Blog-Hairology

Hair blogs seem to be all over the place these days. Or it seems to have come to my attention of recent.
Ok, I've only looked at like 3 (or 2.5. The technology required to get into the first was rather plenty, considering its supposed to be just a journal).

Keep It Simple Sista has gone nuclear. The site even generates revenue from posted ads. Good for her. And her hair too. I have to admit, at first sight, the tailbone-length hair had me drifting off to shades of green. But when I really thought about it, that length will be serious work to wash, dry, comb, style, not-sit-on, etc. I will most def pass on that.

Next was My African HairBlog, by lil' Sewanee. Firstly dear, calling it "African" encourages non-africans to keep on thinking of Africa as a country, not a continent. Secondly, your LGA & genes contributed greatly to your overall hair result, but yes, you did cover the basics. N200 salons are cheaply-wrapped death traps that will kill your hair. Even the more expensive ones will not rinse out relaxer completely, will be too eager to rinse out the conditioner after 5 secs so they can get over and done with you, comb your hair with a large combination of passive viciousness & a lack of interest, have no idea how to actually flat iron hair and make it turn out nice, much less have any idea of anti-heat treatments, the point of trimming, the difference between a trim and a cut, and such.

Had a look at Hairlicious as well. She's been around for a bit too and I picked up quite a bit from her - from what to look out for in hair products, to hair handling tips, to what not to do. Visions of fantastically healthy hair motivated to go out and buy, buy, buy! Fortunately, financial restrictions soon brought me down to earth, but I'm started on my wish list already. I must say though, I draw the line at washing my hair 3 times a week. I can understand that all that product build-up will gunkify your hair, but really, that's like some 2-3hour regimen thrice weekly. I'll start small.

So now I'm keeping heat treatment (via tongs, straightners and driers) to the barest possible minimum. What did strike me the most was moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. And that makes sense cos your hair is less likely to break if its elastic and moist, and less likely to get out of control if you keep it under wraps to some extent.

I remember from M&Bs I used to read way back that the guys always loved the smell of the girls' shampoo on their hair, and I used to think this was utter bollocks. By the time your conditioner goes in, it masks out the smell of the shampoo, and by the time your hair products go in, they cover up the smell of the conditioner, so what on earth were they on about? In the past couple of weeks tho, I've learnt that the average caucasian (and naturally straight, long-haired female) does not actually use a conditioner (and so there's no fragrance-masking), and that it's people with chemically-treated hair who actually NEED to condition: that goes for relaxed, blown-out, dyed or hot-combed hair. Why do I go on about this? I'm in love with Aussie 'Moist'. It has this ... lovely coconuty smell that actually sticks after washing (when I'm not deep conditioning, but using only leave-ins). I like it so much, I've been after Xandra to start using my products as well.

I'm aspiring to FULL, Shoulder Blade-length hair. Lets see how it goes.

Joshua Wants to Read My Blog

I don't think I've ever felt so "compelled" to write, even as I draw up blank, staring at my monitor for what is going on 40 mins now. (Ok, I've been much distracted by what I actually ought to be doing, which is work. & making snack runs for heavily preggers Mrs. Boss).

Did anyone (not) watch the Nigeria-Greece match yesterday?? Was I truly the only one who thought the perfect round-up to a good laugh would be ice-cream??? If there is one thing we do not lack in this country, its our ability to hope even under the most adverse of conditions (the disappointed faces here after the match could have been carved in granite). And that's not a bad thing. In fact, I think the only thing we have which can compete with the collective Nigerian Hope is our ability to continually swallow the the utter bollocks dished out by our leaders, with no regard whatsoever that they're pissing on us in broad daylight sans the decency of lying to us that its rain.

Did I mention I'm officially in like again?
**cue eyeroll**
Yes, I know, I know.

I really don't know how to build up to this so I'll just say it.

I have a boyfriend.

I rather like saying that. Or thinking it. It's especially funny that no one believes it when I first say it. In fact, I think I'll write it again.

I have a boyfriend.

I'll try not to wear this one out.

