Extensions 101

Birthday Coat. A gift from my Mother.

The Salon holiday party went off without a hitch. I did end up getting a very affordable dress that my Mr. Man was kind enough to help pick out. The party was at an art gallery. Wine, beer, and berry-infused vodka was served. There was a photographer who was taking candids against a white wall and immediately printing the photos for us to take. There was a DJ that rocked our socks off. Plenty of dancing and even a flip-cup table was created by whom else but a bunch of male significant others.

In the hair world I recently agreed to be a model for a Stylist who is learning extensions. There are many different types of extensions. Most are made of real human hair. Some are synthetic. There are a few different ways of attaching extensions. They may be glued in with some sort of a bond, or they can come in a weft to be sewn into a braid. My Pro-Hair extensions were synthetic. After having them I would encourage anyone thinking about getting extensions to go for the real thing. The problem with synthetics is there is no straightening, and no curling iron. These tools are too hot and will melt the hair. The only options for styling this hair is to wet-set, or use hot rollers. (they must have the velvet covering around them). The other thing about synthetic extensions is that they get kinda nappy. They have to be brushed constantly. I would recommend this type of extension for someone who is looking to add body or thickness, but not to add length. Inevitably these were short-lived for me. I took them out after three short weeks. Below is the best picture I have of them. It is my sister and I over Christmas.

Dear Dressmaker,

Yesterday started out great. I officially got my ticket home for Christmas! I am so very excited about this because I didn't think I was going home and it made me very sad. But now I am so excited to see friends and family that I haven't seen since May!

Then one of my new friends at the salon invited me to come see him DJ this Friday. I am really excited about getting out for some music.

And then there is the ever-looming Holiday party. One of the other assistants is planning for this as if it were the Grammies! She has had her "escada" dress fro weeks and it's as if this is THE social event of the year for her! And then there's me, the broke ass newbie who will not be getting any kind of new fabulous dress. Ahhh, and so it goes I will have to somehow convince myself between now and then that this holiday party is not this all important once-a-year event to make a style statement for myself. It is really about eating, drinking, and enjoying each other's company right? Yeah right this is the beauty industry.

I will not give up. I will not succumb to the superficial, materialistic world that can be the beauty industry. I am poor, but my will is strong. I will not be self absorbed and buy a new dress. This is the time of year of gifts for others. I have plenty of dresses in my closet. I know it must be possible to stay grounded in this business. Besides, my beautiful date will obviously make up for what my dress may lack.

Haunted by Beautiful Spirits

"Each friend represents a world in us, a world not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born. "

-Anais Nin


Friends come and go. This is a fact of life. For anyone that has ever moved out of their home town, or across the country as I have. Probably a known fact even for those who have lived in the same place their entire life. I have many people who have remained my friends over time and distance. There are also many friends that I've had that I have lost touch with. And now looking back it makes me sad and I wonder where we lost touch. Are those friends that stand the test of time and distance the ones who are your true friends? And what about the ones you've lost touch with-were they never a true friend all along?

There are many people who were my friends, but now that we are not in touch I don't loose much sleep over them. I am not a person who has had a hard time letting go of things that need to be let go of. It is not unlike me to up and move to a new city at the drop of a hat. I adapt to new people and places very easily and almost never dwell on things in my past because I know I cannot change these things. I just learn the lesson that is set before me and move on. Once I've moved on I take with me what I've learned from any of life's daily dramas. March onward, move along. This is how it goes for me.

There are a small number of people in my life who I, at one point, considered to be a very good close friend. These people had a major impact on me and stand out as being important figures in my life. To have lost touch with these three people is something I have not been able to accept. It feels to me like these three people are ones that should still remain in my life.

One of these people I deliberately let go of, on purpose wanted them out of my life. And then a year later realized how wrong I was for doing so. I realized what an amazing effect they had on me and that I should not have shut myself off from them.Now that it is too late, there is not much I can do. We do have small here and there 'how are you doing's. I treated this person very badly when I decided I didn't want them in my life anymore. And I am fairly certain that I burned the bridge to our friendship.

