Obsessed Nerdgirl

Back from summer hiatus

2009-08-16T18:42:00.001-07:00

I cannot believe that it has been almost 3 months since my last post. I have taken the time to try to determine which direction to go with this blog. I have been looking for ways to spice it up. I want my blog to be lively. I am still rather new at this blog thing. I have been reading various other blogs. Besides that, nothing new has happened in the past 3 months.

I haven't been on Facebook much. I contemplated signing up for Twitter but I knew I wouldn't have the time to devote to my tweets. I have been preparing my son for Kindergarten and hitting the birthday party circuit. I think I may join the PTA but I will wait until school starts before I make my final decision.

My hair has been growing. My product junkism is curved for the most part. My favorite products now are Qhemet Biologics. They are working wonders for my hair and I can buy them locally. I use the Amla and Olive Heavy Cream and Burdock Root Butter Cream. My hair sheds less. I also like More Butter made by Uncle Funky's Daughter. Great hold and great shine. Enough for now... the family is calling me.

Random thoughts

2009-05-23T09:53:00.000-07:00

Ok. So last month, I was on a book reading kick. Well, I only finished one book, "Push." I want to read 'The Shack.' I hope it keeps my attention. The other books I tried read did not. I have been busy volunteering with my sorority. I went to a few graduations.

Hair Update: I really like the Curls products. The Whipped Cream and Quenched Curls Moisturizer are my favorite. I did straighten my hair for my sister's graduation. I also had my hair cut. I only lost 1 inch. That's pretty good for not having my ends clipped in 6 months. I am starting to think that most hair products respond the same way. That means that I will not need to buy as many products. I did buy some Vatika Oil and Amla, Brahmi and Shikakai powders. I am really liking the Ayurvedic powders. Those will be a keeper. I discovered AfroVeda products which use ayurvedic ingredients. I am tempted to try out the products. The prices are not that bad, but we will see. My husband had me clean out my sink cabinets. He wants to know why I can't just use up the products I already have. He has a point but I still have an itch to buy products.

I haven't been on the blogs that much, but I really like The Natural Haven
http://thenaturalhaven.blogspot.com/ (sorry the hyperlink is not working).
She is a natural-haired scientist and has great information on the products we buy.

I am thinking about being a ghostwriter. This would be a side gig, of course. I am still researching it but I like the fact that I can write with anonymonity

Return to my 1st obsession: Books

2009-04-10T18:47:00.000-07:00

I made an impulsive buy today..two books. You first have to understand that I am an avid book reader. I have several book shelves. I will buy books sometimes and never read them. I have read just about every genre: horror, romance, fiction, biography, self-help/inspirational, etc. Now I read books that quietly call my name - mainly biographies or memoirs. I can spend hours in a bookstore. Luckily I was short on time.

I had no intentions of any books today. I was just trying to get away from work(yes, I worked on Good Friday). I went to Borders and I saw "The Soloist." This is going to be a movie starring Jamie Foxx. It already looks like it is going to be a blockbuster. I wanted to read the book before the movie came out.

Then the lady at Borders told me that "Push" by Sapphire was now available. I had been looking for that book everywhere. My eyes lit wider than what they already are. I had planned to buy it from Amazon but never got around to it. So $30 later, I am the proud owner of two books. It will be a good break from being on the hair boards and buying hair products I don't finish.

Hair Update

2009-04-06T18:55:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update. I used the Coconut Hair Pudding and twisted my hair. I loved the twist out. I also like the Moisturizing Spray. I think I will purchase the Komaza Care hair creams next. I will see how my hair behaves in the next couple of days. I will eventually upload some pictures. That is a work in progress.

Komaza Care Hair Products

2009-04-05T17:36:00.000-07:00

I've been pretty busy for these past few weeks. I actually cannot believe it! It is rare that I am booked every weekend. I had some customer service projects, friends come in from out of town, etc.

Anyway, I have been obsessing over hair products again. This time I bought some Komaza Care from Afro Kinks. Afro Kinks is becoming one of my favorite supply stores. They have great customer service. Mary, the CEO, is very responsive. I ordered a product that was discontinued. I sent an email to Mary and she shipped me the replacement product right away. I will be a loyal customer.

I bought three products: Coconut Hair Pudding, Califia Care Moisturizing Spray(formerly known as H20 spray), and Olive Moisture Mask(replacement for Intense Moisture Therapy). I was influenced by a few reviews from You Tube. The prices are reasonable.

Hair Routine
I washed my hair with Vitamin Shampoo and Trader Joe's Spa Conditioner. I then applied the Olive Moisture Mask. I let it sit under a cap for about 40 minutes. I rinsed and then applied the Coconut Hair Pudding. When my hair was drying, I decided to twist it. I sprayed my hair with the Califia Care Moisturizing Spray. I will let you know the results tomorrow.

Initial thoughts
When I rinsed out the Olive Moisture Mask and my hair felt squeaky clean. I used the Moisturizing Spray yesterday and my hair was soft. The Coconut Hair Pudding is similar to the Kinky Curly Curling Custard. I used a little too much Coconut Hair Pudding so my hair was a little crunchy but I love the hold. I sprayed the moisturizing spray to soften it. So far it looks like this line is a keeper.

