So…as most know, I work for Bank of America. I made the decision in October to wear my hair natural. My parents are so against natural hair, it’s ridiculous. They hate (and I mean HATE) my hair. So, I’ve been on maternity leave since December, and I return to work in April.

I made the decision to loc my hair before I return to work. So I called my mom to tell her about my decision and five minutes later my father was calling me. He said that he has to sit down and talk to my sister and me because he doesn’t know what’s wrong with us, wanting this type of hair style.

He even went as far as to say,

If you can’t afford to get your hair done in a decent style, then you need to rethink your lifestyle.

Uhm…me wearing my hair natural has absolutely NOTHING to do with money. It’s a personal choice that I made for myself. And this type of hair style? It’s natural hair! It’s the hair that God gave me. I can’t believe he’s being so ridiculous, just because HE doesn’t like natural hair. I’m 24, married, with a child. Yes, he’s my father, but he doesn’t run me or my life. I’m pretty disappointed in his attitude, to tell you the truth.

But down to the point of this post (besides frustration). He pretty much called to tell me that natural hair [in general] is unacceptable in any world outside of my “fantasy world”. He told me that it’s not the way that black people are supposed to look. I had no idea that people were still so naive…honestly.

He said that I didn’t have natural hair when I was interviewed and that I risk getting fired now that my hair is natural. That I wouldn’t be able to move up in the company. When I was hired, I had microbraids. I’d been working for them for over a year when I made the decision to go natural. I consulted my boss before I even made that decision and it wasn’t a problem. But according to my dad, they just said that because they didn’t want to cause conflict. And he says that people talk about people like me and sister (who is also natural).

He told me that I needed to get over what I wanted for myself…that I had to do what they (as my employers) wanted me to do. Then he said that I needed to pick up a ‘Black Enterprise’ or ‘Inc.’ magazine so I can see how black people in the business world are supposed to carry themselves. Because black people in the business world don’t wear their hair natural. He even went as far as to say that that’s why my sister is stuck in her job/position.

My question is: How do you feel about natural hair and the business world? Do you think it’s unacceptable and unprofessional? Do you think that people with natural hair should bow down, and turn to “creamy crack” because someone else says so?

Part of me wants to cancel my appointment and not get locs, because I’m not one to deal with drama. The other part wants to do what I want to do, for me. Let me know!

And to think that this started because of the question: Are locs for Christians?
Go figure that I thought with him being a pastor, that he would approach it in a religious way, but nothing he said had a thing to do with that question.

Well guys! It’s been a busy last few days… Hubby and I love our townhouse, but with our situation (financially), it’s not really the best/most affordable option for us. We were thinking of moving into a townhouse across town for $150 less. Well…when he went to the gym on Wednesday, one of the guys that he works out with asked him if he knew anyone that would want to rent out a house. The guy is only asking for $650 a month, so we decided to check it out.

I have to say that I’m pretty much in love with it. It’s a two bedroom, one bath with a huge yard, a fireplace and beautiful hardwood floors. He’s also including the washer/dryer. He said that we can move in whenever we want and offered to give us a key so that we can start moving our things while we get things situated with our landlord. We’re renting month-to-month since our lease expired last October, so we shouldn’t run into any problems there. I’m hoping to be all moved by the end of the month.

So…things around here will resume once all of the excitement settles down.

I really do! Baby J sleeps great when it’s all gloomy out. I enjoy the break, especially since he’s starting to be more alert during the day…and the night.

I took him by BOFA today to see my new boss and coworkers. I talked to Meg about my return date…April 20th…and it looks like I’ll be moving up to “merchant teller” when I get back. The merchant teller is the one who handles transactions for the bigger businesses/corporations. I know I’ll be getting between 30-35 hours a week. The extra hours is better than nothing. I’m excited about a possible “8:15am – 3:15pm” schedule. I’m kind of ready to go back to work now.

I got my momAgenda yesterday, and I’m going to make a post about it soon. Hopefully before the end of the week. Other than that, the skinID is coming along. I had to quit using the anti-acne treatment because it was burning my skin really bad. I’m talking an all day burn even after moisturizer, and worse if I leave the house. I’m still seeing progress without it, though.

I think that covers everything for now. I’ll be back soon with before/after photos.

So…my pregnancy left me with some not so good skin. I’ve used Proactiv before, and didn’t really care for the results, so I figured that now would be a good time to try skinID. I’ve decided to blog about the product throughout my thirty day trial period to help keep track of my progress (or lack of…).

I ordered skinID online, using a coupon code from RetailMeNot.com. The cost of the first kit was $29.90 (a savings of $10).

Standard instruction sheet and pamphlet on acne

The box included the standard stuff…instruction sheet, pamphlets, items ordered. I’m very pleased with the product sizes. It’s more than enough to last thirty days.

My skinID is: 07.40.32

The great thing about skinID is that it’s personalized for you. You can’t buy the products that you think will work for you. They are assigned to you after you do an evaluation. My specific regimen includes a cream cleanser, toner, and anti-acne treatment. The only thing I’m not big on (as far as ingredients) is the alcohol-based toner. I guess I’m used to the one from Proactiv….one that doesn’t burn.

I started the regimen last night, and I’m not sure what to think at the moment. Not only does the toner burn my skin, the entire system has a drying effect. The anti-acne treatment leaves my skin feeling stiff and looking white. I have 29 more days to go, so we’ll see how this works out.