop settled in, things are starting to get back to "normal." Everyone here at LHC has been so helpful and supportive. I hate to get all mushy, but I just love everyone here. http://www.smiliez.nl/Smiliez/l/00001634.gif

Today has been particularly pleasant because HoneyBunch has been taking care of Pop, so I've had the day off and I've spent a lot of it on the computer! Yippey!

My last wash was on Friday (still using my Kenra samples). I oiled with Emu and Rosemary EO Friday evening and then braided. Saturday, I woke up and misted and damp-bunned. Today, I've just got it pulled up in a hair claw....it's not oily at all, but very soft on the ends. The Emu oiling is definitely a good alternative for when I can't deep-condition with my heatcap.

I did my glycolic peel on Friday night, also. I left it on JUST the right amount of time (about 5 minutes), because I was just a teeny bit red the following morning and it's now "healed" and looks fresh and smooth!

It's very cold out today (last night we had freezing rain). It's a nice weekend to be spending at home with the people I love. :inlove: Since I'm somewhat "de-stressed" now, I think I'll go ahead and take my EO bath tonight, deep-condition with my heatcap, do a pedicure, and maybe an aspirin mask and Biore' strip. Time for some pampering! :bluegrin:

I think it's about time to make a trip to Sally's and buy some new conditioner. I love trying new products! :heartbeat: I'm still waiting on my PROACTIV ACTIVATED INTENSIVE PROTEIN TREATMENT that I won on Ebay. I don't know what's taking so long to get it! http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/confused.gif I know a couple of the gals are waiting on my review.

I'm going to need some therapy now that my cute little dancing butt is getting pee'd on by a monkey. I'll never be the same. I'm gonna get that LONGHAIR. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/cussingsmiley.gif :misskim: :misskim:

I feel like a new woman since my last post earlier today! I took a shower http://www.smiliez.nl/Smiliez/ongesorteerd/bath.gif and washed my hair. Then I did an ACV rinse. I drew a nice, hot bath (but I used my new Cucumber Melon Bath Bubbles from Bath & Body instead of my EO's). I glopped on my conditioning concoction which consisted of:

[list]Kenra Conditioner
Emu Oil
Rosemary EO
Ylang Ylang EO
Honey[/list:u]
Then I stuck my heatcap on, slathered on a Miracle Whip mask, got in the tub, and did the whole nine yard workover from head to toe (shaved, pedicure, etc.) Turned the shower back on after 30 minutes, scrubbed up and rinsed clean. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/WordWow.gif I feel so much better!

Now I'm air-drying (while finger-combing). Hair feels very healthy. :D

I don't know what reminded me of the Miracle Whip mask (I had forgotten all about those!), but I'm glad I remembered! I actually had planned to do an aspirin mask tonight, so I tried something new....I mixed my crushed aspirin with the Miracle Whip! My face was very pink when I washed it off....almost glowing! I wanted to do a Biore' strip afterwards, but when I looked in the mirror, there was absolutely nothing in my pores! Well, I did the strip anyway, and guess what??? NOTHING came out on the strip! Zilch! It's the first time that's ever happened!

I won't wash again until Tuesday night, then it will be CWC. I'll probably oil the ends with Emu again on Thursday night because that stuff rules!

I can tell I'm getting some growth because my dark roots are coming through (that's a good thing though! Roots = Growth! :thumbsup: ) But I won't touch up again until 2 more weeks go by.

That's all for now!

Well, the boards have been down for a couple of days now :wail: (poor Steph, I‘ll bet she‘s one ticked-off mama!), so once again I’m typing my journal in my word processor to be copied and pasted later. I just love computers! http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/inlove.gif

Today was a great day! It’s funny, when you suffer from depression, your “good” days and “bad” days are so extreme…I felt terrific from the moment I got up and just knew that nothing was going to get me down today (even though I STILL haven’t been sleeping - gotta blame it on my snoring husband again :mad: . It really is a chemical imbalance and I sooo appreciate the days when my chemicals are on the right track! http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/gigglesmiley.gif
I had lots of energy for a change, so I really got a lot done. After Pop’s “accidents”, his room was quite undesirable, so I scrubbed and sanitized it from top to bottom while he was at the doctor today. Plus, I did everyone’s laundry (including sheets), vacuumed, dusted, cleaned the bathrooms, mended some of Pop‘s clothing….whew! What a day! But it’s a great sense of accomplishment. Sometimes being a stay-at-home mom makes me feel “insignificant”, but when I stop and take a look at all I do in a day, it reminds me that my work is important and my family really needs me. And my most important work of all is being a mommy to my little girl and my boy (he’s 20, but he’s still my baby!) and being a caregiver to Pop.

I was beginning to feel exhausted tonight when HoneyBunch called and said, “Don’t cook, I’m bringing something home for dinner tonight!" :smooch: Now I’ve got time to sit down, gather my thoughts, and write in my journal (which I have found to be extremely therapeutic lately).

We’ve had bitter cold temperatures over the last couple of days…that means turning the heat up….which means dry air….which means dry HAIR….so I’ve had a big pot of simmering water on the stove for two days. It really helps. And it makes the house so warm and cozy, especially when I sprinkle a little cinnamon in it. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/wink.gif Mmmmmmm.

It’s a no-wash night, so I just Emu-oiled really well. I was going to wait until Thursday because I really wanted to try to refrain from washing until Friday, but I just can’t do it…my hair can take it, but my scalp can‘t. I’ll CWC tomorrow night.

I did a really good exfoliation/mask with aspirin tonight. I dissolved 5 aspirin in about 2 tsp of water, then I smeared it all over my face and gently scrubbed for about 5 minutes….it is a FABULOUS exfoliator! Then I let it sit until dry (about another 5 minutes) and rinsed. I followed that with a bentonite mask because of it’s detoxifying effect. It draws the impurities out of the pores (and it feels really nice as it dries!) My moisturizer of choice is Neutrogena Visibly Firm Night Cream, which I mix with Emu oil and then apply. I love being a girl! :heartbeat:

I weigh 127 lbs today! My mom asked me how I’m losing weight and I told her it MUST be the Psyllium capsules! I’ve been midnight snacking the last few nights, I really can’t believe I haven‘t gained! In fact, my daughter brought home a goody-bag from preschool today and I’ve already scarfed on all the chocolate pieces! I drank a slimfast for lunch, and that was all I was going to have until dinner….yeah, right. Shortly thereafter, I had a big-ass bowl of chili with a ton of fritos and shredded motsarella cheese! :rockerdude: Definitely need to keep up the Psyllium. In fact, it’s time to buy some more. Need to make a trip to GNC because I’m also getting low on Green Tea and CoQ10, and I’m completely out of Horsetail.

Must get some sleep now *crossing fingers anyway* http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/pillowsmiley.gif

Ahhhhhhhhh, nothing like a nice hot shower. :cloud9: I used my new Plumeria Bath Bar that my son's girlfriend surprised me with today (from Bath & Body) That was so sweet of her. :flower: I found the best body sponge ever and it's not even for bodies! It's those cleaning sponges that are yellow on one side and they have a little green "scrubber" side to them. WOW! http://ricolaus.bei.t-online.de/Smilies/Smilie18an.gif The spongy side is great for sensitive areas, and then you have the rough side for places like elbows and feet. Works great (and they're inexpensive, too!)