The other two are people whom I did not choose to loose contact with. I feel more that they chose to lose contact with me and I never figured out why.


These three people show up in my dreams frequently.I hear a song and it's as if they are right next to me again-but they aren't. Their spirits haunt me. I remember our connection and how they affected my life, my very being. This feeling of being haunted by someone from your past-what does that mean? Is the universe trying to tell us something? Why do these people still linger in my thoughts and subconscious even though I haven't spoken to them in years? It is something that really bothers me. It is as if I know in my heart of hearts that these people should not have disappeared. I wonder if it is a mistake that we are no longer in contact. Maybe these people and I have unfinished business. Maybe there is some karma that still needs working out and since we have lost touch in this life working it out will be impossible. Will I see these certain people in another life since we did not get to resolve things in this one? I am not consciously trying to dwell on these people of my past. They are just haunting me. And that is exactly what it is, this eery creepy feeling that something has gone wrong. And there is a feeling of helplessness. There may have been a window of time to connect with them. But now that opportunity is lost. And with it any sense of control for me. This is a strange feeling that I am not overcoming easily.

Electric Feel

So this video really struck me. Jim Henson was a major infulence on my creative psyche. I grew up watching movies like "The Dark Crystal" and "The Labrynth" from a very young age. I have to say that there is something similar in the style of this video. Maybe it's the puppet band playing in the background. I am almost positive that is the exact band of animals I used to see at a place called Razz Ma Tazz which was a place similar to Chuck E. Cheeze that I went to as a kid. This is all I could find on that. I like the sexual undertone and tribal dancing/life they came up with. I really liked this song from the first time I heard it. But the video speaks to the freaky creativity of MGMT and their video creators.

I would have to say that I would love to live in this video for a while.

Long Time No Blog

Oh well it has been quite a while! Between my 60-70 hour weeks I just haven't had time for reflection. I haven't even had time to sit down and check e-mails! At first I was debating about keeping this blog. I started this while I was in between jobs and had lots of free time. Now my days are usually 12 hours long and by the time I am home I am ravished and exhausted. Without a full day off in four weeks, I decided to leave the second job. The amount of hours/money I was getting there did not make it worth not having one day a week off. So now I do, and am looking forward to it! But after thinking about just quitting on this blog I decided against it. Mostly because the theme of my life these next years is going to be "Stick It". I am trying to learn some discipline and stay with projects that I start. Also I don't believe there are many people in my industry who blog. And while right now I don't seem to have much time, and am not sure just what or who this blog benefits I can't just quit. So while I may not be able to post daily, or even weekly, I am still going to post!

After being gone so long I come back to realize that my header is all messed up. I don't know how the background color got switched to blue but it is supposed to be white. Unfortunately because this damn PC has crashed so many times I have lost the image I had created for the header. It is really bothering the designer in me but lord knows NOW is not the time to fix this because it would turn into four hours at the computer. (I do not have Adobe Iluustrator on this damn PC and would have to use some other archaic program) We are starting a fund for our iMac and I can't wait to have one!!!

I have been surrounded by hair and I love it! I have been able to observe many talented people in my daily work. It is hard as a beginner to see myself being at their level someday. And I think one of the important things for me is just figuring out what kind of hairdresser to be. There are many different kinds. Some strive for money and that all important goal is reflected in the type of clientelle they bring in. Some strive to master edgy techniques and that, as well is reflected in the type of people they service. One of the reasons I think there are so many different kinds of stylists is because this still really is an art. I believe the way you percieve the art that you create is a direct result of how it is presented. And I believe the way you present your art or your craft is directly attributed to how others percieve it. Within the large salon I am at I have been trying to narrow down traits of certain stylists that I would like to have. Is there one person that I would like to see as a mentor? Its really nice to have such a variety of people and variety of minds to pick from!

