Are African Girls and Diamonds Best Friends?

***** NOT ABOUT SISTERLOCKS*******

It may come to a surprise to some but Patrick and I are planning to get married once he finishes his degree/intern. Anyway we haven't made it official because there's no ring to seal the deal. Patrick had the ring all picked out with my help of course :) then something struck inside my head. Wait! I can't have a diamond. You remember the movie "Blood Diamond"? So I asked the jeweler about the ring and if it was conflict free. You should have seen the lady run and go get me a phamplet (msp?) about the kimberly process. This process is suppose to ensure that the diamonds were conflict free and certified. But later more questions came to my head.... Who does the certification? I thought if I was the person over the certifications and certifying diamonds was how I made my living then all diamonds would be conflict free. I thought about using sapphires or even cubic zs. I still want a sparkly shiny ring. So I still battled secretly inside my head between diamond or no diamond. It wasn't until I heard Prof. Griff from the (real) hip-hop group Public Enemy speak. I went to a lecture of his that was held here in Memphis at the Marcus Garvey Learning Institute. He showed gruesome pics of the diamond field workers. He then said "after seeing these pics and hearing their stories, all of Africa's diamonds are conflict diamonds!" that statement really got me to thinking. The ring we decided upon was totaled at $3,800.00. It has an antiqued setting and is simply beautiful. Out of the 3800 how much will the family that was working in the field that the diamond was found receive? How much do they get to take care of their families? Its like the saying; People who know better ought to do better! So even though I absolutely love this ring, I can not accept it. We did however find a jeweler that will custom make the exact same ring without diamonds and will use stones called moissanites. These are crystals that was formed from a fallen meteor. So I will be carrying around a part from a fallen star to symbolize our love for each other. Now how cool is that! It shines as pretty as a diamond and is more economical. Patrick was all ears to diamond alternatives when he saw those prices. Just research and check it out yourself. I already know I am going to have to explain to people why it isn't a diamond over and over again. It doesn't matter if people will understand but I will be happy because a symbol of our love didn't cause pain and suffering for someone else. Plus that extra money we will be saving could go to my wedding dress. ;O Leave m some feedback.

http://www.moissaniteco.com/

7 MONTHS

Prof. Griff from Public Enemy, Free P, and Patrick
Here is my hair at 7 months old. Looks the same right?



Dear Free's Sisterlocks,



Please grow!



Love,

Free P.

Brother's Wedding

I am a proud TT! K was so happy his parents were getting married! We all were!
The entrance! My younger bro and I.
Patrick and I at our table. I have on makeup! However, I don't have on blush. It was hot as hell outside and I was trying to cool off.
The groom (Big Bro) and I. That is his new sister-n-law on the left.

Congrats Mr. and Mrs. GB! I had a blast and here are the pics to prove it! Our dresses were canary yellow from David's Bridal. I just had my 6 month retightening and I rolled my hair on the Lock Loop rollers. This time I put less hair in each roller.

Rock It!

The back of my first Sisterlocked Mohawk!
Side view.... I look dorky
Texture/ close up shot!... I think it was time for a retightening....


Thanks Franchesca! ( chescaleigh on youtube.com ) I watched her 2 yr anniversary video and got the idea. Audrey's Pleasure (My sisterlock Idol) also has a similar look with the Bantu locks because her locks are longer. I also will be trying that Amy Whinehouse beehive!

Black Tee, Hair, and Me!

I thought about using a visual measurement of my hair growth and my weight loss. I agreed to the 5o million pound challenge (http://50millionpoundchallenge.com/) and I am still going strong (one month) on my vegan lifestyle. I want to lose 35lbs. I am borderline normal. I am only 6 lbs away from being overweight.(BMI) I admit it is very hard in my busy life to eat as a vegan ( no milk, egg, animal products) so I see myself just being vegetarian ( I miss cheese!) especially when school starts back. I will stay vegan as long as I can. I feel better and not sleepy after every meal. I have always loved fresh veggies and every fruit the Most High made! This book really helped me alot. http://www.skinnybitch.net/It is crazy funny! It's like talking with friends. It is real talk! Okay back to the point. Starting today each day on the 23rd I will take the exact same photo in the same shirt. I will label it BTHM. I am hoping that I can see the difference in my weight loss each month and my beautiful hair!