I finally received my Proactiv Activated Protein Treatment. So I CWC'd with Kenra Moisturizing Shampoo and Aussie 3MM. Then I towel-dried, sprayed the Proactiv all over, and worked into a lather. The bottle reads "This treatment will be enhanced under a warm dryer for 3 to 5 minutes", but instead, I placed a shower cap on and wrapped it all up in a towel for 5 minutes (next time I may try my heatcap) and rinsed. My hair is drying as I type, so I can't yet give a good review.

I can, however, give a review on how it worked for my daughter's waist-length hair! I used it on her after her bath tonight. It indeed made her hair shiny and "strong" just as Sweet Peach and Madeleine claimed! So I'm really excited as I sit here and wait for my own hair to dry.....

I talked HoneyBunch into letting me oil his length with Emu and braid after his shower tonight. I think he'll be pleased with the results...his hair is very curly/frizzy. He's not one for "pampering," but he IS trying to grow his hair long and he has no idea about haircare so he has to do what I say. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/gigglesmiley.gif

Well, I'm off to catch up on the boards before bed! :waving:

I have just had a life-altering experience....

I ate my first Krispy Kreme donut. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/seelove.gif http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/Imnotworthy.gif


Oh my goodness, they are HEAVENLY!!!!!!! :cloud9: I'll never be the same.


I am so tired tonight. :yawn: But I think I've got enough of a sugar-buzz to make it through this entry. Today was exhausting. Just my normal day-to-day household chores and taking care of DD and FIL, but I guess it just finally caught up with me today being Friday and all. I even missed Chat Friday today! http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/ohboy.gif


I didn't do much pampering last night, just misted with my mix, lightly oiled with Emu, and did a glycolic peel just on my forehead (that's the only place I have wrinkles http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/madface.gif)

Tonight I'm going to take a nice bath http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/bath2.GIF , do a complete hair washing, condition with Aussie 3MM, and use my Proactiv Treatment again - I love that stuff, even though it's stinky. :x I'll also do an exfoliating facial scrub in the shower with my Sally Hansen Tea Tree Oil Exfoliating Scrub. That's about it for tonight.

My nails look terrible! http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/bawling.gif Since I broke the one middle nail a while back and cut them all down, I haven't been wearing polish at all....so because of all the hand-washing I do, my nails are peeling in layers! It's not really that bad, just my 2 middle fingernails, but it means they'll be thin when they DO grow back out. I put a coat of clear polish on earlier today...that should provide a barrier from the water. It's just going to take so long for them to grow back out. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/frustratedsad.gif

Well, I'd better go brush my teeth. Those Krispy Kreme's are nothing but pure, sweet, sinfully delicious sugar! http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/brushingteeth.gif

Well, my Kansas City Chiefs lost their playoff game today. I'm so bummed. But I'm done crying now. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/bawling.gif There's always next year...

I used my Proactiv APT Friday night, but this time I used it BEFORE conditioning. I liked that better, it was much easier to comb afterwards. No special treatments last night. Tonight I'll mist, oil and braid.

I'm so proud of myself! I have yet to miss a day or evening this year on taking my vitamins/herbs! http://pages.prodigy.net/indianahawkeye/newpage26/2.gif

I ordered more Seasilver. :D I don't care about the controversy or what anyone else says about it...HoneyBunch and I love it, as does my Mom, so we ordered 3 bottles. Maybe it's psychosematic, but the 6 months I took it I had no depression whatsoever and as soon as I stopped, it came back. Also, it REALLY helped straighten out my "bowel" situation. I'm sure the Aloe had something to do with that.

I think I'll paint my nails up real purdy tonight. I just feel better about them when they're painted and pretty. Of course, they're still very short, but a French manicure will help make them look longer.

HoneyBunch and I need to get back into our "dating." We used to go out on a special date once a month, a night where we could just be together and rekindle the fire. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/sweethearts.gif That all went out the window when Pop became ill. But it's important for our relationship, so we're going to start it up again tomorrow evening. Nothing much, just a little dinner for two. :love: I'm looking forward to it. I'll CWC before-hand and then slightly dry my hair and wear it down (I'll try really hard to curtail the Marsha-swing). http://pages.prodigy.net/indianahawkeye/newpage29/10.gif

That's all for tonight. :waving:

HoneyBunch and I didn't get our date night tonight. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/wipingtears.gif But it wasn't so bad, we ordered take-out and I made it a pampering night.

I did the "works!" It began with a mini scalp massage, then I took a shower, washed my hair, and clarified with ACV. Next, I towel-dried and applied a conditioning concoction consisting of:

[list]Aussie 3MM
Honey
Emu Oil
Safflower Oil
Liquid Nettles (I had purchased it to take internally, but kept forgetting it was in the fridge, so I thought 'what the heck?')[/list:u]
Then I put on my much-loved heatcap (shower cap first, of course), applied an aspirin mask, and drew a nice hot bath. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/bath.gif While in the bath I shaved, did a pedicure, and a full body scrub using my sponge/scrubber and Sweet Pea Foaming Shower Gel. After that, I rinsed everywhere with warm water, finishing with a cool-water rinse. WOW!!!! http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/wow.gif I feel so alive! All that's left is to take my evening vitamins/herbs, which I'll do just before bed. http://pages.prodigy.net/indianahawkeye/newpage21/11.gif


Nastasska posted about a new leave-in she tried and likes - "SheaMoisture Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioner." And of course, I just HAD to buy some. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/ohboy.gif Can't wait to try it!

My birthday will be coming up next month, so it's time to make my schlerotherapy appointment. It's not a very "romantic" gift, but it's what I ask for every single year on my birthday and HoneyBunch obliges. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/dunno.gif Hey, a girl can't have hideous-looking legs with summer coming!

I've been plagued with those nasty spider veins since I was 15. I began the schlerotherapy in my 20's, when it was still a relatively new procedure. It works quite well and is rather inexpensive ($150). I only have it performed once a year, just before Spring. My mother has terrible varicose veins (along with the spider veins), so it's something I knew I would have to stay on top of, as it appears to be hereditary. For preventing the varicose veins themselves, I'm taking horse chestnut and a few other circulatory-enhancing herbs.

It's expensive being a woman. :rolleyes: But worth every penny. :flower:

Maybe it's all in my head, but I received my Seasilver last evening and took a dose...took another dose this morning...and I mean to tell you I have been UN-STOP-ABLE today!!!!! :rockerdude: My energy level has gone through the roof! And if it IS all in my head, it's in HoneyBunch's head, too, because he said it affected him the same way.

Now, we'll just wait and see if it keeps my depression in check, gets the bowels in order, and rids me of my insomnia like it did before.

My hair has been extremely soft today. I know it has to be the honey I've been adding to my deep-conditioning treatments. :love: It's never felt this moisturized for so long. Then again, it could be the Emu oiling. At any rate, I'll continue both.

My nails are growing like crazy! I've been keeping them painted, so I think that's the secret...because they haven't been peeling lately. I'm LOVIN' it! :heartbeat:

I'm going to up my Biotin to 5000mcg, thanks to a re-read of Bargello's Vitamin Routine. I've only been taking 1000mcg a day, so I'm anxious to see if the increase will boost my growth. I still haven't made it to GNC to get some Horsetail (but I'm going this weekend, no matter what!) Need that Psyllium, too. I'm down to 3 capsules. :shock:

No special treatments tonight. Everything is looking good, so I'll just mist and braid my hair and wash/exfoliate and moisturize my face before beddie-bye.