Initial reactions so far are varied: Crimson fair screamed her head off, Fifi had goggled eyes (which isn't quite abnormal), and O'Weezay jumped up a jig while repeating "Thank you, Jesus". I'd have shared her euphoria if she didn't have her arm around my neck in a gridlock.... But honestly, you guys have been heckling me on getting a man-friend for ages - why is it so surprising that I did? (Because I went and did it all on my own...?)

Fine, I'll admit it wasn't all on my own. Actually it was mostly on his own. There was barely any initiative on my part, and I was very comfortable being old-fashioned and letting the boy do the work. I didn't suffer him or anything. Just invited him to sit through a Bollywood movie with me. In the theatre. For that alone, I knew he was at least interested in me somewhat. Or he's a closet Indie-film watcher. Besides, it's not really work is it, if you're enjoying yourself... is it?

So he makes me smile/laugh (+50), he's Christian, dwarfs me even in heels, and seems clear on what he wants with me. Just when I was beginning to think that my short list of wants was unrealistic, it turns out I'm not defective goods incapable of liking a guy. I think I was beginning to wonder about that.

Too bad his leave ended and he had to get back to Lagos (yes, the proverbial K-leg). Who'd have thought that after all my hot air on the long distance thing, I'd jump smack into it. But hey, Lagos is just down there, as opposed to UK and Nigeria. Hmm....

So in recap,

i) My e-pal asked me out, and now I'm his girlfriend. :">

ii) I dare say I rather like this one.

iii) He kissed me. Now kissing and telling, quite frankly, is gross, but this brova can snog for Nigeria.

*sigh*

***I'm strongly contemplating putting up a placard at my desk which reads "Do Not Flirt With Front Desk. We Are Not Here To Help You Pass Time. Read A Mag or Window Shop. Thank You***

Gads. I could do with a nap just about now. Alas, I've 4 more hours to go till closing. Joy. A silver lining could be more time on my hands to scheme on sneaky ways to snooze....

1

My soul will praise the King of Heaven,

I will lay my tribute at His feet,

For He has ransomed, healed, restored and forgiven me,

Who shall sing his praises but me?

Praise the everlasting King!

Like a father, He takes care of us,

He knows too well our human frailties,

He holds us gently in His arms,

And shelters us from all hurts,

Praise Him, for widely do His mercies flow.

Shylock Knew Why He Was The Way He Was

At this point in my life, I reckon that the most uncomfortable situation I've found myself in is owing people for extended periods of time. What could be more embarrassing than having to avoid someone repeatedly, or continually give what can only be perceived as excuse after excuse, for why you have not paid up by the time you promised you would? Which is why I would rather have next to no money for myself and pay off any outstandings - even if its a tiny bit at a time.

As life would have it, no man is an island. Therefore, people will ALWAYS be there to throw a wrench in your works and ruin your plans. Put you in awkard situations and make you seem a dodgy and dishonest person. The way I see it, this will go beyond the present, and affect your credit records, because the next time some situation comes up, no one will be willing to part with anything on your behalf. As embarrassing as having to owe a person for ages, is the vexation, annoyance and extreme inconvenience of having someone/people owe you money for extended periods of time with no seeming plans of paying you back.

The result of this equation? An strong disinclination to assist anyone monetarily beyond what you are comfortable with letting go altogether. But what is one to do in a situation where what you can let go is not actually going to do anything for their cause? Doing that is just to ease your conscience, and really, all you're doing is getting the person off your back.

My possible solution? Involve God from the get-go and pray that it all works out evenly in the end. Hoping of course that the end is sooner rather than later.
And thus, I find myself waiting outside someone's house, going on an hour-and-a-half, waiting to return money.

God is great.

Things I Would Like To Acheive By 1st June This Year

1) Attain Marked Progress On My Path to Maturity - spiritually, mentally, emotionally.
Read a blog today that made me think. If I were to present myself before God to give account of my time spent, what will I have to show for it? Hours spent crushing endlessly, dwellling infinitely on the opposite sex, be it on bfs of friends, my friends, or "possibilites". When did I let my life get focused down on this? I am here to serve Him, to help all I meet on their Way to Him. That includes not being an obstacle in anyone's way, or a temptation in any form (encouraging deceit even minute forms, dressing or dancing in manners which encourage the oh-so-visually-stimulated to engage in cerebral flights of wander).

