Weight Watchers

It's been forever since I have posted on my blog.  I really need to be more dedicated to my blog.  So many things go on throughout the day and in my life, and I never think to go to my blog.  That brings me to my post today.  I have decided to join Weight Watchers.  I have been hearing about a lot of success stories with Weight Watchers.  I tried it years ago, but was not committed to the plan.  I give up too easily when it comes to certain things such as losing weight.  I sometimes think it's impossible and just give up before I start.  I'm knocking on 40 and I want to be my definition of fabulous when I reached that semi-golden age.  I want to take control of my eating habits and my health.  I'm tired of being depressed when I go shopping for clothes. Shopping for clothes is my least favorite activity because all of the cute clothes are in the smaller sizes.  I love to thrift shop too, but I can never find anything in my size.  I'm putting a stop to that right now.  I also want to cook healthier meals for Nicholas.  I want to start him on the right path to health.  He deserves it.  He also deserves a healthy mom who will not be too tired to play with him.  I believe my health is directly related to delayed blessings and I want everything that God has for me.  I'm tired of not living up to my full potential.  My weight is a part of that.  Well, here starts my new journey.  I will be making regular posts on my success, so stay tuned.

New Favorite Song: Too Close by Alex Clare

While watching the Bachelor: Women Tell All and twisting my hair, a commercial aired with one of the most amazing songs I have ever heard.  I had to rewind the television to listen to it again.  I instantly fell in love.  Sound Hound wouldn't ID the song, so I had to google the lyrics.  It is now a part of my iTunes collection. Alex Clare has an amazing, deep, and sort of raspy voice.  The song has a nice beat and the lyrics are perfect with the beat.  Best of all, there is no cussing. I'm wondering why I hadn't heard this song until now.  The only thing odd thing about the song or video is that individually, the song and the video are both good, but together, they don't make sense.  Maybe it's just me.  Anyway, I hope you enjoy this as much as I do.

Know When it's Trash

My church has this cool website called "The City".  It's a place where members and guests can connect, pray for one another, and post information on other needs.  A woman needed help with transporting a couch to her home she wanted to purchase on craigslist.  By the time someone was able to help her, the couch had been sold.  The person who was willing to help told the poster to check the "free" section on craigslist because she may be able to find something else that suits her needs.  I went to the free section to check it out for myself.  OMG!!!  People need to learn when something is trash.  Here are a few things that can definitely be tossed in the garbage:


*Oversized Dunkin Donut Container*
"This is beyond garbage."



*Curb Alert*
"Seriously???  And send those shoes to Haiti.  They are the most usable items in this junk pile."




*TV, 57" Hitachi, needs repair*
"A smart person would put money into purchasing a new television instead of paying to have this trash fixed."



*Vintage floor buffer*
"Vintage?  More like ancient."



*Free sofa*
"Face in my hands and shaking my head. This is nasty."



These are just a few items that were listed.  There was a looooong list of junk.  Who would want this?  There is charity and then there is giving away crap because you know it's crap.  I would never think of giving any of these items away.  Why would someone want to drink out of a container with my germs?  Why would someone want my old, dirty, and broken (and possibly smelly) couch?  New Christmas lights costs $5.00 at Walmart.  A smart person waits for the day after Christmas to purchase next years lights on sale for $3.00.  Ok, I'm finished ranting. . . for now.