I forgot to mention in my previous post that I started my teeth-bleaching again. I usually just do that 3-4 days in a row, once a month. I got my dental mirror out the other day and noticed that I have some stains on the backs of my bottom teeth (no surprise since I'm a smoker and I drink the hell outta coffee. :coffee: ). I also broke out the Sonicare I got for Christmas the year before last and didn't use much because I had no room for it on my bathroom counter! So I made room for it and I'm going to use it. :thumbsup: MENTOS!

Well, that's all for tonight! Night-night! :sleep:

Hmmmm.....*pondering*.....2 days on Seasilver now....slept like a baby last night (so did Honeybunch AND he didn't snore! :rockerdude:). Got up rested and refreshed at 4:45am....had a significant (ahem) "bathroom moment," and I feel extremely energized. Coincidence? I'm not sure yet. Psychological? Maybe. All I'm sure of at this moment is that I'm lovin' it! http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/yippie.gif


I'm really not sure what the magic ingredient in Seasilver is. It contains aloe vera, several forms of sea vegetation, and Pau D'Arco. So it's unclear whether one of these ingredients is contributing to my well-being, or a combination of two or more. Could it be that it's better-absorbed in the body because it's liquid? Makes me wonder...

I've had a bit of a sweet-tooth today. Craving CHOCOLATE. It's not time for PMS (thank God!), so I don't know what's going on. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/dunno.gif Oh well, what can I do but run with it!

I've been French-braiding my daughter's hair the past couple of days...I'm beginning to get the hang of it! I think I'll try it on myself tonight. Her hair is a lot longer and it's not layered, so it's quite a bit easier to braid hers. I need to practice on those elusive updo's, too. I've got the hair toys, I just don't know what to do with them! I need PRACTICE!

I'm getting the urge to measure!!!! I can't stand the waiting! http://pages.prodigy.net/indianahawkeye/newpage28/19.gif But I shall wait. No measuring until the 1st. I hope I'm not disappointed again.

It's CWC tonight. I'm going to use my Proactiv Treatment again. I'll also do a bentonite mask and the teeth bleaching. That should do it for tonight. ;)

[edited to add: I just did a Google search on liquid vitamin research and came up with this link that discusses the "liquid vitamins vs. pills" debate. Very interesting! http://www.liquidvitamin.org/research.htm ]

TWO good nights of sleep now!!! http://pages.prodigy.net/indianahawkeye/newpage06/20.gif
TWO days of elimination in a row!!! :shock:
THREE days full of energy!!!!

What can I say??? SEASILVER ROCKS! :rockerdude: HoneyBunch and my Mom are singing it's praises, too! I'm definitely staying on it this time, this cannot be just coincidence.

I just went to the mailbox and found my Shea Moisture Shea Butter Leave-in!!! WooHoo!!!! http://pages.prodigy.net/indianahawkeye/newpage27/6.gif I'm so excited about trying it! Only problem is, last night was a CWC night so I won't wash again until Sunday. I took a little and smoothed it in my dry hair though. It feels heavenly and smells GLORIOUS!!!!! http://pages.prodigy.net/rogerlori1/emoticons/happydance.gif

This is such a great day! :sun: Not just the weather (which is fabulous and springlike...rare for a Kansas January!), but I feel great! And to top my day off, I just managed my VERY FIRST UPDO EVER!!!!! Yippey!!! It's not *great*, but it's my first and I'm really proud of it! Here's a picture I just took!
http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/Jan/20041151256025898396944.jpg

I'm so happy! :cloud9:

Well, DD is up from her nap, but I'll post more later tonight when I have more time, I'm sure!

Another good day! http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/thumbsup.gif I accomplished a lot around the house, and I did it with a smile. I’m really appreciating this sense of well-being….strange how feeling “normal“ is such a joy for those who suffer from depression. You really learn to appreciate normalcy.

I don’t know what’s up with my appetite lately! I’ve been piggin’ out like a fat man at a potluck! http://pages.prodigy.net/indianahawkeye/newpage09/9.gif For some odd reason I’ve had an extreme craving for sweets. I’ve damn near eaten every grain of sugar in the house already! It’s bizarre…I usually don’t have a sweet-tooth (except during PMS). Oh well, the scale is still my friend. I’m at 128 today. I’m happy with that. http://pages.prodigy.net/rogerlori1/emoticons/flower.gif

I made it to GNC (finally!) I picked up some:
Horsetail
Green Tea
Psyllium Fiber Capsules
Bilberry

I’m good to go for a while! I can’t believe it came to $52 !!!! http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/madface.gif But….that did include a bottle of Chasers (hangover pills :oops: ). Hey! I’ve gotta go to that darn club again this weekend while HoneyBunch deejays, and I’m not ABOUT to drink water all night! http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/gigglesmiley.gif Bring on the Bud!!!! (and maybe even a few shots of Hot Damn ! WooHoo! I’m just ready to get outta this house!!!!) :rockerdude:

My nails are growing by leaps and bounds! They are noticeably longer each and every day…..literally! I'm truly amazed! http://pages.prodigy.net/rogerlori1/emoticons/oogle.gif Tonight I’ve got them polished with a clear coat and they look nice, but I’m eager to go shopping for some new colorful polish now!

I need to touch up my roots (it’s that time again http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/frustratedsad.gif). Cheryl and I were discussing that in chat today…she said she was doing her’s tonight and I said I was too, but I think I’ll give it another day. I wasn’t planning on washing until Sunday anyway, but I am anxious to use my new Shea Butter Leave-in!

I’ll probably be up late surfing the net, so no special treatments tonight….just the usual bedtime routine. I’m outta here! http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/peacecool.GIF

It's Sunday and I finally touched up those roots! :thumbsup: AND I finally got to use my new Shea Moisture Shea Butter Leave-in! It's TERRIFIC! http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/love3.gif It left my hair very soft and smooth and healthy-looking! It's definitely a keeper, but I think I'll do some price comparisons next time because $16 was a little expensive for my taste (for a leave-in anyway).

I did a micro-trim on the scragglies. I was going to do that on the 1st of every month, but I was bored...and they were there...so I snipped them off. It didn't take away from the length at all because it was just a few strands that had grown faster than the majority (I guess http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/dunno.gif). Looks much better!

I've got the "Marsha-swing" going on again today. I can't help it, my hair just feels great! I don't wear it down very often these days and I really enjoy it when I do. I want to measure SO BADLY, but I'm not going to do it...nope....waiting 'til the 1st.

HoneyBunch went and got us some junk food (Sonic). http://pages.prodigy.net/indianahawkeye/newpage11/11.gif We have one day a week where we can really splurge (health-wise). I took 3 Psyllium capsules with a glass of water before I ate and I couldn't even get a third of my meal finished! Love it! http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/heartpump.gif

I still have a lot of energy! My bathroom trips are still regular, too, and I'm sleeping MUCH better. I woke up one time the night before last because I had to tinkle, but I went right back to sleep. HoneyBunch isn't snoring as much, either (or maybe I'm just sleeping deeper and don't notice it?) Life is good! :rockerdude:

I still want to try out some Lemon Balm after reading this article:

http://tinyurl.com/3xrdd

I know WalMart doesn't carry it, but I'll check GNC on my next visit. I'd like to get my dear Mom to try it so she'll stop taking that darn Tylenol PM every night!