Human Powered

Good News. . .
I get to keep my second job. I wasn't sure if it was goiong to happen since I only have 3 days of availability now with the new salon job. Which by the way the new job starts Thursday. I am really trying to prepare myself mentally for the long hours and no doubt busy, physically demanding days that lie ahead. I figure if I really prepare myself I will be less likely to complain 4 months into it. It just seems like I always have all of the energy and enthusiasm going into something, but that kind of dissipates after a while.I am counting on my passion for hair to keep me going throughout this apprenticeship. So today I am off to Sully's where I work as a hostess. It really is an easy job. It can be quite enjoyable as well. I can't lie, I also see it as a good place to find hair models.


Yesterday was a school day. Sometimes my friend Joelle will pick me up and take me. BUt when he doesn't, I walk the 2.7 miles. I am sure that once the weather turns bad I will be relying on Joelle more and more. The thing about walking is that I have so many materials that I have to bring:



There are a plethera of things in this bag that I need to take to school. It would be really great if we had lockers at school so that I can keep my supplies there. I believe that most other students leave stuff in their car. But since I am Human Powered it's not really an option for me.



You'll have to check out the new sidebar piece I am working on. I am rapidly approaching 30 and I refuse to be a person who doesn't keep up with fashion trends. And believe me there are a lot of folks in the Denver metro that have not kept up on this. There are also lots who have. The way things stand I am too poor right now cannot really attain new things on a regular basis. So for this time where I am aspiring to be a rich and famous hairdresser, I want to keep postings on what I would be wearing if I could be wearing anything. My idea is that if I at least keep paying attention I won't wake up one day and realize fashion has gotten away from me. Fashion had always been important to my self expression. I think a lot of artists feel that way. It may sound silly to some, but I tend to start to feel really depressed and unhappy if I get into working situation where there is a dress code. I I going to be one of those mothers some day that lets her kids pick their own outfits everyday. It think it is an important part of having a self-identity. Anyway the look I chose for today you can find here courtesy of Urban Outfitters. Hopefully I will finish and post the new sidebar piece soon. . .

It's late, and I'm hungry.

I have stayed up too late. I am staring at the screen and my brain feels like mush. For this I have my "new look" to blame. I am sure this blog will evolve into a life of it's own taking on many physical changes along the way. The last image wasn't quite right, we all know I am not that whimsical. This may be more fitting. . .

At this hour, I am not even going to try to write amazingly. But what was amazing was the breakfast I made this morning:



Something like eggs Benedict but with romaine and romas instead of the Canadian bacon.

A fruit salad of blueberries, strawberries, navels, sprinkling of sugar.

Apple-chicken links and one slice of bacon.

Mmmmm I wish I could eat it all over again.

This Damn PC

Four days in the heart of it all will do it to you. Back at sea level there is a surplus of oxygen for your lungs and it was unbelievably and unseasonably warm. This put me in a trans-like state of complete and utter relaxation. I don't remember in all my years growing up in the midwest feeling those temperatures and taking in such beautiful fall foilage which is one of the best parts of fall in Ohio. Fall is rapidly becoming my favorite season of the year. What beats football, halloween, and sweatshirt weather?




My BF and I went for a wedding I was in. The G's were married on October 11th and it was the most perfect day you could imagine. Even I who has gotten used to Colorado sunshine was blown away at the gorgeous weather back home. Mr. and Mrs. G are most likely on the beach in Aruba right now, probably on their 3rd cocktail.



