Ghana

I recently had the amazing opportunity to visit Africa again for a wedding celebration. As I thought about what I would pack for the trip, I immediately began to wonder what I would do with my hair. I took out my locks not too long before my departure, so my hair was up in the air, literally. Twist out was definitely the first thing I thought about, but I would be in Ghana for 9 days...What happens after that 5th day? I ended up twisting my hair, wearing a scarf on the plane and not untwisting until after my 18 hour travel to the motherland. 5 day twist out? Yea right....lol It was sooo hot and humid that my hair started to shrink after the 2nd day, so I retwisted. Then I realized that it wasn't going to last so I pulled my hair back with a headband and put the front in a mini bun. Mmmm, overall it was okay, I wasn't too thrilled with the way my hair turned out, but hey, I was in the motherland.

I saw interesting things that dealt with hair while I was there, so I'm going to post those also.

1970s Flow

Okay, okay, I will eventually post something about Ghana, but obviously this isn't it. lol

We have a student organization on campus called UJIMA, this year I am president. In keeping with tradition, we had our 70s party last night. It was a blast! It was great having people come out to network, eat, and dance. The costumes and hair were amazing at the party and right on point. I think our moms and dads would be proud. I was very proud, and thanks to James we definitely broke a sweat.

It had been 4 months since I last blow dried my hair, so I was excited about seeing the growth. And my has it grown. (Post about growth coming real soon) Of course I wore my own Afro to the party. No wig needed. Really got my Jackie Brown/Sheeba Baby on! lol......More details to come.

Sesame Street....I Love My Hair

I was planning to write about Ghana next, but I came across this cute video from Sesame Street and decided to share it first, and write about Ghana later in the week. The song is called I Love My Hair. In it, you see African American puppets who are wearing their hair in afros, twists, cornrows, ponytails and pigtails. The song reminds me that you should love your hair no matter which way you decide to wear it, natural or relaxed. The main point is that you make sure you are loving you and not wearing your hair a certain way because you think that's the way it has to be. That goes for natural and relaxed. Although I chose to wear my hair natural now does not mean that I will always wear it that way. I will love my hair either way and won't be pressured into wearing my hair a certain way because that is what is deemed the right way. At the end of the day the important point is to Love You, your hair is a part of you.....More details to come

Doctoral Candidate

Soooo, I decided not to keep my locks in....6 1/2 weeks was long enough for me to realize that I could not make that type of commitment right now. I really liked my locks, but I missed combing my hair and switching things. So I combed them out.

Sept 30th, 2010 marks the day I became a doctoral candidate. I had been stressed about orals for months, and the day of was no exception. As I tried to deal with my bundles of nerves, I figured I would "look the part." I dressed for success, and made sure my hair was styled in a way that made me feel confident and powerful. I guess that stems from the fake it until you make it philosophy. I wanted to at least stare at something powerful when I looked in the mirror before I left the house. I must say I was pleased with my reflection.

I passed!....made it through that hurdle. Congrats to my fellow cohort! Now on to these APA applications......More details to come