Gas is High!

I haven't told you anything new! I'm still waiting on the Mini but until then I had to break out the Honda Scooter! It only costs me 4.25 for a full tank and I can go on that tank for 80 miles! It pays ladies to work and shop where you live. Beep Beep!

Happy 6 month Loc-iversary

Just shampooed my hair. Haven't form balls yet. I have about 20 balls out of all of the locks.

At home trying the "loc loops" or is it loop locs?
Completed set. My friend bought me a bag of 30 and I needed about 10 more. Luckily, I find a couple of perm rods from the perm days in a bottom drawer.
The back view after drying overnight. Couldn't tell the difference from where the loops where and the perm rods. So If you have perm rods they will work just as well but they won't be so great to sleep on. BTW Please excuse my kitchen counter...I can never keep that thing clean!

Yay! It's been six months and I've enjoyed everyday! My friend bought me some Loc Loops so I decided to give them a try since I wanted to give them a dry run before next Saturday (Brother's Wedding). I want to say thanks to all of you and Idol (AudreysPleasure) for your encouraging comments/ suggestions. I hope that maybe someday my Blog will be a resource to someone and my pics will encourage them to cross the line into the Sisterlock Sisterhood just as others blogs have help me. I love you guys and someday I will come across you at an event. Oh I can't forget Blenna my head doctor! (I did this in purple for you ;) Thanks so much for your professionalism and your great hands. You can rest assure that even if I do become a consultant, I am NOT a DIY kinda girl. I will be in your chair for life!

June Cheer Camp

Sorry couldn't turn this pic around.

Sorry I made everyone wait and wait on my pics but I have updated March, April, and May. I finally got the hang of my digital camera software. Anyway Blenna has been sooo busy this month, I guess. I can't get my re-tight until the 27th of June. I am so used to getting it done around the 15th of each month. I guess it is still good because my brother's wedding is on the 28th so my hair will look "fresh" for the photos. Here are some pics of me taken by a sneaky cheerleader on my squad during cheer camp.

Trip to Jamaica

In case you're wondering I have on shorts....
Aren't we the cutest couple ever?

Sike! This is really my back yard but I can still dream can't I? Almost 6 Months locked in these pics

Zaharah360 Where r u?

I've added you to my Sisterlock family only to be treated like a step-child! LOL... Just kidding but I would like to be added to the "in" list so that I may continue to view your blog. Thanks!

Happy 5 months!

Can you see that bald spot that chemicals left me with? Thanks goodness that my sisterlocks covers it.
It seems that sisterlocks lock from the bottom up? My locks are thicker on the end than closer to the roots....

I am LOVING these sisterlocks! I love the free time and the clean bathroom counter! My consultant, Blenna corn rolled my hair as a set for tomorrow. I wanted a crinkly, wave look. My head looks huge!

Missing friend

*****DISCLAMIER****** This message does not pertain to Sisterlocks!**********
I had a close friend right before I started college. I met him in the summer of 97. He was a very nice guy that used to work with me at the Olive Garden. His name is Marcus Lewis or either Marcus Neely. I can remember because once upon a time I did actually date one of them and I'm getting their names mixed up. This particular Marcus maybe about 8 to 10 years older than me. His family is from Des Moines. When he lived in Memphis, he used to live in some apartments near Sheffield High and the last time I saw him he lived off Winchester and Tulahoma. He had a business called netheadz. That is all that I know about him. He had a friend named Smitty and like every hard worker in memphis he also worked for FED-EX. I am putting this on my blog in case he googles himself. We dont know his where abouts and maybe if he sees this he will contact me. Marcus, if you are reading this, please contact me. If you have already transitioned, may your soul be in a safe place and may it finally find peace and rest. Love always, Cat

Four Months/ Mama

My lovely mother and I. She's not sisterlocked...yet but I am glad she finally said no to chemicals. We love our natural hair! I couldn't believe that I could put my hair in that bun. Thanks to black hair pins!