Now though, most of that relaxation has dissipated with the onset of two full bags of laundry staring me in the face, as well as this damn PC. I don't have to tell those of you that know me how much I despise PCs. I was born a Mac-user. Our first computer when I was 6 was an Apple. All through grammar and high school I was on Macs, and of course through college and my short-lived graphic design career it was always a Mac. My Mother got me my first Mac in 2002. I will never forget that day, a brand new Powerbook titanium G4. It is right up there with the day I got Zoe. (my pup)But after 6 long years, the G4 is out of commission. I opened it one day to find that the screen had gone black. The thing seems to be working fine, ya just can't see anything on the screen. So I have been forced to use this damn PC until my precious Mac returns. There's all this spyware, and virus shit that frankly is just an absolute waste of my time. Macs don't get viruses. And don't get me started on the whole iTunes-Windows compatability, ahhhem or should I say the lack thereof. Anywho this PC decided to crash on us last night and we had to reinstall the whole operating system. I should mention that this thing is 2 years old, not even half as old as my Mac and it is already crashing. Anyway I think I have my boyfriend sold on starting a fund for one of these. This will be a much-needed welcomed member to our family.

At the expense of keeping politics to a minimum, I will make this short. I am still on the fence as far as who I am voting for. But if my decision were solely based on the man I though was smarter and better under pressure, I would be forced to vote for Obama. Last night he remained cool under pressure, and out-articulated McCain with his plans 10-1. McCain was clearly rattled and less in control of his emotions. And by the way, since when is it acceptable for a prospective "Commander in Chief" to get so emotional? Can you imagine if Hillary had said she was very "hurt" by what congressman Lewis had said. This shows a McCain who is crying about something that some other guy said. He is like a little kid saying "you didn't wanna play with me" and "take it back, take it back". Obama's right; I don't give a shit about John McCain's hurt feelings and it is ridiculous that the last chance he had to talk to so many Americans at once, he chose to spend it talking about his hurt feelings.




Because of this it is evident to me that should McCain go into office the issues that the American people are most concerned about would take a back seat to his own pride. Yes, Obama is very inexperienced. But if I had no prior knowledge of that fact, it is McCain whom I would deem the least experienced based on this debate alone.
And that's all I'll say about that. . .

Oh Happy Day

Unvictorious, washout, unavailing, futile. These are all describers of the way I sometimes feel as a 27-year-old college grad who is working as a hostess in a restaurant. Let's be honest, anyone who owes upwards of $20,000 in school loans could start to feel this way when surrounded by 19 and 20-year-old co-workers. I actually know a few college grads who are working at similar low-paying jobs and are perfectly happy. But this is not what I had envisioned for myself five years ago when I threw my cap up inside Anderson Arena.

Be that as it may, there is still hope for success. Everyone has a different mountain to climb. Some people are climbing a slippery slope and just stay in the same spot for years and never seem to make it up. Some people excavate their way to the center of their mountain and take an elevator to the top. (These people are very smart, but may be missing the point. You know the saying "you get what you give".) In the last 10 years, I have gotten to know my personal mountain very well, and have become dedicated and infatuated with "the climb". It can be patronizing to be in a job one is over-qulaified for and this is part of the struggle; over-coming the self-pride and ego. But, the most important thing is the all-important end goal. Keeping your eye on the prize is the only way to get there.

Remember the Little Engine That Could? "I think I can, I think I can", etc. . . This is the way I have often felt on the way to the top except it has actually been my Mother's words that have been my driving force. "Never forget your dreams, and always know you can be anything you want to be". I wonder if she'll ever know how important those words have been to me.

On my trek up the hill I have had a few ideas of "what I want to be when I grow up". I guess part of knowing that you can do anything you want makes it difficult to hone in on that one right thing. I happen to know a lot of people of my generation who have that same affliction. But finally after some trials, and important life lessons I find myself back in school to become a hairdresser. Anyone who knows the hair industry will tell you that the education part of it is all backwards. In most cases, you would go to school full-time for a year or so and then, if you work at a high-end salon, you would apprentice for another year in that salon. It really doesn't make sense. The only true reason you are paying $14-$16,000 for school is to be able to pass your state board test and become a "licensed" hair dresser. Problem is that just being licensed doesn't mean much to most of the really talented people out there. They know that being licensed doesn't mean you are good. And thus the reason for the apprenticeship in the salon. In essence I am saying that where you go to school is really not as important. More important is the in-salon training you receive which along with your drive and motivation will determine how good you really become.