Well, I'm headed to the Product Review Forum to leave my review on the Shea Butter leave-in!

:waving:

Okay, so I cheated on my junkfood rule (only once a week). :rolleyes: HoneyBunch made me do it. Yesterday afternoon he made a trip to Dairy Queen and I just HAD to get a Pecan Mudslide. :shock: Ate every bite, too.

As if that wasn't bad enough, he decided he wanted a late-night snack last night...so around 10:30pm he sent Jeremy (son) to Applebees to get the appetizer platter! *gulp* So there I was, already in bed, scarfing on hot wings, cheese sticks, chips, and quesadilla's! Shame on me! http://pages.prodigy.net/rogerlori1/emoticons/nono5.gif Needless to say, I'm NOT stepping on the scale for a few days. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/wno.gif

I didn't sleep well last night. :wail:
I had terrible nightmares (I'm sure it was all that food!) The last one I remember was that I was in high school and my friends were at my house to pick me up and were waiting on me to get dressed. I was feeling rushed, so I just threw something on and hurried out the door. When I got to class, the others were making fun of me because I had donned red fuzzy booties with my black pumps. http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/sprachlos/speechless-smiley-040.gif It was horrible! Then I woke up...http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/schlafen/sleeping-smiley-015.gif


I wasn't completely self-destructive yesterday. I did another glycolic peel (however, I guess that is a little destructive until it heals!) This time I borrowed some I had purchased for my Mom for Christmas. Mine is 70% and this is 30%. I really like the 30% better because it seems to work more evenly over my skin, whereas the 70% tends to be more concentrated in "spots"...not quite as uniform. I left it on longer (10 min) and I have a sort of "chafed" look today...almost like a wind burn? It's not painful, and it covered quite well with makeup. I can tell it's going to peel nicely over the next couple of days.

I'm LOVING my new Shea Butter Leave-in. :heartbeat: I'm also using it on DD and HoneyBunch. It's great for detangling my daughter's hair, and it's working miracles on HoneyBunch's frizzies! Looks like I'll be buying some more before too long.

Tonight's a deep-conditioning night with 3MM, EO's, emu and honey. I'm ready for that relaxing lavendar EO bath, too! http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/bath.GIF

:waving:

It's been a few days since my last entry...

My sleep pattern is really odd. :what: I'm only getting 4-5 hours, but I wake up very rested! Can that REALLY be enough sleep? I would love a full 8 hours, but I just don't think I could sleep that long!

I've been a stranger to the potty for the last few days. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/frustratedsad.gif I truly believe that has a lot to do with my diet lately. I've been consuming WAY TOO MUCH JUNK! It's normal for me during PMS (yep, it's that time again :rolleyes: ), but it makes me feel so...ABnormal. I'm ashamed to admit what I've been piggin' out on these last few days, so I won't.

It could also be stress. It's been a little tough these last few days because my FIL can really be a big ol' pain in the butt! He can't help it, I guess, growing old is probably horribly depressing...especially if you hurt all the time. :(

Last night was CWC with Garnier Fructis (did I even spell that correctly?http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/dunno.gif) Still using my Shea Butter Leave-in. http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/heartpump.gif I also did a scalp massage. My hair definitely feels longer...not much...but longer. :rockerdude: I can say that my hair is truly in the best condition it's ever been in! That's very rewarding!

My last glycolic peel turned out VERY nice. http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/liebe/love-smiley-025.gif There was a definite improvement in the fine lines (esp. on my forehead). Time to order my own 30% solution so I don't use all of Mom's.

I am very happy to announce that I FINALLY bought a camera!!!! http://pages.prodigy.net/indianahawkeye/newpage26/2.gif I haven't actually received it yet because I purchased it off of Ebay. It's a Canon Powershot S50 , 5 megapixel. Got a really good deal on it. :D I'm planning to update my siggy picture on the 1st, so now I'll have a nice, clear photo!

HoneyBunch and I are planning our very first vacation...ever! Many thanks go to Michael and Snippet for their advice/suggestions on Universal Studios in Orlando. We've decided that's definitely where we want to go. If all goes well, we'll be there within the next couple of months! Of course, that's contingent upon how nice UNCLE SAM is to us this year.... I'll certainly put that new camera to good use! http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/wink.gif

Well, time to get busy with my domestic engineering duties! ;)

Welp. I did it. I got on the scales this morning. http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/sprachlos/speechless-smiley-040.gif :wail: My lack of willpower has resulted in a 5-lb gain. Looks like it's time to hit the Slimfast again.

On a lighter note http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/party/party-smiley-035.gif, I couldn't be happier with my hair! It definitely feels longer, stronger, softer....I'm really getting excited about reaching my first goal (26")! But I'm still refraining from measuring until the first.

Tonight will be another CWC night (with Kenra this time). I'm also going to apply my Proactiv Treatment again. For my skin, I'll do an aspirin mask and then a bentonite mask. And speaking of the bentonite, I'm going to FORCE myself to drink at least 2 Psyllium-Bentonite shakes next week. http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/ernaehrung/food-smiley-014.gif I feel a need for detoxifying again.

I NEVER sweat, so I need to don my vinyl sweatsuit while doing my house-cleaning Tuesday and try to work up a good one (hope I don't get any unexpected company because I look like a spaceman in my suit :rolleyes: ).

The PMS is going fairly well this month. At least it's quite a bit better than last. (Grrrrrr, I was EVIL last month! :evil:) Maybe the Seasilver has helped to ease those symptoms. If so, HoneyBunch will be buying me a case of it. http://pages.prodigy.net/indianahawkeye/newpage29/10.gif

We had an ice storm last night, so it's bitter cold out. Time to cozy up on the couch with some hot chocolate and the Sunday paper...http://www.smiliez.nl/Smiliez/huis/coffee-n-news_2_2.gif

:waving:

It's EARLY Wednesday morning... :coffee: Pop had dialysis this morning and he has to be there by 6:00am. I don't mind. I love mornings when I've had sufficient sleep. It's so peaceful (which is not common around here!)

I drank a P&B shake yesterday. :puke: Blech! But it had to be done. Soon afterward, I got one of those "detox" headaches. I don't mind those headaches too much because I know it's the result of something good happening! I'm going to drink another one today, tomorrow, and Friday.

A few days ago I wore my hair down and both HoneyBunch and my Mom commented on how "long" it's getting! :shock: http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/yay.gif I'm so thrilled that it's finally growing! Measuring day is just around the corner!

Tomorrow evening will be a wash/deep-conditioning night. Time to get out the heatcap again! :heartbeat: I'm pretty sure it's the honey, but my hair has been soooo soft lately! I've noticed a MAJOR difference in the moisture content since beginning the honey conditioning. WOW!

I need to go out and buy some more Slimfast today. Gotta get this 5 pounds off. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/wipingtears.gif I skipped the weekend junkfood feast last Sunday, so I feel good about that. :D I've also left the chocolate alone this week (so far :rolleyes: ). I'm not going to get on the scales for a couple of weeks though. I really need to think about getting back on the treadmill. It's just SO difficult to get that routine started! It's much easier to exercise in the spring and summer...it's hard to get moving when it's this cold out.