I lost my iPod Touch

I lost my iPod Touch (3rd Generation) a little over three weeks ago.  I remember grabbing it from the storage compartment in my truck and placing it in my left hand with my camera (which I still have).  I grabbed two bags from my trunk and went in the house. My hands were full.  When I got in the house, I dumped everything on the floor in the usual spot.  I thought nothing else of it.  Three days later when I wanted to listen to my iPod, it wasn't where I thought I left it.  I searched everywhere.  I searched the washing machine, clothes hamper, Nicholas' toy box, furniture cushions, under the ottoman where I dumped everything, under the furniture, under the bathroom sink, every closet, and my truck.  I have had no success.  CRAP!!!!  I must have dropped it on the way in the house.  That's the only thing I can think of.  I remember when I purchased it.  I purchased it when I received my 2009 tax refund, so it was purchased in March 2010.  I only had it for a 1 year and 10 months.  It's practically new and in perfect condition.  I purchased a case and protective screen for it, so there was not one scratch on it.  Devastated, yes I am. I was planning to purchase the new 4th generation Touch because it has a camera, but I wasn't in any rush to get it.  The Touch I had was perfectly fine.  I am also in need of a new mobile phone.  In addition to my iPod purchase, I also purchased the new DROID phone.  It has served me well, but now this phone is crap.  It freezes when I try to make phone calls, apps shut down, it's freakin slow, and I don't have enough memory to store new apps.  So since I need a new phone and a new Touch, I decided to go ahead and get an iPhone.  Over the last few months, I have been debating on which phone I wanted to get to replace my DROID.  I was settling with the DROID Bionic.  Then I heard - well read - that the iPhone 5 was going to be released maybe in June.  I knew that the iPhone 5 would be bigger than its predecessors, and would have all the cool, new features that most smart phones have now. I was willing to wait, but the release date of September was officially announced.  I can't wait that long.  My phone frustrates the crap out of me and I need a new mp3 player.  September is seven months away.  My hand is really being forced right now.  A few months ago, these were merely wants, and I was perfectly ok with that.  Now I need both.  With an iPhone purchase, I can kill two birds with one stone for $169.00.  The 4th generation Touch is $272.00 on Amazon.  It makes no sense to purchase that and then scrape to purchase a phone later or vice versa.  After much debate and moving my budget around, I will be purchasing my iPhone in 3 weeks.  I even made it fun for myself and developed this cool widget.  Honestly, I am not excited about this purchase because my circumstances are forcing me to get it.  I want my old Touch back.  The little, dishonest thief that found MY touch has lucked up.  I hope it breaks on them or falls into a puddle of water or the toilet.  Anyway, I wanted to start feeling some joy about this, so I made this cool countdown widget to when I will make my purchase.  I'm sure that when I get my new phone in my hands, my lost Touch will be a distant memory.  Something I can tell the grand kids.  LOL!!!

COUNTDOWN WIDGET

God is Interested in Me

God really amazes me when he provides me with the simplest pleasures in life.  He lets me know that he is thinking about me when it comes to the most minute things.  Last week while pursuing soap queens's blog, I saw a subscribe button for a website called Pinterest.  Cool website.  You can pin pictures of items that interest you to virtual boards. You can pin pictures of art, photography, fashion, people, technology, gadgets, homes, anything.  Yeah!!!  I immediately wanted to create a board, but I had to be invited to join, so I sent a request to join.  Two days had gone by and my invitation had not been accepted.  I was becoming impatient.  I sent a message to customer service asking why is the site invite only.  I also found out that you can be invited to join by anyone who is already using Pinterest.  Thank God for being interested in me.  My cousin Leia sent me a text and asked if I was on Pinterest.  I said, "no I sent them an invite".  I then asked her to invite me and she did.  I am happily pinning now.  I realized that God put me on Leia's mind.  That is so awesome to me that God fulfilled such a minute interest of mine.  Here's my page if you are interested: http://pinterest.com/conquestlife

Another Great Twist Out

I just unraveled my two strand twists and have again achieved another great twist out.  I love twist outs.  I like how my hair blows in the wind.  lol.  They are also easy to maintain.  I just lightly spray with water and apply a small amount of creamy shea butter to each section, giving much attention to the ends.  I then place a plastic cap on my head and go to sleep.  In the morning I just shake my twists into shape.  Easy Breezy.  My hair is a little on the thin side due to not drinking enough water.  I am increasing my water intake and taking vitamin e and d3 in order to remedy the problem.  I hope that helps.