Komaza Care reviews from You Tube

My new laptop

2009-03-21T07:17:00.000-07:00

I'm back! And guess what? I have my own laptop. No more sharing a computer with my husband!!!!

I had a hard time deciding between a Dell and HP computer. My job gives discounts on both PCs. However, you have to purchase the laptop online in order to get the discount. I really like the Dell Inspiron in red. The Dell and HP G60 were both similar in nature. So I went to C-Net and saw favorable reviews for the HP. So I went to hp.com and built my PC. I was about to order it but something told me to do one final price comparison.

Well, all of the specs that I wanted were already included on the laptop at Best Buy and it was a better deal.There was only a $30-$40 difference. My company discount was 8%. I think the web marked up the price to act like you are receiving a big discount...but that is just me. I rather pay a little extra if I do not have to wait for shipping. I already buy my hair products online; I do not feel like buying everything from the net.

Now I plan to keep up my blogging and hopefully get better at it. I am nursing a cold so I am signing off for now.

Peace and blessings!

Hair Weave Stops Bullet

2009-02-21T08:01:00.001-08:00

Just a quick note. I am in Indianapolis, Indiana visiting my in-laws. I do not have computer access so I am at the library.

Check out this link. I did not know weaves were bullet-proof!! I am glad this lady is ok but it is a funny story.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29282528/

Hair Experiment Results

2009-02-15T06:23:00.000-08:00

Quick update. I took down my twists. My hair has a nice sheen (I like the greasiness of Carol's Daughter products). I saw little difference in my hair between the Hair Milk and Healthy Hair Butter. But the side with the Hair Milk was a little softer.

I plan on trying my experiment again after I have clarified my hair. I also might try it again on damp hair. Next time I will have pictures.

My Carol's Daughter Hair Experiment

2009-02-14T17:09:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!! I have been so busy that I have not had time to post. Anyway, I am going to Indianapolis, IN on Thursday. I live in Texas so I have to mentally prepare for a colder weather. I also need to make sure my hair is moisturized while in Indiana.

My hair has been so dry lately. I think I am experimenting with too many products. I have also been working out more frequently. I probably need a trim but will wait until next month. I tried Oyin Handmade's Whipped Pudding but it is not giving me the results I want. I swear by the Shine and Define. I twist my dry hair with the Burnt Sugar Pomade. Even though the smell is heavenly, I am still seeing brittle ends.

So today I went to Sephora and bought Carol's Daughter Hair Milk and Healthy Hair Butter. I spoke with another fellow nappy and she recommended the hair butter. I referred her to the Tui Oil. It felt good to speak with someone who can relate.

On to the experiment....I twisted half of my hair with the Hair Milk and the other half with the Healthy Hair Butter. I like the way they both initially feel on my hair. I will wait until the morning to see the results.

Obama spoof

2009-01-29T19:50:00.000-08:00

I was watching Entertainment Tonight yesterday and saw this You Tuber who spoofs Obama. I went to You Tube and fell in love with the videos. This one is my favorite because I love this T.I. song.

Mariah Carey gets rave reviews in new indie film

2009-01-25T07:59:00.000-08:00

I have been hearing about a new indie film called "Push" based on the book by Sapphire. Apparently it is a dark yet compelling novel. I have been trying to find the book but have had no success. I try to read a book before I see it at the movies. If I see the movie first, I usually never read the book.

I heard Mo'Nique speak about the movie on her radio show. Then I found this clip on You Tube where Mariah Carey gets great reviews on her role in the movie. I hope this movie makes it to the big screen. I would be curious to see Mariah's acting. I did not watch Glitter but I might just so I can so I had.

I am off to see if I can find the book online. I am trying to find some movie clips but have only come across some stills.

Yes We Did!!!!

2009-01-20T19:49:00.000-08:00

The day has finally arrived!!! I had to sneak away from my desk at work to watch Obama get sworn in live. I have it recorded on my DVR so I am about to watch it again.

YES WE CAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2 days, 9 hours, 30 minutes until.....

2009-01-17T12:23:00.000-08:00

The time for change is here!! What an exciting time for our country!

I am wearing my Obama shirt. But we must do more than just wear a shirt. Obama cannot change the country alone. Everyone, must do their part too. Our country has so many problems but we all responsible for making a difference. Ok, enough of the soapbox.

I am sitting in front of the television watching Obama ride the train into DC. I just set my DVR to record the entire inauguration events on Tuesday. I hope I have disk space!!!

I have so many friends heading to Washington, DC for Obama's inauguration. Unfortunately, I will not be attending. I actually have a cousin who stays in Maryland, but I think it will be too many people. I have to go out of town next month so I could not afford to attend the inauguration.

I wanted to call in sick on Tuesday but I have important meeting scheduled that I cannot miss. But I will walk in with my head up high, back a little straighter, and a huge smile on my face. I want to be at work to see the haters sit in somber.

