Black men and long hair?
Let me explain why I'm asking.
Back in April I got frustrated with my transition to natural hair and just did the big chop after 5 months. I had about 2 inches of length completely stretched, but in its shrunken state its pretty short, but with lots of curls and coils.
So these were the reactions I got from different groups:
*The majority of women from all races loved it. A couple chicks said they preferred my long hair, but all the other ladies thought my short hair suits me.
*White and Latino men overall liked the short hair. It was a different look that fit my face.
*But the Black men? Oooh, the Black men HATE MY SHORT HAIR! I can count on one hand the number of Black men who liked the short hair compared to the long relaxed hair I used to have. And the crazy thing is that when I was relaxed I wore my hair up every single day, I never wore it down, so you couldnt even see how long it was.
So the difference in reactions really made me think. What is it that makes most Black men prefer long hair? Is it a Eurocentric standard of beauty? A rejection of Black women and their kinks and coils? Brainwashing from "The Man"?
I think I'm cute with the long relaxed hair, the short relaxed hair, the short natural hair, and I'll be cute with long natural hair. Its frustrating though to hear from so many Black men how they don't like my hair and how they wished I hadn't cut it and whatnot. Of course, their opinions arent going to make me run out and weave it up or relax again or anything. I went natural for me and I love my natural hair. Its just very interesting to see the new types of responses I get from Black men.
Anyone else ever had a similar experience? Can any fellas give me an explanation for the love of long hair?
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
27 Is Off To A Great Start
I've been 27 years old for a week and it already kicks 26's ass. How awesome is that?
I did my 2nd birthday celebration in Atlanta this past weekend. I won't rehash every single detail but I will say:
*There's NOTHING BETTER than people who truly love you...and I'm lucky enough to be surrounded by those folks. I know they are just a phone call/email/text/@reply/smoke signal away and that they'd ride for me til the wheels fall off...that's TRUE FRIENDSHIP and to those folks (cause yall know who you are) I LOVE YOU SO VERY MUCH AND THANKS FOR BEING MY TRUE FRIEND!!!!
*My former Party Girl ways are officially behind me. I'm not saddened at all. I'm just a grown-up now, and now I'm a Party Woman. Party Woman likes different types of events, she's more laid-back and chill, no longer needs to be the center of attention/loudest voice in the room. I didn't hit the club this weekend and I wasn't mad about it at all. Such is life.
*Almost everyone I know is in a relationship. I dont think that's ever happened before. It does my heart good to know that my folks are happy and in love. I'm not there yet, but I know I will be. I've been dating the same guy since April, and I really have no desire to make him my boyfriend, which means I'll probably be going back to the drawing board soon (cause yall know I got a 3 month dating attention span). With the million blogs discussing what's wrong with Black relationships and why Black men and women can't get along, I love that I'm surrounded by so many happy Black couples. Makes me feel good & keeps me hopeful (as opposed to being worried I'mma end up the crazy cat lady, yay!).
*I always talk about getting my life together, but I finally actually got some help on how to do that. A life coach, if you will. Its fabulous, and so freaking worth it. I'm getting the help I need to accomplish the things I want to achieve and that's great.
I did my 2nd birthday celebration in Atlanta this past weekend. I won't rehash every single detail but I will say:
*There's NOTHING BETTER than people who truly love you...and I'm lucky enough to be surrounded by those folks. I know they are just a phone call/email/text/@reply/smoke signal away and that they'd ride for me til the wheels fall off...that's TRUE FRIENDSHIP and to those folks (cause yall know who you are) I LOVE YOU SO VERY MUCH AND THANKS FOR BEING MY TRUE FRIEND!!!!
*My former Party Girl ways are officially behind me. I'm not saddened at all. I'm just a grown-up now, and now I'm a Party Woman. Party Woman likes different types of events, she's more laid-back and chill, no longer needs to be the center of attention/loudest voice in the room. I didn't hit the club this weekend and I wasn't mad about it at all. Such is life.