Happy New Year and other things

I know I'm 1 month late, but whatever.  Happy New Year.  I'm very excited about what God is going to do in this new year.  I don't know about you, but this year is going to be one of the best years of my life.  I know it, I feel it, and I can taste it. 

What's new? I moved my blog from Wordpress to Blogger.  I was using Wordpress hosting through Go Daddy and was paying $50 - $70 bucks per year.  Then I thought, "Why am I paying for this when I can use Blogger for free?"  It took me about an hour to get everything the way I wanted it. I still have a few changes to make, but for now, this is working.  One of the changes I am making in 2012 is being a better steward over the resources God gives me.  It's just more wise to use a free service that offers the same features and benefits.  I actually like Blogger's interface better than Wordpress. So, I just wanted to say hello to the world and good day.

Blow Out

This is my third blow out since I have been natural.  I did this one myself.  I used the tension method with the concentration attachment.  I forgot to measure my mane so I have no numbers to report right now.   Maybe I will blow it out again in another three months.  It took a good hour to blow this out and I did not like the blow dryer.  Actually, I didn't like the buttons.  The buttons are not compatible with slippery fingers.  So what do you think?

What's in My Hair Arsenal?

Washing

Terressentials Mud Wash – Left Coast Lemon. Although I have only been using Terressentials Mud Wash for about a two months, I LOVE it. My hair loves, I love it, so it’s a win. I used to have a problem area in the middle-back of my head where my hair was extra thick and untamable. The mud wash took care of that. It softened my hair like no other product has ever done. It’s also a detangler. I used to pre-poo with Suave conditioner and EVOO to detangle, but not anymore. The mud softens my hair to the point where I can get a wide tooth comb through it. It cleans, it softens, it detangles, AND it defines my curls. This stuff is great.

Conditioning

Daily Conditioner: Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose. This conditioner does not lather well. I like it, but not enough for it to remain in my hair arsenal. I’m going to try Giovanni’s Smooth as Silk 50:50 Conditioner.

Daily Conditioner: Suave Professionals Rosemary Mint. If I need a cheap conditioner, this is what I will use. I only need to use cheap conditioners if I henna my hair. It’s not an organic product, but it does help my hair to maintain moisture.

Deep Conditioner: Giovanni’s Smooth as Silk. This deep conditioner works well with the mud wash. Before I started using the mud wash, this deep conditioner still made my hair extra soft. Using the mud wash with it is a bonus. I actually hated washing it out my hair. It just makes my hair feel so good. I don’t know what more I can say about this product. It also softens, moisturizes, and detangles.

Leave In Conditioner: Giovanni’s Smooth as Silk Direct Leave-In. This is a great leave-in conditioner. It doesn’t leave my hair dry or flaky. When I pony tail, I run some of this leave-in through my hair and spray with my homemade moisturizer. Talk about moisture retention and smooth hair. I like my hair to lay down when it’s in a ponytail and Giovanni defiantly assists with that. I can also get a comb through my hair with this leave-in.

Leave In Conditioner: Kinky Curly Knot Today. I love this conditioner too, but I use it for a different reason than I use Giovanni. I use this leave in when I am going to twist with KCCC (I’ll talk about this below). KC products do not mix well with other brands and will leave a white residue in your hair. I have used this to ponytail, but it does not make my hair lay down like Giovanni. Knot Today (smells great BTW) also detangles, soften, and moisturize, but I only use it when I twist my hair after a wash.

Styling

Kinky Curly Curling Custard (KCCC). I was skeptical about purchasing this product because of the price. An 8oz jar is $17.00 and a 16oz jar is a whopping $30.00. I’m happy I put my skepticism aside. This custard holds moisturize, keep my twist together, and softens my hair. I used to use Organic Root Stimulator’s Loc and Twist Gel, but my twist would start to unravel after about three weeks, and I would lose moisture after a few days. The best thing about KCCC is that a little goes a long way. I purchased my first 16oz jar in March 2011 (I think) and I’m still on my first jar. You definitely get your money’s worth.