Today I have reached a new destination in my climb. I was hired at The Salon to begin their apprentice program. The Salon is, from what I can tell, probably the most successful chain of salons in the Denver area. Directly attributed to their success is their rigorous 10-phase training program. The director of my school has told me to be prepared for 70 hour weeks while completing their program. It's tough to get through, but anything that's tough can only make you better. Someone in my position, who has been climbing for so long is literally salivating at the mouth for success. Don't think for a second that this girl isn't ready for any challenge, or any amount of hard work this apprenticeship might bring. I can see it, taste it, and wow the sense of triumph is staggering! This, people is my arrival.

So thank you Mom. And thanks to my best friend, and biggest supporter BenJammin. Thanks to my girlfriends who convinced me that I am not a loser whenever those questions entered my brain. Thanks to Ms. Aguilar who gave me a solid foundation to work from. And for anyone who forgot-you all have a mountain to climb. All you have to do is engage it. You don't have to be stuck in one gloomy spot. There is always another place to be, you have the whole mountain to explore!

Blogging and Bloodletting

First things first. There are a million amazing writers blogging out there! I have had this account for a few years, but really just starting to take in, or rather get sucked into this whole blogging culture. I for one do not consider myself to be an amazing writer. And in my heart o' hearts do not believe that anyone besides my friends or family will read my blog. However I also do not believe there is anything wrong with imagining that I am the most amazing writer and I should absolutely put these skills to use in a blog!

If there are a handful of you that did check out my blog in the past week you will notice it has changed a bit. While playing pretend writer is very amusing and entertaining for me, I feel that there should be some useful information here as well. Being that I am in the developing stages of my very real hairdressing career it seemed logical to somehow Integrate those topics I am learning into the writing. Afterall, this will surely help to learn it, no? I cannot justify having a blog and typing thoughts and opinions that no one reads, but I can justify blogging for the purpose of learning. YES! That's it, I'm doing this to learn!!!! Thus the new title of my blog. It has a purpose now, and I think my blog feels a lot better having a purpose in its' life. But I will continue posting pictures and it won't be ALL about hair, so hopefully my friends and family will keep visiting.


So, Now I am right in the middle of a testing phase for school. The nice thing is that during these testing phases we do not have to go to school for the week. The bad part is that all of the testing is done on-line so I am stuck in front of the computer for hours on end, feeling a little bit like a graphic designer again.

This struck me as very interesting, and something I think many people may not know about the hair industry. Up until the 19th century barbers were also known to perform minor surgeries and other medical procedures. The woman I worked for in the mountains was full-blooded Native American. Her grandmother was a hairdresser and it was not uncommon for her to work with the tribe's medicine man.

Bloodletting was a procedure that was once thought to strengthen the immune system. The traditional barber surgeon pole represents the staff that the patient would hold onto tightly in order to make their veins protrude. The bottom end cap represents the basin used to catch the blood. After the procedure was done, white bandages were used to stop the bleeding. The bandages were then hung outside on the pole to dry. As these bandages blew in the wind and twisted around the pole they formed the red and white candy-cane-like pattern. Funny that the pole stuck even though the procedure didn't. (I don't know about anyone else but I am glad it didn't)The modern pole has three colors: white symbolizing the towels, red symbolizing the blood, and the blue symbolizing the veins.

Mi Tesoro in The City

On another note BTB is here in Denver for good now. He may have to go back to his Vail job just once a week for the rest of the month.

I asked him when his new Denver job was starting and he said it just got pushed back because they found asbestos in remnants of the old building that is the new site. So now there are special teams that have to come in and I am guessing it will take some time for them to deem it safe again. I have a feeling he may not have much to do at the office for the next few weeks! I guess it is a good time for us to come home for a few days! He also told me that his boss that manages the Denver branch for Baker is taking a 4-year leave of absence from the company. He is going to Dubai to work on this other worldly hotel shown below. The guy is getting paid A TON of money to work on this job.

Smitten

So smitten I am with this city! Zoe and I were tearing up the pavement today. It is still 80 degrees and sunny here and we are loving it! I am finding Denver to be so much more open and warm than Chicago was. (I mean that theoretically not litterally)There is boundless creativity, gigantic beautiful parks, and so much character!


Little Man Ice Cream looks like someone dreamed that they went to a giant Milk can and got served ice cream. So what did they do? They made their dream come true. Our ice cream place when I was a kid was not quite as exciting. It was called "The Country Dip" and it just looked like someone's little red garage in a corn field. But Little Man even has a balloon machine! In back you can walk up to the machine, put in a dollar, and out comes a helium filled balloon! How cool is that? And this place isn't in the middle of an amusement park like you would think. It is just tucked right into a normal little neighborhood.

Ahh yes, my relationship with Denver is definitely in "The Honeymoon Stage". Right in the heart of LODO (lower downtown) or what some might call the warehouse district is the confluence of the Cherry Creek and the South Platte River. It's called Confluence Park and what a sight! A mini sand beach, plenty of lush green grass, and even hiking trails with tall weeds and grass that Zoe Can't get enough of! She feels like she is back in Vail again! She's always on the prowl, hunting for something.



It is hard to believe there is such a beautiful slice of nature right in the heart of downtown Denver! We might not have to go all the way up to the mountains as often as we think to get our fix ; )There are several really cool bridges that run right over this river too. Since I have been job-searching on foot, I have had the pleasure of finding lots of the ins, and outs, and nicks and crannys that house some really neat little shops and restaurants. I hate to compare Apples to Oranges, but I have only been here two weeks and already this city seems so much more amorous with what it has to offer than Chicago ever did while I was there. Alas I have found my true city love! You can see more Denver pics Here

A Mile High Honey

Viva la Denver!!! We made it. We got moved in. I hope I don't have to move again for a looooong time! I am so sick of moving! Not long ago I was at my Grandmother's and went to go get out her broom to sweep. I recognized her broom as being the same one I can ever remember her having since I was a child. And I thought: Wow, this thing is like at least 20 years old. I don't think I own ANYthing that I did twenty years ago. But when you move as frequently as I do, I guess that happens.

The most fun thing about moving for us creatives is decorating! I am quite proud of the pictures BTB and I put together over what will become our mini bar. I bought a series of photos from istockphoto.com and printed them on my inkjet. It was an inexpensive way to get a great wall piece. I know, you don't have to tell me-I should just sign up for design star now huh? The apartment is actually quite a bit bigger than the one in Vail. The only downside is Zoe doesn't have a private yard anymore. There isn't a whoe lot of grass right near the building. But there is a great park not too far that I know she will go to a lot. The other thing I am enjoying is our freezer collage!! I am hoping to fill the entire fridge eventually. Look close and you will see John Lennon, and the top of Dave Matthews head. I fully expect all of you who enjoy teasing that I am a hippie to let me hear about it.

I am looking for a salon job and have an interview for one on Friday. I am hoping to be done with school in January. Every once in a while, when things get a little hard, I tell myself that I am stupid for having a college degree and not using it to live comfortably. But then I remember that it's about a quality of life, not just money. And I am loving the salon life, so I know I'm on the right path! BTB's job starts here in Denver next week. I know he is anxious to be settled in. I guess the Broncos are doing pretty well, but I am not converting into a fan anytime soon. Although I would quite enjoy seeing a Colorado Avalanche match sometime. We are looking forward to a trip back to Ohio for Melanie and Joe's wedding in two weeks. We will be in Cleveland for the wedding and then a short stay with The B family. I might even get to see my grown-up little sister play some ball! : ) Well, that's all for now. I am about to enjoy popcorn for dinner. (boy can you tell I am my mother's child or what?) If you never have try it with salt AND pepper. That is a trick I learned from one of the many redheads in my life. Love and hugs.