2) Finish That Darn French Audio & Move On To Some Other Language.
Seriously. This is going into 3rd Year. Getting a shuffle instead of a player with a screen, just so I listen to the lessons as opposed to having easy access to music has long lost its motivation. I MUST overcome.
Plus I've made sacrifices for this. Both the Shuffle & other monetaries.

3) Make a Permanent Move To Less-2"
It's all boils down to commitment and how bad I do want that waistline. Heck, anorexics can do this. Gymnasts and a large number of Athletes do this. At last check, we all have only one head each. {Yes, I know one or 5 million readers of this may have more than had it with my incessant (seeming) obsession with a smaller waistline, but really, if I can't go broken-record on my own blog, where else can I whinge??? Move on to another friggin' page.}

4) Be an absolute stranger to all-out lying, fibbing, excuse-making, procrastination, laziness, forgetfulness, and be an all-round more dependable person.

5) Be Time-Conscious.
Not just more time-conscious, but practically the watchword. I won't always have a lenient boss who is willing to overlook a tonne. Or be able to find some resolution to slip-ups. Someday, the shite will hit the fan, and backdrop will be a stinker. Yes, I shall create a eutopia where time as we know it can be set by the Nigerian Clock.

The Better of Which Ways?

Subsequent to two trips to Lagos, I have been informed that I will not be moving forward to the next stage of the Sahara interviews. (Once more to mama's surprise), I was not upset. If nothing else, I've logged more hours of interview experience. But I can't help feel I'd rather not have to receive more rejection letters - be it school- or employment- related.
Of late, I find myself increasingly contemplating the idea of setting up my own business. So I enjoy baking (especially when things turn out the way they're supposed to). Why not start up something along that line (asks FT Lily)?


Arguments In Favour of This:
1) There's no harm in trying.
2) It is something I will enjoy doing, so making a living of it will be a definite plus.
3) Flexible hours! (1st Translation: I can sleep late, both at night and in the mornings. Yay!)
4) I don't (technically) have to be rejected ever again. At least job wise.

This could very well be the answer to my prayers. Amen!

Someone just called in to ask what times my office experiences more traffic - mornings/afternoons/weekdays/weekends. I'm having visions of her fishing for information to decide what time is best to set off a bomb. Too much television.

My account has just been debited 150% over for a payment. What the heck???

Weekend Before Test

My friend went to SA and all he got me was a white Tee (instead of my requested Mace spray). Bugger. Ok, it was one of the (now internationally famous, at least in the African Axes) Ama Kip Kip Tees, but it reminds me of Iggy's bridal shower bridesmaid one, cos its plain white and the lettering down the front is in glittery fuschia (is that spelt right???).

So there I was today at work earlier, going through pictures of SA put up by Ze Hustla (since my said friend is reiterating his characteristic photo-huggingness), and we (me and other office gyals) keep seeing the recurrent fyne bros, who we finally identify. After myself and two others rapidly fall in 5-sec crush with him, we (btw ourselves, and a Dr) identify him as a frequenter of the Plaza, his workplace, his marital status (and about to change paternal standing), among others. X-ed that and moved on. But he's sha fine sha. Or rather photogenic. After I closed, was driving out when I noticed a black Ama Kip Kip Tee afar.

"Ha! A kindred wearer!" thought I. On closer inspection, it turns out to be Mr. Fyne (Married&Soon-To-Be-Father) Bros, who apparently is not as fine in person. I might have appreciated the beauty more if I'd met him first before seeing the pictures. Any dregs of crush are rapidly stamped into ash-dust at this point.

But was there really a crush in his direction??? You see, I think I just might be setting myself up to fall in crush with a friend. I think. I'm not sure. And this is the very reason I'm unsure, because if I'm going to crush, I just do so without abandon, and not wonder or unwonder about it. His company is easy, and I'm even willing to date up until (should incase) I leave for school this september. But does he look at me that way? In a not fun-for-the-passing-moments appreciation, but I-really-do-like-her-on-the-whole?

I do think I might be strongly over-nalysing this.

On a more serious note, I've got a Sahara Job Test thing come monday. Wish me luck y'all!

Also allegedly have admission to Salford & Portsmouth! The Lord is good.