Time to go make breakfast for the masses...http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/eatery.gif (Slimfast for me, of course. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/wink.gif)

I got my new digital camera!!!!!! http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/yay.gifhttp://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/yay.gifhttp://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/yay.gif Mr. Postman brought it to me yesterday and I spent the entire day trying to hook the darn thing up! I finally called Tech. Support and had the problem solved in less than a minute. :rolleyes: It seems my scanner was causing a problem with my new camera hook-up. Who'd have thought?

I need a couple days of practice, but I'm going to get a new siggy picture up pretty soon. I'm really excited! I've waited soooo long!

I was up until 1:30am this morning trying to figure the darn thing out, so I skipped my deep-conditioning. But tonight I washed and used my Proactiv treatment. My hair is air-drying as I type. :D I also did an exfoliating scrub on my face.

I decided to go ahead and step on the scales this evening....I'm down 3 pounds...2 more to go. My willpower has been very good this week, but today my dear FIL surprised me with a super-sized box of ..... TURTLES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/traurig/sad-smiley-058.gif I was pretty good. I only ate 2.....so far http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/whistling.gif No, really!


I'm still drinking my P&B shakes (ick! http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/icon2.gif) and Slimfast (yum!) I'm really proud of myself this month because I have not missed a single morning or evening dose of my vitamins/herbs. :rockerdude: Yay, me!

Well, time to get some shut-eye. Dialysis day for Pop again tomorrow and 5am comes early...http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/liebe/love-smiley-010.gif
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/pillowsmiley.gif

Gosh, has it really been 5 days since my last entry??? http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/confused.gif Time flies when you're pissed off, I guess (referring to my measley little 1/4" growth last month. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/cussingsmiley.gif) http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/Ineedahug.gif

I don't understand it. I'm doing EVERYTHING right....eating right, taking my vitamins faithfully, massaging my scalp, deep-conditioning...and all I get is a teenie little 1/4"? http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/wipingtears.gif The strange thing is, both HoneyBunch and my Mom told me last month that my hair was getting longer! And it feels longer. But the measuring tape doesn't lie (and believe me, I measured 4 times, so it's correct). Oh well.

And my NAILS are another story. They're growing fast, but peeling! I'm trying to keep them polished with clear polish, but my hands are in water so much that it's chipping off before I know it! I guess I'm just destined to have nubs for nails. :rolleyes:

Let's see....can I think of anything GOOD that's happening in my life? http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/grinser/grinning-smiley-021.gif Of course I can! :sun: I love my new digital camera! I'm having a ball with it! There's a lot to learn, but I'm getting there. My poor daughter and little doggie are really sick of me following them around snapping pictures.

I'm also very excited because I got Photoshop 7!! Whooopie! http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/cheerleader.gif Talk about "a lot to learn"! Oh my! But what fun! I'm practicing on photo restoration right now because I inherited my grandmother's photos and there are so many I want to make new again and frame.

Although my hair isn't much longer than it was a month ago, it feels really good! http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/love3.gif Tonight I deep-conditioned with 3MM, honey, Rosemary EO and emu oil. I also did an aspirin and Miracle Whip mask (now THAT is the bomb! :rockerdude:). So I'm feeling pretty good. No depression here! (Still taking my Seasilver!)

Been sleeping REEEEAAAALLLLY good lately, too. In fact, I hear my bed calling me now.

Sweet dreams!http://pages.prodigy.net/indianahawkeye/newpage06/20.gif
http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/natur/nature-smiley-017.gif

It feels like it's been forever since I posted in my journal. I've been going through the "blahs" lately and figured I'd wait it out before posting a journal entry (don't wanna bring anybody down :sad: )...but it's not better yet and my journal was already back on page 4! So I figured I'd just do a little ranting and maybe I'll feel better. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/wipingtears.gif

Okay, where do I begin? MY HAIR! Yuck, ick, pooey. It's not growing, it doesn't look good at all, and I'm really feeling bad about it lately. I'm beginning to question all these vitamins and herbs I'm taking...it doesn't seem that they're doing their job. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/frustratedsad.gif I upped my biotin a month ago and it hasn't made a difference. 1/4" growth a month is just not making me very happy. :-(

My nails are shooting out like crazy, but still peeling...which means I have to keep cutting the damaged part off, leaving them short and stubby. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/madface.gif

My weight is back up to 135, which for my frame is quite a bit. I should really be at 125 (although 128 felt okay too). That's 10 lbs. I need to lose and anyone who's ever tried to lose weight knows how difficult that is! I started my slimfast plan again last week, so hopefully the weight will slowly come back off.

I ran out of Seasilver 3 weeks ago and didn't reorder...an extra $70 a month for Seasilver for HoneyBunch and me is a lot to come up with these days. We're remodeling the kitchen which is taking a lot of our extra money...plus we already spend a great deal on vitamins and herbs every month. One of the main ingredients in Seasilver is Aloe Vera, so I've done some research on it and began to wonder if I could reap the same benefits from Aloe Vera gel caps (which would be significantly less expensive than the Seasilver every month). I ordered some from Puritan's Pride online, so I'll be sure to leave an update once I've taken them for a month.

Looking back through my journal, it's evident that the times I was the happiest/healthiest was when I was on Seasilver...and the times I was down, lethargic, and depressed was when I was not. Hmmmm...http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/dunno.gif

The rant isn't over yet. Lately my knee joints have been hurting. Having just turned 39, I'm beginning to feel "old" for the first time. Could I really have arthritis now???? http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/confused.gif Today I purchased some more MSM and will see if that helps at all.

I experienced some spotting midway through my cycle this past month. That has never happened to me before. I did start on time (today, as a matter of fact), but I can't help but wonder what caused the spotting. I'm trying not to make anything of it. I know stress will only make it worse.

Pop is doing horribly. I'm wondering how much longer this poor old man is going to have to suffer. He has been completely bed-ridden lately...no desire to get up and do anything. To top that off, his dialysis has been increased to 4 hours per session instead of 3. He went today (every M-W-F) and now they say he's got to come in again tomorrow because it's just not doing the job in getting his blood clean.

And then there's the guilt....how can I even worry about my own ailments when mine are nothing compared to his? http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/wipingtears.gif And I think HoneyBunch is on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Really. So I'm trying to be strong for him and sometimes that's difficult to do.

Well, I could go on and on, but I think I've said enough. I know things will get better, and I know everyone goes through periods like this. It will all be okay, I know this. As TBear says, "this too shall pass", and I keep telling myself that. In the mean time, I'll ride the storm out and remember that I have a lot to be thankful for. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/pray.gif :sun:

Still in my rut.....blech. I thought it would have passed by now. Time to face the truth, I guess. My depression is back. But jeez, it sure is hanging on a long time. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/bawling.gif I'm trying really hard to come out of it....really I am.

I've been shedding a lot lately. I'm a little concerned about it (don't need therapy yet, but still concerned http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/grinser/grinning-smiley-021.gif) It's never been this bad before. I tried to estimate how many hairs come out when I brush - which is once in the morning and once at night - and I think it's around 30 or so. That's alot. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/frustratedsad.gif I really just don't know what's going on with me lately.