Daily Moisturizer

I use my homemade mix of aloe vera gel, vegetable glycerin, EVOO, and distilled water. I also started to add peppermint essential oil. It promotes hair growth. I am also going to substitute the distilled water with aloe vera juice. I’m making a run to Whole Foods tonight and can’t wait to try my new recipe.

Clarify

Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse. Talk about getting the dirt and oil removed from your scalp. I use the ACV rinse to clarify and to close my cuticles. Closed hair cuticle retains moisture. Cool water keep the hair cuticles closed.


I like to keep my arsenal as simple as possible.  I do not have time to put a bunch of different products in my hair. I hate oily and sticky hair. If something isn’t working, I can easily figure out which product may not be working for my hair. I also don’t like using synthetic products.  Some synthetic products are junk food for hair.  For example, bodybuilders and health geeks eat clean food? Clean food is food in its most natural state. This is food that has not been processed with preservatives, chemicals, sugar, and other ingredients that removes the natural vitamins and minerals originally included in food. So, synthetic products include all those ingredients such as alcohol, petroleum, silicons, artificial scents, and artificial coloring. It’s like eating instant oatmeal. I like to use natural products that are close to their original forms, which is like eating oats. Natural, original form: oats.  Processed and added sugars and preservatives: instant oatmeal.  Did you like that analogy? I prefer to use natural and organic products because I know what’s going into my hair.

Update on hair (This is one long post.)

I really need to revamp this blog. It’s so blah. So, what’s been going on with the curls. First, I LOVE my hair. Since I have been more purposeful in nurturing my curls, my hair has become more healthy and manageable. I’m still learning about my hair and what it likes and don’t like, but our relationship is really evolving. I think I’m going to start talking to it like a plant. . . or dog. So much has changed since I last blogged. My routine has changed, and I am no longer using certain products.

First, I started watching a lot of Kimmaytube’s pH balancing videos. I wanted to understand the importance of proper pH balancing. I purchased some pH balancing sticks from Kimmaytube’s website, www.luvnaturals.com, which was a wise investment. I definitely have noticed a positive change in my hair since I have been pH balancing my moisturizers and rinses. I no longer use the homemade shampoo that included Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap. That stuff has a pH balance of 9. NINE!!! That’s too much alkaline which is the equivalent of battery acid. I was also using too much apple cider vinegar which is acidic. ACV needs to be diluted well in order to use it in your hair. In simpler terms, I was drying out my hair.  I put an immediate stop to that. I purchased the Shea Moisture shampoo and conditioner (which I no longer use). I started to look for moisturizing shampoos and conditioners. As I have mentioned before, I have thirsty hair and I need as much moisture as possible. I was using Talijah Waajid’s protective mist bodifier with jojoba and peppermint oil as a daily moisturizer, but I no longer use that either. I started to make my own moisturizer which consists of aloe vera gel, vegetable glycerin, EVOO, and distilled water. This worked so much better for me and I know exactly what’s going into my hair. My hair loves this moisturizer and it doesn't weigh down my hair or give me a lot of build up. STAPLE!!!

I then started to faithfully watch Naptural85’s youtube channel. This girl has skills in maintaining natural hair. Her hair is long, gorgeous, and healthy. She has a simple maintenance routine. I’m all about simplicity. The easier, the better. Through her channel, I was introduced to Terressentials Mud Wash. Naptural85 was raving about this product on her channel. It’s a mud wash for hair. OMG!!! I never thought dirt could feel so good. I LOVE this stuff. My hair feels so soft after using the mud wash. It’s also a great detangler. I use the mud wash in place of shampoo. STAPLE!!! I section my hair, massage the mud on my scalp and comb through my hair, and then twist. I jump in the shower, wash it out, condition with Aubrey Organics’ Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner, wash that out, and then deep condition (with a heat cap) with Giovanni’s Smooth as Silk. That’s my new routine. I’ll have to post that in a dedicated post. I have only been doing this for about a month, but my hair has really improved with these changes I have made.

