One Hundred Thousand Trillion

1. Had the opportunity to catch the tail end of a coaches clinic at my alma mater thanks to hubby. Watched some cool plays and got the basketball season itch. Excited.
2. Spoke to a former caller on the phone today. Says she hates her new job. Put in her resignation today. Life after college is hard. lol...
3. Need some eyeglasses! Sooooo badly. Was supposed to go price frames today but those plans fell by the wayside. Grrrr.
4. Saw The Expendables today. Glad was caught it for matinee prices. More explosions than a little bit. C- at best.
5. Someone please come twist my hair! My locs days are numbered. I want my fro back. lol...*sigh*
6. Had a great few days of training this past week. New kids look good. Only time will tell.
7. So...Willow Smith has a song out. Jay-Z has signed her. What talent did this nine year old display that caught his attention, you ask? Say the following aloud in a high pitched voice: "I whip my hair back and forth." Now repeat that phrase for three minutes and 16 seconds with a few other adlibs and "haterisms". Add auto-tune and a really hot beat. Rinse, Repeat. Or...just click this link.
8. I really want a Pop Tart right now.
9. Facebook is a friend to the vain and an enemy to the covetous.
10. I think I need to take a break from the following: FightingForTheFaith, Facebook, Youtube and all messageboards. Yes...I think I will.
11. I've fallen off the "working out" bandwagon, but plan on getting back into the routine on Monday.
12. There are people in this world who will suck the life out of you if you let them. Run away.
13. All the cool kids hang out on tumblr. Don't believe me? Go over there! Thing is, I don't GET tumblr. LOL. I created an account and could never figure out how to use it...
14. Speaking of tumblr...their taglines is "....the easiest way to share yourself." Thinking about this brings to mind the concept of internet identity. I was browing tumblr the other day in amazement. I mean...is anyone really that cool or interesting...or mysterious. I really asked myself this. For example, I stumbled upon the tumbleblog of this chic named "Kesh." Follow the link if you're interested (be careful as she likes to pose nude), but I found myself wondering what this chick does during the day. Does she have a job? Who are her parents? What is her family background? Did she go to college? Why is she taking these pictures? Why are they so intriguing? So weird? So vulgar? I mean...who is this broad? LOL...How does someone become her? Like, what has to happen in your brain to produce the ideas behind her photography and personal style? I wondered the same as I browsed Facebook today. Saw some pictures that a FB friend was tagged in. She was an this SUPER ELABORATE bridal shower....as I looked at the detail, the clothing of the guests, the cakes, the gifts, I wondered to myself..."who are these people?" I can't quite explain it...the internet, art, photography have a way of altering reality, making life seem less ordinary and making people seem more interesting...it's really cool and kinda sad in a way. #Justthoughts
15. My dogs need food. Off to WalMart. *poof*

Doobie, doobie, doooooo

1. The countdown is on. We're moving in a little over a month. We've got tons of packing to do.
2. I've been on Realtor and Weichert like crazy, trying to figure out if we should buy or rent...still moving.
3. Gave Monica some practice on my hair. She did a good job. I haven't had another person's hands in my hair since 2006. Relaxing!
4. Speaking of Monica, she was a raw foodie for 6 months. Said she would think about revisiting it in 3 months if I want to try it. *pondering*
5. Chuckling over people who were born in raised in Southeast GA putting places in the midwest or north as their "hometowns." How does this work? You were born here, attended elementary, middle and high school here...then you went to college an hour away...BUT you are from (insert a different place)? C'mon son.
6. Can't decide which camcorder to buy...
7. I'm going to order Valana Minerals as soon as I hit the post button. We'll see how it works out. I want to "liberate my face!"
8. People come and people go and then they come back again...'tis life...I'm cool with it.
9. I'm actually getting nervous/anxious about going to this reunion thing. Almost to the point of not going. I need to grow up. I know.
10. J. Nicole is supposed to be coming down on June 18. I'll believe it when I see it....yes, JB...I'm talking to you.
11. *yawn*

Thangs on my mind.