I went to the doctor today and had my yearly schlerotherapy (saline injections for spider veins on my legs). I DO feel better about that. "Shorts" season is rapidly approaching and I didn't want those ugly things on my legs! The price went up quite a bit from last year and I didn't know until I was already on the table! It went from $175 last year to $230 this year! http://ricolaus.bei.t-online.de/Smilies/Smilie18an.gif HoneyBunch paid for it as one of my birthday presents this year.

My doc (Dr. Tretbar), said I have very good skin...he said he couldn't believe I was 39 AND a smoker! He looked at my face really closely and said, "You have VERY nice skin to be middle-aged AND to be a smoker!" http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/smoking.GIF
He even pinched it to see how it "snapped" back! :ohmy: I told him about the herbs I take (thinking he would immediately dismiss that because most doctors aren't pro-herbs), and he said "keep taking them, because obviously they are counteracting the negative effects of smoking and aging for you." Wow.

Last night I took a nice, long bath and tried to unwind. I did a much-needed pedicure, deep-conditioned my hair (without the heatcap...I was too lazy to get it out), shaved all the appropriate areas :rolleyes: , did a glycolic peel, and painted my nails. I guess it made me feel a little better.

My weight is 131, so I'm feeling good about that. It's coming off slowly, which is the best way to do it. All I've done is cut out the "sweets" and have slimfast for lunch. It's amazing how such small changes will take off the weight. (But oh, how I miss those turtles...*sigh*)

I received my Aloe Vera gel caps 3 days ago. So far, I haven't experienced the same results I get from Seasilver (with the depression, anyway), but with the...ahem...bathroom trips it's been pretty good. If I don't see a difference in the next week, I'm splurging for some more Seasilver. I really hate this lethargic feeling...I just don't have any energy at all. It's a terrible feeling.

Well, in closing, I want to send a very special "thank you" out to the few that PM'd me after my last journal entry. I feel so blessed to know such caring people (and let me tell you, I share those PM's with HoneyBunch and he is thankful for you, too!) You have no idea how much it means to me when I'm feeling so down and I find those wonderful messages. There were 4, to be exact, and I'm thinking of each of you at this very moment. Thank you. http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/natur011.gif

I'm feeling soooo much better! :sun: http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/natur/nature-smiley-017.gif I walked 25 minutes on the treadmill again today (with my vinyl sweatsuit on :gabigrin: ). I also got out in my yard today and did some work because it was a BEEE-U-TIFUL day!!!

We just ate Subway sandwiches for dinner (HoneyBunch is still working on the kitchen), so no guilt there! :grin: :thumbsup: We decided to replace our once-a-week "junkfood splurges" with Subway for a while, it's healthier.

My schlerotherapy went well. No more spider veins! http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/yay.gif There are a few marks from the needle, but they're healing quickly.

The night before last I did a pedicure and painted my toenails...first time they've been painted since last summer. And I think I figured out how to keep my nails long and healthy....apply THREE coats of polish and then a topcoat! It lasts a longer time and prevents the peeling. They are growing like crazy! http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/yippie.gif

I haven't done much with my hair other than washing/conditioning and alternating leave-in's. I know it's time for a deep-conditioning and I'll try to fit that in this week. Even though I'm not gaining any overall length, my layers have shot out and have almost completely caught up with the rest! Next weekend will be time to touch up the roots.

I'm still doing the glycolic peels and loving them. The "down time" really bites....I don't like walking around with little scabs on my face, but makeup covers them well enough I guess. The night before last I did an aspirin & Miracle Whip mask. Felt super!!!!

So things are finally looking up for me emotionally. I'm feeling so much better (and still taking my vitamins/herbs faithfully). Hmmmm, maybe those Aloe Vera gel caps are responsible (??) At any rate, I'm going to continue as I am.

Five days in a row on the treadmill and I'm feeling SUPER ! http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/inlove.gif I'm only walking 25 minutes at a time, but it's enough to work up a sweat. I've also been very careful about what I eat. I stocked up on apples, oranges, bananas and grapes (and even a package of Slimfast chocolate bars :gabigrin: ). I've cut my dinner portions almost in half. I'm happy to say that I'm down 3 pounds. http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/liebe/love-smiley-010.gif

I didn't find time to deep-condition this week, but I'm still misting every morning and night with my "special concoction" and my hair is very soft...no splits. Still shedding, but I'm not worried (yet :bigeyes: ). I haven't measured since the 1st, but I know my hair is growing....it just FEELS longer. Tomorrow I'm going to touch up my roots (see? Dark roots! That means GROWTH! :rockerdud )

My nails are doing great...I hate to sound redundant, but they are growing so fast it's almost unbelievable! I'm keeping those babies coated with 3 coats of polish at all times and so far there's been no more peeling. Yippey! :thumbsup:

I began the "teeth whitening" again. This time I just picked up some Crest Whitestrips. I've used them before and they work great. This will be night #3 and I can already see a difference. :bluebiggr

I'm just about ready to break out the Neutrogena Sunless Tanner! Yeah, baby! (No more sun-worshipping for me, thankyouverymuch). I've used the sunless tanners for a few years now and EVERYONE comments on my tan. Of course, I'm a terrible liar so I usually tell them exactly where it came from. :shake:

Well, time for a nice, long, Lavendar EO bubble bath. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/bath.gif

Until next time.... :waving:

I was on a roll with my exercising and then guess what? I pulled my back out moving deejay equipment. :roll: So I had to put it on hold until I feel better.

It didn't help that we had company come in from Oklahoma this week (HoneyBunch's great aunt and cousin), and we gave them our bed (I had to sleep on my son's bed which KILLED my back! Doesn't seem to bother him though *shrug*)

Tonight I did a glycolic peel and for my hair I misted and oiled....REALLY oiled (with Emu and Monoi) and then braided. I'll wash and condition in the morning.

Not much else to write about, but I did take a couple of pictures this week so I'll include them. It really is growing!!!!! :bluebiggr :bluebiggr :bluebiggr

'Night!

http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/Mar/20043184649764194563877.jpg
http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/Mar/20043181831868177122790.jpg (My hair isn't really crooked, it just looks that way because my right arm was lifted to snap the picture!)

That's it. I'm resorting to desperate measures to remedy my "no-growth" syndrome.....

I ordered some Hair Formula 37. :shake:

A 2-month supply cost me a little over $90 w/shipping (pretty expensive), but I have 45 days to return the unused portion if I don't like it. However, I don't think I'll do that, as I'd like to give it a full 2 months to see if it helps.

Wanna hear something really pathetic? When I first found the boards in 2001 and took my very first official measurement, I was at 23 1/2". Three years later I am at 24 1/2".

ONE INCH IN 3 YEARS!!!!!! http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/bawling.gif

Granted, that involved many trims because I've been growing out layers that were as short as 2". But still! That's depressing!

So we'll see what happens. I'll report on the HF37 in a couple of months. :wink:

I haven't received my Hair Formula 37 yet....hopefully tomorrow. :wail:

I've only got about 15 minutes to type because I just took my Valerian Root and it usually takes about that long to knock me out! http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/pillowsmiley.gif

Tonight I took a long bath and did a pedicure while doing a Proactiv Protein Treatment on my hair. It's been a while since I've done one and I have so much left, so I figured I'd better start using it! My hair feels very strong now. I http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/love.GIF it!

