Run? Write? Read? Clean? Cook? Laundry? Grocery shop?  Work out?   So many tasks.  So little time.  Regardless of which tasks I choose, something will linger around on my to-do list for longer than it should, a reality that I can live with.   

Excluding my recent post that I made in error, it’s been over 30 days since my last real post. According to professional bloggers, I’ve broken a cardinal rule of blogging; post often.  Hopefully, someone out there is waiting to read my next update.  Lol!  I can’t help but to laugh because, while I passionately enjoy writing, it doesn’t pay the bills…   Yet!

Even when I’m not writing, the ideas constantly flurry around in my head. Where do I get the ideas for my topics?  Life in general. Simply going about my day inspires new ideas and topics. 

As time allows I write, but I need to work on scheduling writing time into each day and sticking to that time. Self discipline woman!!

The past month, I’ve committed more time to working out—and now realize that my fitness routine is keeping me away from my writing.  It is time to assess my routine and make appropriate adjustments; align my “want to’s” with my “need to’s”. But isn’t that the struggle of most moms? Always committed to taking care of the family.

Sunday, April 1st, I ran the April Fool’s Run in Atlantic City.  I ran the half-marathon, which is 13.1 miles.  While thirteen miles isn’t usually a challenge for me, I was somewhat apprehensive about the run because of my foot injury last summer.  Although my orthopedic sports doctor okayed me to return to running, I was terrified of re-injuring my foot.  The fear was playing with my head and manipulating my training program.

The good news!  I ran!  I Conquered!         Official time: 2:01:37! 

My personal best and… with no foot pain or discomfort!  I really wanted to run over to my doctor and give him a big hug and a kiss. Last summer I doubted his treatment but wisely followed his orders.  Today I am glad that I listened, in spite of the fact that last summer I was strolling around in a two-piece swimsuit and running sneaks (in my back yard)!  I looked crazy and my feet burned from the summer heat.  Not to mention that my family and friends laughed hysterically at my get up.  

Anyway I am delighted because I know for sure that I can run the half in less time. Next on my list?  The Broad Street Run (10 miles) in Philadelphia.

You’ll only find me racing against myself as I work hard to meet new personal and professional challenges. Setting personal and professional goals is key to a persons growth on all levels. Of course goal setting without measurable devices is ineffective.  So establishing a realistic game plan will increase chances of success.

So what’s new? 

My hair!  Lol!  Since my hair is growing like wild weeds, I decided to try something new.   Several naturals on YouTube have inspired me to try mini twists.

After washing my hair with Terresentials Organic Mud Wash and with the intention of doing a two-strand twist for later styling, I twisted my hair in about 10 pieces.  Later after returning home from running a few errands, I decided to convert the 10 twists into mini’s. 

Piece by piece, I separated and divided each twists into smaller ones.  Products used?  ShidaNatural’s Moisturizing Cream/Detangler, ShidaNatural’s Define & Hold Curl Cream Gel, and Naptural85’s inspired homemade creamy Shea butter mix.

This is my hair immediately after I finished twisting.

I don’t like this picture, but need to show you the twists. To me the hair is just okay.  Nothing special.  A little too flat for me.The look will take some getting use to.  My hair is thin, wiry and frizzy.  I’ve gotten use to bigger and fuller hair, so I’m quite feeling this flat look. The positive?  Not having to style my hair every day, especially after an intense work out.

Day two the inquisitive side of me wondered what my skinny little twists would look like if I curled them.  I dampened my hair with a spray bottle of water and moisturized with the Define & Hold Gel and the Shea Butter cream and curled bunches of the twists with the rods.

Before going to bed, I warned my husband that he’d be sleeping with an alien, and  thought, “no romance tonight; we are not going to mess up my potential curls.”

Yikes! A not so looking romantic me.

Foam Rod Curls 3/2012

The above picture was taken four days post foam rods.  Every morning and night, I moisturized with my creamy shea butter cream and covered my hair with a satin cap.  I’m surprised the curls held up.  The curls look fuller and better with each passing day.

There should be one more picture here, but I goofed.

After nine days of wearing my mini twists and after waking up two days ago with every twist going in opposite directions, I had to take them out.  It was quick. In 20 minutes (before going to work), I carefully removed each twist.  My little wavy curls were absolutely adorable!   Curly. Full. Shiny. Bouncy.  Who knew?  I sure didn’t!  A nice surprise.  The end result was well worth all the uncertainty and geekiness that I felt on day one of the mini twists.  Will I do mini twist again?  Absolutely. Practice makes (close to) perfect.

My message to the naturals reading this post… Don’t give up on your journey.  As your hair lengthens, try new styles and techniques. It’s fun and you will be amazed at how your hair responds to a chemical free regime.

Wow! It's growing! I LOVE my natural hair!