This is turning into one long post. I was getting tired of looking at the bald spots on my temples. How did I get them? Well over 10 years ago (it had to be the year of 2001 because I was driving), I went to an African hair braider to get individual braids. The braids were cute, but when I got home (or it could have been 2 – 3 days afterwards) two braids on the right side of my temple just broke off. I was standing in the mirror running my fingers through my hair, and these braids just fell out my hair. I could see my hair on the ends of the braids and had two bald spots on my right temple. I mean bald. Just skin. No hair was in that area. I was devastated until one braid on the left side just fell out. Then I was even more devastated. I wanted to cry. Luckily, no other hair was ripped from my head. The braids definitely put too much tension on my hair. And I’m sure the braider pulled my hair too tight in those braids. My edges are so fragile. Even a sewn in weave pulled out my edges. For the next ten years, I lived with bald spots. As hair grew in little my little, the bald spots became less noticeable. And here I am today. I started to google for products that grow hair. Jamaican Black Castor Oil started to show up and women were reporting that their hair got thicker using this stuff. So I ordered some. I have only been using it for two weeks and irregularly. Forgetfulness!!! However, that has prompted me to start a hair challenge for myself.

So what’s the challenge? I will be using the mud wash, Naptural85’s shea butter recipe, Kimmaytube’s leave in recipe, Jamaican Black Castor Oil, and my moisturizer. I will be washing and deep conditioning my hair once per week on Sundays. I will give myself hot oil treatments once per week with the JBCO. Wash and twist on Sunday evening, twist out mid week, and start over on Sunday.  Oh!!! I will be using Kinky Curly Curling Custard to twist my hair.  I was using Organic Root Stimulator’s Loc and Twist Gel, but it did not moisturize my hair.  I will measure my hair weekly and monthly. I want to do this for three months. So that’s my hair challenge. I will see what kind of results I yield from this. I know I will not be disappointed.

That’s all for now. That was a lot. I can avoid these long posts if I update my blog more. As always, pictures will come soon.

Removing Product Build Up Prior to Twist Out

After two weeks, I had a lot of product build up, but was not ready to do a twist out.  So, I perused some of my favorite youtube channels and came across a video from Naptual85.  She was using the ACV rinse before she shampooed.  She said ACV removes product build up.  That was all I needed to hear.  I was already using an ACV rinse, but only after I shampooed and conditioned. I ran my hair through luke warm/cool water.  You want your water to be as cool as possible because cool water closes the hair cuticles.  Closed hair cuticles seals moisture in your hair.  I worked the ACV rinse through my hair and massaged through my scalp with my fingertips.  Dude, this really worked.  The build was gone when I finished.  I wrapped my hair in an old t-shirt and am now waiting for it to dry.  Once my hair dries (I’m sure it will be thoroughly dry in the morning) I will spray my moisturizing mix and then unravel my twists.

Moisturizer Mix

These are the ingredients I use in my daily moisturizing mix.

¼ cup - Aloe Vera Gel
¼ cup - Vegetable Glycerin
1 TBS - Olive Oil (EVOO)
½ cup - Distilled Water

I added/removed ingredients to my liking. I like the consistency to be a little thick so the mix will not run down the back of my neck. You only need to use a little EVOO.

I use this in the morning and evening. I spray and work through the ends first, then the middle strands, then my roots. I have not had a dry hair day since I have been using this mix. You don’t need to spray a lot. Well, at least with my mix, I do not have a need to spray a lot.