*Almost everyone I know is in a relationship. I dont think that's ever happened before. It does my heart good to know that my folks are happy and in love. I'm not there yet, but I know I will be. I've been dating the same guy since April, and I really have no desire to make him my boyfriend, which means I'll probably be going back to the drawing board soon (cause yall know I got a 3 month dating attention span). With the million blogs discussing what's wrong with Black relationships and why Black men and women can't get along, I love that I'm surrounded by so many happy Black couples. Makes me feel good & keeps me hopeful (as opposed to being worried I'mma end up the crazy cat lady, yay!).
*I always talk about getting my life together, but I finally actually got some help on how to do that. A life coach, if you will. Its fabulous, and so freaking worth it. I'm getting the help I need to accomplish the things I want to achieve and that's great.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
The Beginning of a New Year
Monday was my 27th birthday.
I spent it very low-key; massage, lunch at Seasons 52 (I love that place), facial/mani/pedi at the spa, and dinner with friends at the mongolian bbq spot. I even got some cool gifts. But the best gift is the one I gave myself.
If you've read this blog or my grad school blog, then you know that Jubi has her fair share of issues. And generally they all stem from the fact that I'm a worrier and I obsess about things. Its like I can't turn my brain off and I freak out, usually prematurely. What have I freaked out/obsessed about? Oh, just random stuff like not ever getting married and ending up an old maid with a bunch of cats, or that I'd be stuck in Orlando forever (which I hated at the time), or that I'd be fat and man-less forever.
It got to the point where I was getting on my own nerves, and that's when I knew I had to make a change. Both for my sanity and the sanity of my friends.
I no longer feel the stress that I used to feel over the direction my life was going in. I dont spend sleepless nights worrying about my future. I feel a sense of peace and satisfaction in where I am right now. Is my life perfect? Nope. But I'm content, and that's what matters
I spent it very low-key; massage, lunch at Seasons 52 (I love that place), facial/mani/pedi at the spa, and dinner with friends at the mongolian bbq spot. I even got some cool gifts. But the best gift is the one I gave myself.
If you've read this blog or my grad school blog, then you know that Jubi has her fair share of issues. And generally they all stem from the fact that I'm a worrier and I obsess about things. Its like I can't turn my brain off and I freak out, usually prematurely. What have I freaked out/obsessed about? Oh, just random stuff like not ever getting married and ending up an old maid with a bunch of cats, or that I'd be stuck in Orlando forever (which I hated at the time), or that I'd be fat and man-less forever.
It got to the point where I was getting on my own nerves, and that's when I knew I had to make a change. Both for my sanity and the sanity of my friends.
I no longer feel the stress that I used to feel over the direction my life was going in. I dont spend sleepless nights worrying about my future. I feel a sense of peace and satisfaction in where I am right now. Is my life perfect? Nope. But I'm content, and that's what matters
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Goodbye VIBE
If you haven't heard by now, VIBE magazine is no more.
I can't front, when I first heard the news via Twitter, my first reaction was "thank you!". Over the past couple of years, I've been very dissatified with the editorial content and direction of the magazine. I was planning to cancel my most recent subscription, but then decided to let it run its course and simply not renew it when the time came.
I've been a VIBE reader pretty much since the magazine began. I remember that because I was in middle school, and it was my favorite magazine next to YSB (yall remember that? Now that was a great magazine). My first VIBE subscription was a birthday gift, and I loved it. VIBE covered the artists that I loved and wanted to see: Jodeci, Snoop, 2Pac (remember his interview about the rape allegations and being in jail?), Mary J. Blige, etc. But beyond that, they highlighted various facets of life in a way that was both interesting and educational for me.
I remained a loyal VIBE reader and subscriber for at least 10 years, but the last couple of years the magazine just wasn't giving me what I wanted anymore. I definitely didn't like the last change in EIC, and I thought the change in design style was too much and I preferred the old look. But more importantly, I did not like their choices for cover artists. Plies? Ciara and Eminem every other month? It became as boring and predictable as Essence (who I no longer subscribe to and who I wish would fold as well).