3 yrs Anniversary

Trolley ride downtown Memphis.
Patrick's Grandfather's B-day!

Happy Anniversary Patrick! It has been long and I know that I haven't been easy...blame my dad for making me the Pretty, Perfect, Princess! We have had our Ups and Downs but you are truly my best friend.

HOW BOUT DEM MEMPHIS TIGERS!!!

WHO DAT TALKING BOUT BEATING THOSE TIGERS? WHO DAT? WHO DAT?.....
That was an old school cheer that we used to do in the early 90's. I am glad that Memphis won inspite of all the bad talk and media betting against them. I am glad that they "shook tha haters off" and I hope that they win it all!
GOOOOOOOOO TIGERS GO!

Jasmine's Birthday

Happy Birthday Jazzy! We celebreated at Incredible Pizza. I am 3 months Sisterlocked and loving it!

2nd Re-Tight

Pics taken in my living room with Marley.

I have been tagged!!

The rules are as follows:

1. link to the person that tagged you

2. post the rules on your blog

3. share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself

4. tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs

5. let each random person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

I was tagged by southern girl at http://nappturalbeauty07.blogspot.com/

Well let me see...
1. I am a cheerleader coach because I secretly wish that I could cheer again. I wish I could have cheered after collegiate cheerleading.

2. I hate living alone but when I get a house-mate, I'm ready for them to leave!

3. I am currently on the Bikram Yoga (hot yoga) 30 day challenge. Day #2 wish me luck.

4A. I can't wait until it gets warmer so that I can ride my Honda scooter to work. Only takes $2 to fill up...well that would depend on the price that week :( 4. part B: I want a MINI COOPER S CONVERTIBLE!!!

5. I wished that I could afford to be vegan. (Salad $5...Double Cheeseburger $.99) **i LOVE fruits and veggies**

6. WISH I COULD MOVE TO THE GAMBIA...... PERMANENTLY!
6 1/2. Can I do this? Anyway I secretly want to chance my name. I hate answering questions about my name every time I introduce myself to someone.

This turned out to be a wish list instead of interesting facts. Hope you enjoyed the tag anyway. I'll post my tagees later. I want to serach who hasn't been tagged yet in the Sisterlock Family. I have lots of pics to post when I get the chance. Have a great rest of the day...where ever you are.

Hanna Montana Craziness

My niece wanted me to take her to the concert. Couldn't afford the 100 dollar tickets.So when I saw this sign in the movie theater like in December, I knew that I could make it up to her this way. While the boys (men) were watching the super bored game last night, I thought it would be a good idea to take her. The movie opened on the 1st and I thought that because it was Sunday and the game was on, nobody would be at the movies. When the lady at the window said that the 6:50 and 9:15 showings were all sold out, I was amazed! What? Huh? Whose taking their kids to see Hannah at 9:00 on a school night? So I thought well since I'm here, I might as well buy her tickets for Tuesday's show since she has cheer practice on Mondays. ..."Your total is $30." Excuse me? I only want one child and one adult. "That's for two tickets. We are not allowed to have a child's ticket for the concert movies because it is a live taping on a concert which has been altered to 3D, so you're also paying for special effects" OMG! 15 dollars for A movie? I wonder how much the DVD costs?! Nevertheless, we are going and I'll let you know if all the Montana-Cyrus show was worth it. Thanks Thats-so-(Raven) for being cheaper last summer. Her show was awesome and sister-girl can really dance!

20 Day Update

Well folks... It's been 20 beautiful, confident, and hair drama free days! I KNOW that I have made the right decision. If you have not made up your mind yet, what are you waiting for? Dare to be different and naturally beautiful... both at the same time!

Went for my 1st retightening/ check up and Blenna says that my hair is coming along great. She only had to touch up the edges in the front and the back. I am also experiencing (only in one spot) dry itchy scalp. She massaged some witch hazel on it and I was in heaven! She said NO NO NO oil! My scalp hasn't itched since but I did buy some witch haze just in case. ;) My hair shrinks shorter by the day but its still no worries for me. I can't believe I'm not cheesing... must have been tired that day. Until next time,

Free P.