After my bath, I painted my fingernails and toenails a really pretty PINK (actually it's called Mystic Magenta) by New York Color. I'm so ready for summer and sandals!!!!! :rockerdud

I also did an exfoliation on my face tonight with my tea tree scrub (can't think of the official name of it right off hand). My face is just glowing! :oops: Boy, that really gets the blood flowing!

My weight is still at 133, so I'm a little discouraged about that...but I'm not doing anything drastic with my diet so I know it will take a little longer. Today I had a bowl of cereal, a Slimfast, and a nice dinner. If I can keep that up I should be able to lose a pound or two a week AT LEAST! http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/pray.gif It's all about cutting out the snacks and incorporating more healthy, natural foods into my diet. HoneyBunch and I have already decided that our junkfood splurge this weekend will be Subway again. :wink: Yum, yum!

Well, it's time for me to go...the Valerian is really kicking in and I'm about to fall aslee... :sleep:

I am so ashamed. :oops: I've committed the ultimate skin sin....I went to a tanning bed. http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/sprachlos/speechless-smiley-040.gif A new place opened up just minutes from my house and they had a special "3 tans for $3" and I couldn't resist.

I used to tan a lot when I was younger....I like the look of a tan, even though I know it means damaged skin. :rolleyes: Years ago I switched to the sunless tanners and they're a great alternative! So this little 3-tan experience is just a jumpstart for me. Plus, I just love the way ultraviolet light makes me feel! So relaxed yet so rejuvenated. Maybe I'm just crazy. :uhh: Anyway, I promise not to become addicted. :wink:

My Hair Formula 37 came in today! http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/yippie.gif I've already taken my first dose (there's 2 steps to it). I marked it on the calendar, along with my length (24.5"...duh...no surprise there), so I'm anxious to measure again in a month. There's no trimming for me this month, so it will be interesting to see if I gain anything at all. I'm so excited! I hope I'm not disappointed in the end. At least I'll get a refund if I haven't noticed any changes in 45 days. :thumbsup:

My weight today is 131, but this is before dinner. I'm so happy about that! I had a bowl of cereal again for breakfast and another Slimfast for lunch. I refuse to deprive myself of my sweets (completely) so I also had a Slimfast Chocolate Bar and I MUST RAVE ABOUT THEM!!!! The best they make is "Chocolate Peanut Nougat". I'm not kidding, they are "to die for"! Only 120 calories and FILLED with vitamins! Satisfies the sweet tooth! http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/wink.gif

Time to make dinner! Tonight it's chicken breasts and rice (w/ peas in the rice), baby carrots, brocolli stalks w/ cheese sauce (hey, I can't be perfect!) and a diet soda for me (my first of the day, thankyouverymuch!) http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-5/194815/eatery.gif

Can that be right???? Has it really been since March 25, 2004, that I posted in my journal??? Wow, I HAVE been busy.

Anyway, not much to add right now (well, lots to add but no time to do it :rolleyes: ) So I'm just going to show a comparison picture. I was really excited when I stitched them together! This is 18 month's growth......and I thought it wasn't growing!

Yippey!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v312/jkwano/18months.jpg

It feels really wonderful to be back! http://deephousepage.com/smilies/1syellow1.gif I've missed this place.

There's been so many changes in my life recently...

Honeybunch and I finally got married last August (after 12 yrs!) http://www.planetsmilies.com/smilies/love/1/love14.gif

My Mom had a stroke :sad:

Pop died :wail:
I found out I'm pregnant http://deephousepage.com/smilies/scared.gif
I quit smoking after 25 years http://pages.prodigy.net/rogerlori1/emoticons/Smoker.gif (Yah, me! http://deephousepage.com/smilies/cheering.gif )


But brighter days are ahead now. My mom is okay, we're dealing with Pop's death, we're happy about the baby, and I'm SO glad I quit smoking (now if Honeybunch will only quit...).

I'm looking forward to getting back to my hair care (I've basically neglected it for the past year, which would probably explain why I've only gained an inch during that time!) http://deephousepage.com/smilies/pullhair.gif

The pregnancy is going well so far (considering I'm 40!) I've just entered my second trimester. I only gained 4 lbs. in my first trimester, despite my voracious appetite! http://pages.prodigy.net/indianahawkeye/newpage09/9.gif No specific weird cravings yet. No morning sickness. Just the usual sore breasts and having to peepee a lot.

I can't wait to knock the dust off of my heat cap, my Monoi Oil, my Bentonite Clay, my EO's....and all those self-pampering products! :inlove: It's been a long time...

Well, lots to do today. The house is getting painted and I have to supervise! Until next time...

It never fails. It's late at night and I thought I'd be safe sitting here with my hair all pulled back like a peeled onion and a bentonite clay mask on my face.....

....but NOOOOOOO. http://www.smilieland.com/graphics/irked.gif In walks my son with his girlfriend and several of his guy friends in tow. So I'm sitting here with my back to them while I'm on the computer, hoping they won't notice.


My face feels so stimulated! I'd forgotten how good these masks feel! When I'm finished, I'm going in to take a nice, long lavendar bathhttp://pages.prodigy.net/rogerlori1/emoticons/bath.gif and condition my hair (nothing fancy, just about a 10 min. conditioning with 3MM).

I'm feeling very guilty about my eating habits lately. My willpower packed its bags and left about a week ago. My biggest weakness right now is chocolate. I asked Honeybunch to go get me a Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar last night and he came home with four. http://deephousepage.com/smilies/jpshakehead.gif

I wish I had one now. Yep, that's right, I ate all four of them already. http://deephousepage.com/smilies/whistle.gif I'll try to do better, really I will. In fact, I think I'll go to Price Chopper tomorrow and make me a great big fresh salad! Yummy!

Despite piggin' out on Hershey Bars and other not-so-good-for-me snacks, my weight is holding steady. I've still only gained 4 lbs. since getting pregnant!

Well, I'm going to get that bath now! And then a good night's sleep...http://deephousepage.com/smilies/sleeping10.gif

Okay...I don't want to get too excited....but...... I THINK MY HAIR GREW!!!!! http://www.planetsmilies.com/smilies/party/party09.gif I don't want to measure just yet, in case I'm wrong, but it just FEELS like it's grown in the past week! That did happen to me once before where I just got a huge growth spurt in a very short period of time. Oh, I hope, I hope, I hope! It's been so long since I've seen any growth at all!

I'm really happy with my ends right now. For the last 2 weeks I've been rubbing emu oil on them every night. I love the way it makes my hair feel! It just gets absorbed into the hair and it doesn't feel oily at all. It really helps to smooth the cuticle and make my hair look shiney and healthy! I've been using emu on my face for a couple of years now and I love the results! I just bought a big bottle off of ebay (16oz) so I can start using it on my growing belly. :wink:

I've been using the CWC method for the last 2 weeks, also. I'm sure that's helped my ends tremendously. I'm going to begin alternating that with the CO method and see what happens.

I gained a total of 6 lbs in my first trimester of pregnancy. I'm really putting forth an effort to eat healthy, but I still have my chocolate craving, and Honeybunch is my enabler. He brought me my very favorite last night....CHOCOLATE TURTLES!!! I just can't resist. :silly:

I went to WalMart and bought some more 3MM (3 Minute Miracle). It seems to work the best for me as far as deep-conditioning. I think I do need to break out the ACV, it's been quite a while since I've done a vinegar rinse and I probably need it.