I mentioned that I wasn't sad to see VIBE go on Twitter, and I got a bit of a talking-to from someone. Basically they were saying that I outgrew the magazine and didn't see how it was relevant, but that doesn't mean that VIBE shouldn't be around anymore. I had to sit and ponder that one. Yes, I had outgrown VIBE. I'm no longer their target audience. But I think my biggest beef with VIBE was not that the content was irrelevant to my life, it was that the content was redundant and unentertaining. I had absolutely no desire to pick it up and read the articles or even look at the pictures. 20 Questions wasn't even funny anymore.
Now VIBE Vixen....that was a magazine that I liked, and I was sad to see it go so quickly. Perhaps it can be resurrected.
Anyway, RIP VIBE....
I can't front, when I first heard the news via Twitter, my first reaction was "thank you!". Over the past couple of years, I've been very dissatified with the editorial content and direction of the magazine. I was planning to cancel my most recent subscription, but then decided to let it run its course and simply not renew it when the time came.
I've been a VIBE reader pretty much since the magazine began. I remember that because I was in middle school, and it was my favorite magazine next to YSB (yall remember that? Now that was a great magazine). My first VIBE subscription was a birthday gift, and I loved it. VIBE covered the artists that I loved and wanted to see: Jodeci, Snoop, 2Pac (remember his interview about the rape allegations and being in jail?), Mary J. Blige, etc. But beyond that, they highlighted various facets of life in a way that was both interesting and educational for me.
I remained a loyal VIBE reader and subscriber for at least 10 years, but the last couple of years the magazine just wasn't giving me what I wanted anymore. I definitely didn't like the last change in EIC, and I thought the change in design style was too much and I preferred the old look. But more importantly, I did not like their choices for cover artists. Plies? Ciara and Eminem every other month? It became as boring and predictable as Essence (who I no longer subscribe to and who I wish would fold as well).
I mentioned that I wasn't sad to see VIBE go on Twitter, and I got a bit of a talking-to from someone. Basically they were saying that I outgrew the magazine and didn't see how it was relevant, but that doesn't mean that VIBE shouldn't be around anymore. I had to sit and ponder that one. Yes, I had outgrown VIBE. I'm no longer their target audience. But I think my biggest beef with VIBE was not that the content was irrelevant to my life, it was that the content was redundant and unentertaining. I had absolutely no desire to pick it up and read the articles or even look at the pictures. 20 Questions wasn't even funny anymore.
Now VIBE Vixen....that was a magazine that I liked, and I was sad to see it go so quickly. Perhaps it can be resurrected.
Anyway, RIP VIBE....
Monday, June 22, 2009
Sometimes Its Just Too Much....
I've reached my limit. I'm at information overload when it comes to certain topics.
First, I am SO VERY TIRED with every Black blog needing to discuss whats wrong with Black love, Black relationships, why we dont date each other, why we dont date each other, why Black women need to date interracially, why Black women arent getting married, blah blah blah. I'm SO OVER IT....
I love reading lots of different blogs, but I swear, every Black blogger in their late 20's/early 30's is giving their two cents on Black relationships. And sometimes, great discussion is sparked, and I get to thinking about my own life. But most of the time, its just crap. Yeah, I said it, its CRAP. Its a simplistic rehashing of the topic and then the writer's friends log-on and co-sign it, even when its a mess. That's not a meaningful dialogue. Not to mention, how many times can we discuss the same things over and over? I mean, seriously....
We're all intelligent, educated, well-rounded people, so why is relationships the only topic that we can find? Can't we find even one other topic to discuss?
Maybe it wouldnt be so bad if the topics weren't all so pessimistic. But lately it has seemed like so many blogs have focused on the negative, especially when it comes to Black women. Highlighting what we need to do to get a man, keep a man, get a man to propose to us, get a man to not be an absent father, yada yada yada. It seems like every post is an admonishment for the ladies, and a primer on how to get it right so you wont end up part of the percentage that isnt married.
*sigh*
Is all that really necessary? I mean, reaally?
Can't we just BE for a little bit? Just relax and date and be social and have fun and work on ourselves and our careers, without the stress of carrying relationship burdens around? I gotta say, some of these blogs were making me question myself, and I got real close to drinking the damn Kool-Aid myself.
I implore my fellow Black bloggers to look at other topics...PLEASE. For our sanity. Cause I'm officially relationship'd out. I can't take it anymore.