1. I need to do my hair.
2. Speaking of hair, look at hers.
3. On the hunt for new blogs and Youtube subs. *yawn*
4. Might hit up the Atlanta Food Rave. Shout out to Tony doing his thing in the A.
5. Spoke to JP about the open mic thing. Wheels are turning.
6. Can't believe I've made it to day 12 (or is it 13) of P90X. Bring it! I'm on a stretch or rest day...I'll post pictures at day 30 if....they are worth posting.
7. Bobby's home in about a month. My Mani Bear turns 6 in June. My little Dre turns....ummm 2, LOL in July and the 2 year anniversary will be here before I know it.
8. I want a tattoo. On my wrist. #dontjudgeme
9. Trip Lee's new song. Ummm....well...very poppy. Not feeling the autotune/vocoder on Jai's voice. Hope the whole album doesn't go in the same direction as the last TRUTH album (poppy/futuristic/epic sounding). I instantly heard the sample, thought of another song that sampled the tune and did a little research. It's the first part of Pachelbel's Canon in D, transposed to a different key...I tend to hate obvious samples. All that said, Trip is a good rapper. I know the lyrics will get the job done in the end.
10. Saw Iron Man 2 and Date Night. Both were pretty good for what they are. Iron Man 2=A-, Date Night=B-.
11. I wonder if I should pretend to be 16, enroll in a high school in the midwest and get a scholarship to Stanford, Columbia or Yale or something. I'm sure I'd make straight As, knowing what I know now.
12. I ate a single scoop waffle cone from Brusters the other day and hated myself for it. For the record, that wasn't a doggon single...more like a triple. I'm sure they gave me too much. And on top of that, I was a 1lb heavier the next day. #fail
13. Proud of one of my graduating seniors. She applied for a full time position with the American Cancer Society making pretty decent money. Of the four applicants interviewed, she was the only one with actual experience. The other folks had business degrees but zero sales, management or fund-raising experience. She's a criminal justice major. Read 'em and weep!
14. Another one of my kids left a frantic message on my voicemail talking about needing advice. I call him back and it's about a job decision. AWWWWW. So glad he'd even ask me my thoughts on the situation. I'm pretty sure my kids are what keep me going. The best thing about my job is them.
15. Snagged this from E. Money's FB status replies. Get demotivated! Look at the "Blogging" tagline. SO funny...and for me...SOOOOO true.
16. *exits*

Seis de Mayo!

So…what’s been on Glo’s mind lately…well…a lot…much of it unrelated…I feel a ramble coming on.

1. Goos and I are thinking about getting an open mic off the ground for the summer. We’ll see how this goes. There really is nothing to “do” in my current town aside from going to the movies, dinner parties or game nights if you’re not into clubbing or bar hopping. We’d like to change that. At least for the summer. haha.
2. Working 8am-5pm right now. It’s a welcomed change of pace. Going back to regular schedule in about 2 weeks.
3. I was in my office thinking about people my age with children…I can’t even imagine Goos and I as parents. It’s really weird even thinking about it. I want kids but wow…how would it work? Guess we’d make it work like everyone else.
4. I love this chick's locs. Her hair is SO thick. Tried to listen to her music…Didn’t like it as much. Well…at all. Shouts to Holistic Locs for introducing me to her. Don't think I'd ever freeform or go the holistic route BUT I can still appreciate her beauty.
5. I feel like I need a “Swagger Wagon” after watching this. #dontjudgeme
6. Why do I feel the need to read more than one book at a time? Still reading Shadow Rising but I’m not satisfied. Talked to J.Nicole about reading Working While Black…we’ll see. Saw it in Books-A-Million the other day.
7. Speaking of books, I’m working through the gospel of Mark with hubby.
8. Speaking of the Bible, PB is finishing up Numbers. We’ve been in Numbers since 2008. I laugh as I type that because it seems so long. There was a 16 week break while he was on sabbatical but either way, he’s thorough as all get out. I’m glad he takes preaching line by line so seriously. Some pastors don’t....and who knew there was so much gospel in the book of Numbers, anyway? I know I didn't.
9. Found ExitChurchianity a few days ago. My only gripe with the whole “I hate the Institutional Church” crowd is what I saw here at EC. The blanket statements about the so-called “institutional church” sound more like gripes against a particular denomination. I know there are churches who engage in the behaviors the blogger discusses but, I think s/he has thrown the baby out with the bathwater. Realized that this blog is probably FaithandReason's site.
10. Cinco De Mayo at the Carroll's last night. Japanese food and cheap wine. Didn't eat Mexican vittles but did enjoy good conversation.
11. Iron Man 2 tomorrow! Woop!

3/1/2010 Half and Half

1. Hubby and I have been pondering the definition of "Christian education." Is a Bible class and daily chapel sufficient or does the label of "Christian education" require subjects be taught from a Christ centered perspective or biblical lens. We're thinking it's the second one.
2. Finished 100 Years of Solitude. It began strong and finished semi strong, with a weird middle. I give it a C. Could be worth the read, but only if you have nothing else to do...on to The Help.
3. Have to begin "no fried foods" again. *crosses fingers*
4. I'm SOOOOO bored with my hair right now. I'm going to surf youtube for loc tutorial vids before I shave my hair off...
5. I won something from Lucky Magazine's Lucky Breaks! Unbelievable.
6. Warren is possibly the most patient man I've ever encountered. First sign of this patience---He married me!

My Sunday school class is covering Counterfeit Gods right now. Let me just say that I love this book and how Tim Keller challenging readers to examine in themselves in this area. The most recent topic/"counterfeit god" we discussed was "success." I won't get too indepth, but the elder who is teaching the class gave us a couple viewpoints/attitudes to think about when examining if we have made "success" our god. This one (and the last one, "ambition") really hit home for me.