pH balancing

I have been paying close attention to educational youtube videos on how to grow long, natural hair.  One of the most consistent pieces of advice is to keep the ends moisturized.  I have also been studying Kimmaytube’s pH balancing videos.  The information she provides makes sense.  Most naturals may think, “It doesn’t take all of that.”  However, Kimmaytube’s hair growth over the past 4 years is astounding and is proof that her maintenance methods are working.  I came to realize that I was putting the wrong products in my hair.  I was using products that would dry out my hair.  My hair would be so thirsty and it was hard to maintain moisture throughout the day.  I have high maintenance hair from the simple fact of being natural, but I was taking high maintenance to a new level.  I finally purchased some ph balance testing strips from Kimmaytube’s website, www.luvnaturals.com.   These things are essential for helping to maintain and grow long, natural hair.  I tested the pH levels of the products I use to moisturize my hair.  My mixture includes aloe vera gel, vegetable glycerin, olive oil, and distilled water.  (This morning, I just remembered that I need to add peppermint essential oil.  Peppermint stimulates the hair follicles and promotes hair growth.)   Anyway, my moisturizer mix w/o the peppermint oil gives me a pH balance of 4.0.  This is within the range of maintaining moisture.  I also pH balanced my ACV rinse to 4.0.  I found that I was using too much ACV and that was also causing my hair to dry out.  The only change I will be making is that in the future, I will be using organic ACV.  From what I have read, non-organic apple cider vinegar’s health-enhancing properties are destroyed during the heating of the pasteurization process.  Of course I want as many enzymes that will promote hair growth in my products.  Anyway, now would be a good time to start taking pictures of my hair to keep track of its growth journey.  Whoever said that natural hair can’t be grown long is a lair.  Natural hair can be grown to be long and beautiful.  I’m going to be one of those who prove this to be correct.

Day #3 after my tonsillectomy

So, it's day three after my tonsillectomy.  I'm not doing as bad as I thought I would or as bad as doctors said I would.  I have been resting as much as I can, but the oxycodone is keeping me up.  I thought it was going to make me sleepy, but I just stay up all night on ebay.  I just finished twisting my hair.  I'm about to make some mac and cheese because I need something hot in my body.  I just looked in my mouth to see of what the back of my mouth looks like.  I should not have done that.  It looks gross back there.  I have these white patches where my tonsils used to be.  And I see gray scabs.  The swelling of my tongue went down more, but I still talk funny.  My throat is still sore, but I'm not in pain.  Although I was in pain last night after I tried to eat a popsicle.  I felt better after I popped a pill.  Speaking of pills, I was prescribed oxycodone and morphine.  These drugs are powerful and can be addictive.  I expressed the concern of becoming addicted to these drugs with my doctor and she assured me that I would not become addicted to these drugs.  My aunt, Avis, threatened to take away my meds when she found out what was prescribed for me.  She insisted that I should throw them away and that I did not need them.  Needless to say, I did not invite her over during my recovery.  And when I thought she was going to visit, I found some hiding spots for my meds.  I didn't take many, but I did take them when I needed to.  I didn't feel pain often, but when I did . .  MY GOD.  Second worst physical pain I have ever felt.  The first was birthing contractions.  Well, bye folks.  That's all for now.

Day #2 after my tonsillectomy

I really want a burger from Five Guys.  I'm so tired of yogurt and sherbet.  I want some real food.  I want some hot food.  How much longer will this healing process take?

A present from Kaiser

Oh look.  They left a present on my body.  I just found this under my left breast after I got home.

Day #1 after my tonsillectomy

My surgery was a success.  One minute I was talking to the doctors in the operating room, and the next minute, I was waking up from the anesthesia in the recovery room.  I do remember things that happened prior to the surgery such as conversations with the nurses and the operating room lights that looked like pink and blue star fish.  I had to take my contacts out, so I just saw the blur of the lights.  They were quite comforting.  However, I couldn't breath well when the anesthesiologist was holding the oxygen mask over my mouth.  She adjusted it after I said I was having trouble breathing.  I concentrated on the "starfish" after that.  I don’t have any pain right now, but the swelling of my tongue has not gone down yet.  It’s an annoying feeling, but not painful.  I am taking my meds on schedule, so I don’t anticipate any pain.  The doctors said that I would need someone to stay with me for the first night, but I blew that off.  I knew I was going to be ok.  Doctors have a tendency to exaggerate sometimes.  I sent my mother home.  God is wonderful and I thank him for my healing.  I thought I was going to feel horrible, but I'm handling things like a soldier.