First, I am SO VERY TIRED with every Black blog needing to discuss whats wrong with Black love, Black relationships, why we dont date each other, why we dont date each other, why Black women need to date interracially, why Black women arent getting married, blah blah blah. I'm SO OVER IT....
I love reading lots of different blogs, but I swear, every Black blogger in their late 20's/early 30's is giving their two cents on Black relationships. And sometimes, great discussion is sparked, and I get to thinking about my own life. But most of the time, its just crap. Yeah, I said it, its CRAP. Its a simplistic rehashing of the topic and then the writer's friends log-on and co-sign it, even when its a mess. That's not a meaningful dialogue. Not to mention, how many times can we discuss the same things over and over? I mean, seriously....
We're all intelligent, educated, well-rounded people, so why is relationships the only topic that we can find? Can't we find even one other topic to discuss?
Maybe it wouldnt be so bad if the topics weren't all so pessimistic. But lately it has seemed like so many blogs have focused on the negative, especially when it comes to Black women. Highlighting what we need to do to get a man, keep a man, get a man to propose to us, get a man to not be an absent father, yada yada yada. It seems like every post is an admonishment for the ladies, and a primer on how to get it right so you wont end up part of the percentage that isnt married.
*sigh*
Is all that really necessary? I mean, reaally?
Can't we just BE for a little bit? Just relax and date and be social and have fun and work on ourselves and our careers, without the stress of carrying relationship burdens around? I gotta say, some of these blogs were making me question myself, and I got real close to drinking the damn Kool-Aid myself.
I implore my fellow Black bloggers to look at other topics...PLEASE. For our sanity. Cause I'm officially relationship'd out. I can't take it anymore.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Getting My Life Together
Yall remember when I first moved to Orlando?
I was UP.SET. Actually, upset is an understatement. I was bored outta my mind.
Keep in mind that I moved to Orlando from Atlanta, a city that I loved. I didn't kick it nearly as hard as I could have, because I was in school, but there were plenty of options when I had the opportunity. Plus museums, theater, art, concerts, fab shopping, fab restaurants....I was very happy.
Then I moved to Orlando...and it was a huge letdown.
So for the past 2.5 years I've been whining to anyone that would listen about how much I hated Orlando, how I wanted to leave & get to a real city, how much Orlando sucked, how wack it was, how there was nothing to offer a sophisticated person like myself, blah blah blah.
I whined and whined and complained....and then I started to notice two things:
*My situation wasn't changing (I was still in Orlando) and I was getting more miserable by the minute
* I was getting on everybody's nerves, including my own
That's right....I got on my own nerves with all my whining. So I had a talk with myself, and we decided that we were gonna do better. I made myself a promise to get out, explore Orlando, and if I still hated it after all that, then I'd either go back to school or put the job search into hyperdrive.
So what have I been doing? Let's see...I hit the Orlando Fringe Festival with my friend RJ...I joined two Meetup groups (Orlando Movie Group and Orlando Natural Hair)...Still active in Restaurant Mafia (website coming soon folks!)...joined a new gym (24 Hour Fitness - got some cuties there)...been out to various restaurants/bars/lounges/clubs....
Got more stuff lined up...and you know what, Orlando isn't so bad after all. Its no Atlanta, but its do-able, for now. If the Universe wants me to have another opportunity in another city, I will definitely pursue it, but right now I'm ok.
And no more whining. Yay!
I was UP.SET. Actually, upset is an understatement. I was bored outta my mind.
Keep in mind that I moved to Orlando from Atlanta, a city that I loved. I didn't kick it nearly as hard as I could have, because I was in school, but there were plenty of options when I had the opportunity. Plus museums, theater, art, concerts, fab shopping, fab restaurants....I was very happy.
Then I moved to Orlando...and it was a huge letdown.
So for the past 2.5 years I've been whining to anyone that would listen about how much I hated Orlando, how I wanted to leave & get to a real city, how much Orlando sucked, how wack it was, how there was nothing to offer a sophisticated person like myself, blah blah blah.