Well, it's a rainy day here in Kansas. I think I'm going to curl up with some nice tea and a book and enjoy being alive! (I love the rain!!!) http://www.rpgamers.info/images/smilies/umbrella.gif

Ba-bye!!!! :waving:

Rainy days make me sleepy. :yawn: But I love the sound of falling rain and the occasional rumble of thunder...it makes me feel all warm and cozy inside.

I was just thinking...I need to do a search and find out how I'm going to protect my hair....WHEN I SWIM IN OUR NEW POOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!http://www.planetsmilies.com/smilies/party/party23.gif

Well, we don't actually have it yet, but hopefully it will be completely installed in about 2 weeks. Pools have a tendency to turn my bottle-blonde hair GREEN, so I'll really have to do something to protect it from all that chlorine.

I'm so glad it's Friday. I'm looking forward to spending time with HoneyBunch tonight. He's been working so much lately, it feels like we hardly ever see each other! I think I'll put the little one to bed early so we can pop some popcorn, watch a movie, and just enjoy our evening together. http://www.planetsmilies.com/smilies/love/1/love34.gif

Dinner is going to be quick tonight (it's always simple on Friday nights). I think I'll make my Chicken & Rice dish. http://www.planetsmilies.com/smilies/party/party20.gif It's so easy to make: just cut up chicken into pieces and fry with garlic and butter until done; add 2 boxes rice pilaf or wild grain rice; throw in some fresh cut broccolli, carrots, onions, and mushrooms and there you have it! Very simple, very easy.

I upped my biotin today. I'm taking an extra 1,500 mcg, making my total 3,180 mcg (counting the biotin in my B-complex and multi-vitamin). I'm hoping that will boost my growth a bit more.

Time to get dinner started! Yum, yum! http://pages.prodigy.net/indianahawkeye/newpage21/15.gif

What a beautiful day it is!! :sun: I've got my back door open and I can hear the birds singing, so happy to be alive! This is going to be a super day!

Last night I did an ACV rinse (first one in ages!) It rocked. :rockerdud My hair feels luxurious! Actually, what I did was "wash" with an ACV/water mix, let it sit for about 5 minutes; then I followed up with a 3MM conditioning (the daily 3MM, not the deep-conditioning 3MM). I then towel-dried it and rubbed a tiny bit of emu oil into the ends. And WOW! http://www.planetsmilies.com/smilies/happy/1/happy45.gif It feels unbelievable!

When I got out of the shower, I did a glycolic peel. I limited it to just my forehead where the lines are most noticeable. I've done some research and I can't find any evidence that glycolic peels are harmful during pregnancy, but I don't want to go overboard. The same with coloring my hair (or touching up the roots). I want to go as long as I can in between touch-ups. At least the glycolic peels are only left on for 5 minutes. I really love them. http://www.planetsmilies.com/smilies/love/1/love33.gif

I'm so anxious for the weeks to pass...I'm very optimistic that I'm going to see more growth. http://www.planetsmilies.com/smilies/happy/1/happy05.gif I've got three particular changes that are in my favor:

#1 - I'm pregnant, and pregnancy usually means an increase in hair and nail growth (due to hormones),

#2 - I quit smoking, which means better circulation and better absorption of nutrients,

#3 - My biotin has been increased, and we all know biotin is yummy to our hair!

Unfortunately, I won't know specifically which one of these factors to contribute any progress to! Probably all 3. http://www.planetsmilies.com/smilies/confused/1/confused24.gif

I need to figure out what to get my Daddy for Father's Day! He's so difficult to buy for. He loves gardening/landscaping as much as I do, so maybe I'll get him another tree. Last year I got him his favorite....a Crape Myrtle. Maybe this year I'll get him MY favorite...a Dogwood....or Magnolia....or Japanese Maple. Oh, dear. I love them all. This isn't going to be easy. :lol: I want something really nice to thank him for all those farm-fresh eggs he provides us with (eggs = protein. protein = good hair) yeah! http://www.planetsmilies.com/smilies/happy/1/happy65.gif

Well, the coffee cup is almost dry...time to come alive and begin this beautiful day! :flower:

I decided to post some pictures that more accurately represent my natural state, washed and air-dried. Not quite as glamorous as my siggy picture where my hair was blown dry and hot-rollered (ouch!).

These pictures were taken a little over 3 months apart. When I look at the comparison pictures, I can see a little growth....but my measuring tape doesn't reflect any. Hmmmmm.....http://www.planetsmilies.com/smilies/confused/1/confused06.gif

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v312/jkwano/3.jpg

I gave myself a 1/2" trim this evening. I thought the ends were getting scraggly...it looks so much better now! http://www.planetsmilies.com/smilies/party/party41.gif And I love how it feels when I run my fingers through it and feel the "blunt" ends. It feels really healthy. :cloud9:

I've been using the CO method since my last post. I'm alternating it with the CWC method. As always, it really improves my ends. I'm also torturing myself with cold water rinses in the shower (brrrrr!), but it does add a sheen to the hair if I say so myself!

The pregnancy is going well. I feel terrific all over and my hair does seem to be benefitting from my....um...."condition." :wink: My voracious appetite is scaring me, however. http://www.planetsmilies.com/smilies/party/party20.gif I can't seem to get enough to eat! And oh, the chocolate....the delicious, creamy chocolate....it's my strongest weakness. I can't help myself. I'm eating at least one Hershey Bar a day (at least it's not 4 a day anymore).

And then there's the pickle juice. I drank an entire jar of pickle juice two days ago. :rolleyes: Boy, was I thirsty the rest of the day! I hope these cravings will subside very soon.

Our pool did not get installed when planned. It rained, and rained, and rained....everyone was so disappointed. http://www.planetsmilies.com/smilies/sad/1/sad03.gif It's been rescheduled for this Friday, so we're all crossing our fingers.

My Mom asked me what I was going to wear for a bathing suit (as she eyed my swollen belly). I replied, "well I'm going to wear my 2-piece, of course! When else can I get away with having a big gut and not having to suck it in?" http://deephousepage.com/smilies/eusa_dance.gif

I'll be sure to post pictures. (yeah, right)

No pool yet. :wail: There was a "mixup" with the installation department and we're not scheduled until Monday now. :mad: I'm beginning to think a family of gophers will fly outta my butt before I get this pool!

Children like to imitate their parents, don't they? My daughter decided to pull up a stool in the bathroom and get her little 6-yr-old hands on my mister bottle (which is full of emu oil, water, and rosemary EO). She completely drenched her hair and was so proud of herself. :shake: Now she's walking around all day with her hair slicked down to her head. :silly:

Since my hair isn't growing and my belly is...I decided to post a picture! I'm 17 weeks tomorrow. I'm way bigger than I was with my first two! But this 40-year-old belly is holding up pretty well, thanks to emu oil and cocoa butter. :wink: :thumbsup:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v312/jkwano/17wks_resized.jpg

Check out those maternity shorts. Sexy, huh? Yeah.

Nothing special planned for the weekend...just waiting and waiting and waiting. They'd better have that pool installed on Monday or else. http://deephousepage.com/smilies/gonnagetit.gif

As long as there are no strange movements in my butt, all is well. :bigeyes: