Channnnges.

Hey lovely people! How were your weekends?

You guys wouldn't believe how drama-filled my life has been since returning home. LOTS-O-DRAMA. But I'm very happy to say that I survived my first week back. Of course it's easy to be on Cloud Nine when you're in peace and solitude. But the real test began when I was forced into stressful sitcheeations. And your girl has definitely learned to handle them with poise and grace ::slowly bows::.

A popular comment I've been getting from the fellas that I knew prior to the camp is that I seem "different". I've also been called a lame, a prude, and an asshole. I won't deny that my perspective on life has changed a lot. But am I different? I'd have to say no. Personality wise, I'm definitely the same person. It's just that I found a lot of strength within that I never knew I had. Realized how capable I am. How worthy I am. And I realized that people come and go, but you have to live with yourself forever. So, do what makes you happy. Do what makes you proud. And if people don't like it, oh wellsies. You can't please everybody.

I know I'm being cryptic here, but it's for a reason. I'm not sure yet whether or not I'm speaking from personal experience. There have certainly been people who don't like the changes that I've made in my life. They're having a hard time getting used to how things are now, but I'm giving them time. We'll see if they can accept me how I am. I'll give you guys more insight a little later, depending on how things pan out. In the meantime, we shall wait....

Annnnywhoozers, I have to say that I've been feeling really good lately. I've continued meditating everyday for at least one hour--the two hour thing proved to be a little too demanding--and it really helps keep me centered. I might not be on my way to becoming a Buddha, but I definitely can see progress, and that's good enough for me. As I told you guys last week, I'm trying vegetarianism on for size and so far, it's a lifestyle that I can definitely keep up with. Prior to going to the camp, I was already considering it because meat has not been my friend lately. So, it served as a perfect segue to get me used to not eating it. Ever since I stopped, I've definitely felt healthier, lighter, less tired, and not nauseated. Seems like something I definitely can stick with because I'm not missing meat at all.

Along with going veggie, while I was at the camp, I also went natural. Y'all know what I mean. I'm sporting my naPPtural hair now. I stopped getting perms around October 2007, because I completely damaged my hair when I got a relaxer and highlights less than a month apart. When I stopped with the perms, I started wearing weaves and never wore my natural hair out. I planned on it eventually, but my hair was so unhealthy that I wasn't ready to deal with it yet. So for the past year or so, I've been wearing braids and sew-ins. It originally started as a way to grow my perm out but I realized how much I loved the versatility of i, so I kept wearing sew-ins--some long, some short--to change up my look every once and a while.

Well, while I was at the camp, my latest short 'do started driving me crazy. The day they told us not to react to physical sensations was the day my head decided to start itching like mad. Before long, I cut the weave out, unbraided my hair, and wore it natural for the rest of the time. When I got home, I deep conditioned and moisturized. Now I'm quickly starting to realized how healthy my hair is, and how much I really love my natural texture. I got my first kiddie relaxer when I was six and had them up until the age of 17. That's when I started wearing weaves. So, for the first time, in my life really, I'm wearing my natural hair out.

I might rock this protective style, and others like it, for a little while before I start experimenting with more creative ones. This might prove to be a difficult task for me because I love switching up my look every month or so, but I'm going to tough it out. Mostly because I like how healthy and strong it is right now, and I'm afraid of putting too much strain on it. My hair has grown more than I had realized (a little past my back now when stretched) and it's very thick and full. By Fall, when I have a little more length and a concrete regimen, I'll start thinking outside the box. I can tell that my options are going to be pretty endless when it comes to styling. Been hitting up Fotki pages and I'm getting tons of inspiration. If any of you ladies out there have a Fotki page, can you share a little insight on how to set up and get things started?

And while we're talking about makeovers, I'm thinking this blog needs one. I've had this color scheme and header for about a year now and it's time for something new. Any ideas? I'm open to anything. Also, if there's anyone out there who's good at making banners and doesn't charge out the a$$, please leave a comment or email me: riprue@yahoo.com