I whined and whined and complained....and then I started to notice two things:
*My situation wasn't changing (I was still in Orlando) and I was getting more miserable by the minute
* I was getting on everybody's nerves, including my own
That's right....I got on my own nerves with all my whining. So I had a talk with myself, and we decided that we were gonna do better. I made myself a promise to get out, explore Orlando, and if I still hated it after all that, then I'd either go back to school or put the job search into hyperdrive.
So what have I been doing? Let's see...I hit the Orlando Fringe Festival with my friend RJ...I joined two Meetup groups (Orlando Movie Group and Orlando Natural Hair)...Still active in Restaurant Mafia (website coming soon folks!)...joined a new gym (24 Hour Fitness - got some cuties there)...been out to various restaurants/bars/lounges/clubs....
Got more stuff lined up...and you know what, Orlando isn't so bad after all. Its no Atlanta, but its do-able, for now. If the Universe wants me to have another opportunity in another city, I will definitely pursue it, but right now I'm ok.
And no more whining. Yay!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
April/May Recap
Yes, it has been a long time since I've blogged.
I've talked about it, but just didn't feel the motivation to post anything.
So let's see...what's happened since the last time I posted...
Well, I did my big chop (BC) in April. After my first couple of heated yoga practices, I was just so upset with my two different textures, so I woke up on a Saturday, called the salon and made a same-day appt. I got my eyebrows waxed, bought some cute earrings, and headed to the shop. I cut off a lot of length, but I wasn't upset at all. I was very happy actually. Once I saw my twa (that's teeny weeny afro for yall you aren't on the hairboards) I loved it. Occassionally I miss the security that long hair brought, but overall I'm very happy. This is the first time I've ever really experienced my natural texture, and I really love my little coils and kinks. Now I'm just focused on growing it out so I can do more styles.
The other exciting thing from April was that my neices were born all in the same week! My brother closest to me had twin girls, Nadia and Nadirah. They came early so they've been in the NICU but they are coming home soon! My other brother had 1 girl, Zunairah. All my girls are absolutely beautiful and I'm a very proud auntie! I will definitely be going home more often so that I can see my girls.
I've still been job-hunting and whatnot...but I had to have a real talk with myself, and seriously look at my life. I've spent a long time plotting & planning to leave, but I'm still in Orlando. And I've been miserable and whiny...which isn't cute. I had finally reached MY whine limit, and I had to say to myself "Jubs, you can and need to do better. All this whining about how much you hate Orlando is not helping the situation." So I've actually been getting more involved in stuff around town and giving Orlando a chance. I attended the Orlando Fringe Festival with my friend RJ, which was actually a lot of fun. The Fringe Festival allows artists to put on whatever kind of show they want, and I saw 4 very different shows. I joined a movie group (think dinner group but with movies instead of restaurants) and I'm still very active with Restaurant Mafia. And the Magic winning has definitely Orlando a more exciting place to live. And yeah, Orlando isn't so bad once you get out and do stuff. No, I still can't do all the things that I love to do in other cities, but I have to make the best of the situation that I have.
Work has been kinda blah...I've been trying to get re-motivated....or maybe this is a sign that its time for me to move on, I dont' know.
Still dating very casually, nothing really new to report in my romantic life.
I've talked about it, but just didn't feel the motivation to post anything.
So let's see...what's happened since the last time I posted...
Well, I did my big chop (BC) in April. After my first couple of heated yoga practices, I was just so upset with my two different textures, so I woke up on a Saturday, called the salon and made a same-day appt. I got my eyebrows waxed, bought some cute earrings, and headed to the shop. I cut off a lot of length, but I wasn't upset at all. I was very happy actually. Once I saw my twa (that's teeny weeny afro for yall you aren't on the hairboards) I loved it. Occassionally I miss the security that long hair brought, but overall I'm very happy. This is the first time I've ever really experienced my natural texture, and I really love my little coils and kinks. Now I'm just focused on growing it out so I can do more styles.
The other exciting thing from April was that my neices were born all in the same week! My brother closest to me had twin girls, Nadia and Nadirah. They came early so they've been in the NICU but they are coming home soon! My other brother had 1 girl, Zunairah. All my girls are absolutely beautiful and I'm a very proud auntie! I will definitely be going home more often so that I can see my girls.
I've still been job-hunting and whatnot...but I had to have a real talk with myself, and seriously look at my life. I've spent a long time plotting & planning to leave, but I'm still in Orlando. And I've been miserable and whiny...which isn't cute. I had finally reached MY whine limit, and I had to say to myself "Jubs, you can and need to do better. All this whining about how much you hate Orlando is not helping the situation." So I've actually been getting more involved in stuff around town and giving Orlando a chance. I attended the Orlando Fringe Festival with my friend RJ, which was actually a lot of fun. The Fringe Festival allows artists to put on whatever kind of show they want, and I saw 4 very different shows. I joined a movie group (think dinner group but with movies instead of restaurants) and I'm still very active with Restaurant Mafia. And the Magic winning has definitely Orlando a more exciting place to live. And yeah, Orlando isn't so bad once you get out and do stuff. No, I still can't do all the things that I love to do in other cities, but I have to make the best of the situation that I have.
Work has been kinda blah...I've been trying to get re-motivated....or maybe this is a sign that its time for me to move on, I dont' know.
Still dating very casually, nothing really new to report in my romantic life.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Random Relationship Thoughts
My male friends are ruining me & killing my faith in relationships.
Almost every guy that I'm close friends with, is a fucked up boyfriend or husband. A couple of my male friends are leading double lives, and their gfs/wives have NO CLUE about all the dirt they do when they are alone or with their boys.
Their behavior leaves me worried that I will fall in love with a guy who is leading a double life. I take that back, I worry that I will fall in love AGAIN with a guy who is leading a double life. The ex from college, HW, was doing the double life thing until it caught up with him. I do not want to go through that again. It was painful and difficult the first time and it took years for me to take guys seriously again.
I hate to say it, but I think I'm jaded. As much as I lament the lack of love in my life and my desire to be in a relationship, I have too many worries and fears for it to happen. What if he cheats on me? What if he's secretly gay or gay curious? What if he's just using me? I can go on and on....my fears about relationships hold me back and keep me from having a relationship.
I long to find a guy who loves me for me and cares for me, but at the same time I'm not willing to put myself out there, not for real. Dates are a joke to me. I dont even take them seriously. Maybe I'm just tired of FL, or FL dudes, or maybe I'm having a quarter-life crisis, I dont know. I just know that my fear of ending up the lonely cat lady is looking like it could be more of a possibility if I dont get my stuff together. But at the same time, I won't settle. I can't settle.
Its just that my faith in relationships is just so shot. Folks that I thought had the realest marriage ever are separated. Dudes cheating behind their girls back for years, but still claiming he loves her. A big part of me feels like "whats the point?" I'd just rather be alone than deal with the stress & heartache...and that's where I am now. Maybe it is better to have loved & lost...
Almost every guy that I'm close friends with, is a fucked up boyfriend or husband. A couple of my male friends are leading double lives, and their gfs/wives have NO CLUE about all the dirt they do when they are alone or with their boys.
Their behavior leaves me worried that I will fall in love with a guy who is leading a double life. I take that back, I worry that I will fall in love AGAIN with a guy who is leading a double life. The ex from college, HW, was doing the double life thing until it caught up with him. I do not want to go through that again. It was painful and difficult the first time and it took years for me to take guys seriously again.
I hate to say it, but I think I'm jaded. As much as I lament the lack of love in my life and my desire to be in a relationship, I have too many worries and fears for it to happen. What if he cheats on me? What if he's secretly gay or gay curious? What if he's just using me? I can go on and on....my fears about relationships hold me back and keep me from having a relationship.
I long to find a guy who loves me for me and cares for me, but at the same time I'm not willing to put myself out there, not for real. Dates are a joke to me. I dont even take them seriously. Maybe I'm just tired of FL, or FL dudes, or maybe I'm having a quarter-life crisis, I dont know. I just know that my fear of ending up the lonely cat lady is looking like it could be more of a possibility if I dont get my stuff together. But at the same time, I won't settle. I can't settle.
Its just that my faith in relationships is just so shot. Folks that I thought had the realest marriage ever are separated. Dudes cheating behind their girls back for years, but still claiming he loves her. A big part of me feels like "whats the point?" I'd just rather be alone than deal with the stress & heartache...and that's where I am now. Maybe it is better to have loved & lost...
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
My Heated Yoga Experience
I had been thinking of trying yoga again, but I kept chickening out. I was worried that I wouldnt be able to do it considering that I'm overweight and out of shape.
I finally got over myself and sucked it up and went this past Saturday.
I went to College Park Yoga, which is on Smith St in the College Park neighborhood of Orlando. I decided to try the "Beginner Power Yoga" class. I brought a yoga mat, towel and water, as the website suggested.
So the yoga studio pretty much takes up the whole building, and the building is locked while a class is going on. When I checked it I let them know I was new, and everyone was very helpful. It took a few minutes for everyone to come in and get situated, but the class was pretty full, at least 20 people, male and female.
The leader took us through a warm-up that consisted of the Sun Salutations. I did pretty good with this, except for the Downward-Facing Dog, my arms aren't strong enough to hold me up in that pose. I really liked how the leader didnt spend the class doing the poses with us, instead she circulated the room helping to make sure we used proper form and got into the poses correctly.
After we went through the warm-up, we went through more poses. I was really working up a sweat. College Park Yoga is a heated yoga studio, so there was no AC, no fans, no open windows. Just us, our breath, and our sweat. Throughout the class I was sweating so much that it was running down my face. I was really drenched but it felt so good, like I was sweating out all the bad stuff.
I was able to get into every pose, which I was proud of. During some poses I lost my balance a few times, or my arms got tired, but I never gave up. I just kept trying. I also really focused on my breathing and staying in the moment. I have a problem with not being able to turn my mind off and stop thinking, but my yoga experience helped me turn off for a bit and just live in the moment, with no worries or thoughts crowding my brain.
At the end of the class I felt refreshed, and not strained at all. I felt so calm and peaceful. The next day I was sore in several places, so I was definitely getting a workout, but it wasnt strenous or "hard" at all.
Overall it was a great experience. I'm going back tomorrow and i'm really looking forward to it.
One thing the yoga leader said has stuck with me...She said "Everything is a choice. Either you choose to do something or you don't. Just take it one choice at a time." That really resonated with me. For much of my life I've pondered and worried and stressed and tried and whatnot. Just seeing things as one choice at a time is so simplistic and clarifies so much for me.
I finally got over myself and sucked it up and went this past Saturday.
I went to College Park Yoga, which is on Smith St in the College Park neighborhood of Orlando. I decided to try the "Beginner Power Yoga" class. I brought a yoga mat, towel and water, as the website suggested.
So the yoga studio pretty much takes up the whole building, and the building is locked while a class is going on. When I checked it I let them know I was new, and everyone was very helpful. It took a few minutes for everyone to come in and get situated, but the class was pretty full, at least 20 people, male and female.
The leader took us through a warm-up that consisted of the Sun Salutations. I did pretty good with this, except for the Downward-Facing Dog, my arms aren't strong enough to hold me up in that pose. I really liked how the leader didnt spend the class doing the poses with us, instead she circulated the room helping to make sure we used proper form and got into the poses correctly.
After we went through the warm-up, we went through more poses. I was really working up a sweat. College Park Yoga is a heated yoga studio, so there was no AC, no fans, no open windows. Just us, our breath, and our sweat. Throughout the class I was sweating so much that it was running down my face. I was really drenched but it felt so good, like I was sweating out all the bad stuff.
I was able to get into every pose, which I was proud of. During some poses I lost my balance a few times, or my arms got tired, but I never gave up. I just kept trying. I also really focused on my breathing and staying in the moment. I have a problem with not being able to turn my mind off and stop thinking, but my yoga experience helped me turn off for a bit and just live in the moment, with no worries or thoughts crowding my brain.
At the end of the class I felt refreshed, and not strained at all. I felt so calm and peaceful. The next day I was sore in several places, so I was definitely getting a workout, but it wasnt strenous or "hard" at all.
Overall it was a great experience. I'm going back tomorrow and i'm really looking forward to it.
One thing the yoga leader said has stuck with me...She said "Everything is a choice. Either you choose to do something or you don't. Just take it one choice at a time." That really resonated with me. For much of my life I've pondered and worried and stressed and tried and whatnot. Just seeing things as one choice at a time is so simplistic and clarifies so much for me.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Hair Transition Update
I'm still going strong, in my 4th month of my transition. I love my little coilys. I can't wait to have all natural hair. I flatironed for the first time a few weeks ago, and my hair got really straight. I didn't use a heat protectant (bad girl I know) but I will next time, when I do my length update at the end of June.
I've been kicking around several ideas for my big chop (BC). One part of me wants to get to natural hair ASAP, and also explore having really short hair for the first time in my life. The other part of me is scared that I will look crazy with really short hair (I truly believe that every woman cannot pull off the short hair) and I will just end up covering it with wigs and whatnot.
So here are the ideas I have:
*BC completely on my birthday (7/6) and start my 27th year of life with a new look and a new me.
*Keep all my length and do the BC on my 1 year transition anniversary (11/29) - I'll have more natural length then.
*Do a mini-chop and go from almost BSL to SL on my birthday, and then BC on 11/29.
Right now I keep flip-flopping between those 3 options...I'm not in a rush to make a decision right now though.
I've been really wanting twists, so I started looking around and of course I couldn't find anyone in Orlando who I trusted enough to do them, so I'm going to do them myself. I've been practicing on my hair, and I've gotten the hang of it. So next week I'm going to just sit in my apartment and twist up my hair. I'm not planning to make the sections super small, so hopefully it won't take me longer than a day to get it done. I will post pics when I'm finished. I plan to keep in twists until my birthday, just taking them down and redoing them as needed. If they work out well I may just stay in twists until my decided BC date (whenever that is).
Tonight I'm going to henna using the CurlyNikki method. Last night I got some Karishma Herbal Henna from a local Indian grocer ($2.99 a pack, yay!). Following CurlyNikki's method, I'm going to mix up my henna with green tea and a little oil, apply it to clarified hair tonight, and sleep in it. I'm thinking its gonna be in my hair for about 12 hours before I rinse, DC and style. I'm planning to just blowdry my hair on cool tomorrow. Rollersetting makes my relaxed hair too thin w/ no volume, and airdrying leaves my ends kinda crunchy, so we're gonna try the blowdryer on cool...and yes, I will use a heat protectant this time.
I've been kicking around several ideas for my big chop (BC). One part of me wants to get to natural hair ASAP, and also explore having really short hair for the first time in my life. The other part of me is scared that I will look crazy with really short hair (I truly believe that every woman cannot pull off the short hair) and I will just end up covering it with wigs and whatnot.
So here are the ideas I have:
*BC completely on my birthday (7/6) and start my 27th year of life with a new look and a new me.
*Keep all my length and do the BC on my 1 year transition anniversary (11/29) - I'll have more natural length then.
*Do a mini-chop and go from almost BSL to SL on my birthday, and then BC on 11/29.
Right now I keep flip-flopping between those 3 options...I'm not in a rush to make a decision right now though.
I've been really wanting twists, so I started looking around and of course I couldn't find anyone in Orlando who I trusted enough to do them, so I'm going to do them myself. I've been practicing on my hair, and I've gotten the hang of it. So next week I'm going to just sit in my apartment and twist up my hair. I'm not planning to make the sections super small, so hopefully it won't take me longer than a day to get it done. I will post pics when I'm finished. I plan to keep in twists until my birthday, just taking them down and redoing them as needed. If they work out well I may just stay in twists until my decided BC date (whenever that is).
Tonight I'm going to henna using the CurlyNikki method. Last night I got some Karishma Herbal Henna from a local Indian grocer ($2.99 a pack, yay!). Following CurlyNikki's method, I'm going to mix up my henna with green tea and a little oil, apply it to clarified hair tonight, and sleep in it. I'm thinking its gonna be in my hair for about 12 hours before I rinse, DC and style. I'm planning to just blowdry my hair on cool tomorrow. Rollersetting makes my relaxed hair too thin w/ no volume, and airdrying leaves my ends kinda crunchy, so we're gonna try the blowdryer on cool...and yes, I will use a heat protectant this time.
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