There have been times that I had to catch myself for allowing work to give me a sense of security that only Christ should give me. I remember explaining to someone about a year ago that I was making an effort to not allow missing goal to effect my attitude. I've found myself being on cloud nine when we're doing well, and on the other hand dealing with extreme frustration (and even with deep anxiety during my first year) when things weren't so great. In short, I struggle with this...pray for my strength and security in the Lord.

On a somewhat related note. During discussion on the topic of "success," a woman said her husband told her something like this:

People who are great don't seek out greatness. They have it thrust upon them. The truth is, many of us are ordinary. We're going to have ordinary lives. We're not going to be "great." Don't worry about great. Forget great. Just be faithful.

The "forget great..." thing is so different from what most of us are taught about life. It's so contrary to societal standards that I was torn between cheering and frowning when I heard it. Gotta say, I think it's the wisest thing anyone can learn. Be content with the lot the Lord has provided, whatever that lot might be. Forget great....Be faithful. Faithfulness may or may not lead to greatness or "success" by the world's definition, but one thing it will do is cause us to cling to Christ for our identity and strength...

"One life to live/ it will soon be past/only what's done for Christ will last..."

Hair!

Anyone who knows me, knows that I'm a huge fan of natural, "highly textured" hair and hair care. Thought I'd throw a taste of this on the blog.

Cluttered mind

I've been struggling with what I should discuss ever since I decided to get back into blogging. My mind is literally full of ideas. "Cluttered" is actually a better word. Should I discuss my thoughts about the latest sermon preached at my church, my views on the hooplah that surrounded the speech President Obama delivered to students this past Tuesday, my views about the latest Tyler Perry movie, hair care, relationships, Chris Rock's upcoming movie about the black hair care industry, or the latest drama on HCR ?

I'm really stuck.

I guess I can begin with the Chris Rock movie. Although the politics of black hair, has been documented both on film, in articles and books, Rock's fame and ability to get a major distributor will bring a new audience into the discussion. His inspiration for making this movie was his 2 year old daughter's struggle with her own hair texture. Imagine a 2 year old child, in tears, because she doesn't have "good hair." Sad in so many ways. It lands in theaters this October and I plan to see it on opening night.

I've been wearing my hair natural, and by "natural," I mean "chemical free," since late 2002. It was a no brainer to me. The process of getting my hair "relaxed" had always been cumbersome and beauty salons were unbearable.

I would see women with fades, TWAs, puffs, locs and twists and stare at them in awe, wishing I was "brave" enough to join them in their journey. I'd make excuses about why I couldn't "go natural." I mean, THEY could do it because they had a pretty face or high cheek bones or *gasp* wavy "good" hair. I, on the other hand, had a big face and strong features. Add that to the concerns that men wouldn't find me attractive, my hair is "bad," people would think I'm unprofessional or that someone might mistake me for a man and my anxiety only increased.

Finally after about 2 years of unneccesary agonizing, I subjected myself to my last "hit" in August 2002. I'd planned to wear my hair under braids for 6 months to alow my hair to grow out and then cut off the processed ends. My plans were foiled when I, in a fit of frustration, took a pair of old scissors to my hair late one evening at the end of September. I went to bed with a feeling of triumph. After looking in the mirror the next morning, triumph faded into grief. What had I done!!! After I got used to my new look (and after a hair trim given to me by my very talented aunt), I embraced my nappiness with exuberance.

I must admit that my "joy" turned to into "militancy" in my early days in napdom. I'd rove the countryside sharing the nappy "gospel" to all who would listen. I'd pout and read the horrors stories at Nappturality about insensitive co-workers, relatives and spouses. "They just don't understand the struggle"  or "they're just brainwashed" were the typical responses to those who dared to allow their eyes to glance at our 'fros too long or to ask questions about our cottony crowns. We'd turn our noses up at the receeding hair lines and "see through" hair of some of our relaxed sisters. We'd share ideas about hairstyles. We'd share homemade pomade and cream recipes. We'd laugh and some days we'd cry. We all shared the same inner feeling of freedom mixed with fear. It all seems rather melodramatic to someone who isn't in the know or even someone like myself who's far removed from my experience as a new nap. I even find MYSELF murmuring "it's only hair." Ha...yes, it is "only hair" but then again, it's not "only hair." When a woman's entire esteem and positive self perception is rooted in the appearance of her hair, it's NOT just hair. When I remember this, I scold myself for being so impatient with someone who's just BC'd for the first time, knowing that each public appearance is an exercise of courage. Shouts out to my new sisters trying to make it through their first year, chem free.

Here I am, older, wiser and 7 years into the game. I don't expect for every black woman to agree with me in my sentiments that wearing our hair chemical free is the most healthy option but I'm glad I didn't continue to allow the possible perceptions of others to keep me in an unhealthy place.