ACV Rinse

So, I just did my first apple cider vinegar rinse last night. My hair is still a little damp, so I can smell the vinegar a tad bit. I was perusing Kimmaytubes channel and she said that apple cider vinegar (an acidic solution) and cool water closes the hair cuticle. Closed cuticles keeps the moisture in your hair. I’m also going to try to use more products with a PH balance of 4.5 - 7.0. I want to test if this will grow my hair faster and longer. Kimmaytube stresses the importance of protective styling. This time, I twisted my hair, but added a clip barrette instead of a scrunchie. My hair isn’t long enough to tuck the ends, but it is pulled back. I’ll leave it like this for another two weeks and wash it again before my cruise. I need to document my long hair journey, so pics will follow from now on.

New Hair Washing Routine

I pre-pooed with EVOO and a Suave Naturals Tropical Coconut conditioner.

I detangled using the tangle teezer.

I two strand twisted my hair and then shampooed with my homemade shampoo.

I washed out the shampoo and conditioned with Suave Professionals Rosemary Mint Conditioner.

I washed that out and then deep conditioned with Giovanni Smooth as Silk Deep Conditioner.

I placed a plastic cap on my head and then used the Hair Therapy Wrap heat cap for heat.  I kept that on for 30 minutes.

I washed out conditioner in cool water.

This routine makes twisting easier because my hair is already detangled.

This sums up my hair washing routine.  This whole process took about two hours.  It would depend on the length of your hair.  This method also prevents heavy shedding of my hair.  I clogged my drain because my old method was just washing my hair the regular way (having my hair out and pouring on shampoo and conditioner)

TIPS:  Always detangle when hair is soaking wet and drenched in conditioner.   Always use a wide tooth comb when detangling large sections.  I used the tangle teezer on small sections.  I love this tool.  I purchased it from Sally Beauty Supply for $9.99.

Take Your Opportunity . . .

So I just woke up to this dream.  There was a teenage girl in the dream. I was something like a friend, big sister, or mentor to her.  She wanted to be on America's Next Top Model.  We were in grandma's house and I was standing by the china cabinet.  My family was there too, but they were quiet in the background.  I'm not sure if that is a significant part of the dream.  Tyra Banks was in the dream and the girl had the chance to talk to Tyra and tell her that she wanted to be on ANTM.  If the girl talked to her, she would not have to go through the auditioning process other girls have to go through to be on the show.  All she had to do was talk to Tyra Banks and tell her she wanted to be on the show.  I was encouraging her to go talk to Tyra, but she just wouldn't do it.  She was doubting herself and thought that it would not happen for her.  She was being very pessimistic.  Throughout the dream, I was saying, "Just talk to her.  Just talk to her" or something like that.  I was telling her that if she talked to Tyra, she would not have to go through the long process of getting on the show like the other girls have to.  All she had to do was talk to Tyra.  She just wouldn't do it.  So we were on some bleachers and Tyra was on bleachers across the gym on my left.  The girl sent Tyra a poster of herself and wrote why she wanted to be ANTM.  Tyra just tossed the poster aside.  She was upset because the girl never got the courage to come talk to her, so the girl missed her opportunity to be on ANTM.   I was so pissed at the girl.  I was so angry that I didn't want to talk to her.  She missed her opportunity.  It was right there within her reach and all she had to do was grab it, but she didn't.  She was too afraid to go get something she really wanted.  So as I woke up I heard, "Take your opportunity and take it while you can."  I heard this three times and each time I heard it, it got louder.  Take your opportunity and take it while you can.  I don't know what's about to happen, but I know I have to be watchful for opportunities I need to take.  I don't know if this is relating to a job, traveling, going back to school, or what.  But I do know that if I am presented with taking the opportunity of something I really want to do, I better take it while I can.  Opportunity will not always be there for the taking.  Thank you, Jesus for speaking to me through my dreams.  Praise God!!!