Come to think of it, I am not even off on MLK Day on Monday!!! Oh well, I will go to a conference room and watch the parade from the window.

I am off to finish watching TV. Stay safe.

Trying to cut costs

2009-01-10T22:34:00.000-08:00

Every year I say to myself that I am going to try to save some money. I had been clipping coupons, but my husband would forget to use them. We would not always clip the coupons. I really do not like to eat leftovers after the 2nd day (unless it is pizza), but I say every year that I am going to start bringing my lunch. I spend way too much money on food and hair products. Anyway, last week I found out that I will not be getting a raise at work. Blame the bad economy. So now I have to practice what I been trying to preach.

I buy most of my hair products online. I have been learning to do my own hair so I will not have to go to the beauty shop as much. Since I am not relaxing my hair anymore, it is easy. But I do like my occasional weave sometimes. I am not going to buy as many hair products that I used to. I really like Oyin Handmade hair products. They increased their costs by a couple of dollars, but I love the quality. A couple of Blended Beauty products are growing on me too. I think I will just use these products until my hair gets tired of them.

I am tired of eating out. I have decided to cook more and consistently clip coupons. I am going to try to walk during my lunch hour so I will not be tempted by all of the surrounding food places downtown.

I'll keep you posted on my attempts at frugality. It will be a rough road. I am just grateful to have a job. Can we all get a bailout?

Happy New Year!!

2009-01-04T14:23:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!! I am reminded of the scene in the movie "Trading Places" where everyone is saying Happy New Year. Corny I know but I love Eddie Murphy in this movie.

I actually stayed awake to see the ball drop this year. I made some New Year Resolutions:
1. Attend church regularly and be an active member
2. Lose weight AND keep it off
3. Grow healthy head of hair
4. Not buy as many hair care products (I am a major PJ- product junkie)

Last and not least, I am claiming in 2009 that I will finally have another baby. Pray for me. God blessed me with one child but I have been trying for 3 years to have another. I have polycystic ovary syndrome and hopefully by becoming more healthy I can finally get pregnant.

Now that I have written my New Years Resolutions, I can make myself accountable to actually keep them this year.

Favorite You Tuber

2008-12-30T18:15:00.000-08:00

I am excited that I have the whole house to myself...well almost. My husband is gone for the evening but my son is with me. I turned on Boomerang so he can watch cartoons. I have been on the Internet all evening.

I have not been on the blogs too much this week. I have been on You Tube and reading forums. My favorite you tuber is Tracema. She is hilarious. I have been following her for a few months. She started with a blog but now is on You Tube. Tracema really needs to be a comedian. She is hilarious.

Check out a few of her videos.

Quick Update

2008-12-26T18:34:00.001-08:00

Happy Holiday time. Just a quick update. For my new gadget, I bought a Vizio tv for my room. I do not think I will buy my flute. The economy is bad you know. Plus I have an addiction to buying hair products from curlmart.com. I have not being doing well with trying to lose weight.I haven't gained any but have not lose any more either. I will start again after the new year once I am done with the potlucks and holiday parties.

Lastly, my heart goes out to the family tragically murdered on Christmas Eve by the madman in the Santa Claus suit.

And RIP Eartha Kitt. Photo courtesy of earthakitt.com

I love British soul singers

2008-12-23T18:24:00.000-08:00

I think my music obsession started with Terrence Trent D'Arby and "Wishing Well." In the past couple of years, I have been very disappointed with today's pop and R&B. I have never been the type to follow the norm. I like artists who have a different sound.I have gravitated toward European sound of music.

I love artists from the United Kingdom. I like Corinne Bailey Rae, Leona Lewis and Sade, but my all time favorite artist is CRAIG DAVID!!!

He is so handsome and I love his silky voice. I have been following him since the 7 Days album. He is underrated here in the United States. I did not care too much for his last cd but I am still a loyal fan. I am happy to see that he has a greatest hits cd out now. I sure miss his curly hair. Anyway, I digress.

I am loving his new single "Insomnia." I hope the single is released in the U.S.

Beyonce's new movie

2008-12-21T08:13:00.000-08:00

I am not a fan of all of Beyonce's movies but her upcoming flick, "Obsessed" has potential. The jury is still out. "Obsessed" reminds me of Fatal Attraction with a 21st Century twist. I am a fan of Idris Elba so that is reason enough to see the movie.

I did like Beyonce in Dreamgirls, but maybe because she had a minor part. I saw most of "Cadillac Records" and thought her performance was average. She seems to play a singer most of the time so I am happy she took a different role with "Obsessed."

Hair Inspiration

2008-12-20T18:24:00.000-08:00

I am very obsessed with my hair. I am wearing some twists but I am searching for my next style. I would like to grow my hair out. I spend most of my internet time reading hair boards. I took a break today to check out the latest songs on iTunes. Then I ran into the hair I aspire to have. Laura Izibor is an Irish musician. Her song is actually growing on me. She kind of reminds me of Joss Stone.

Check out the video.

2008 Big Dummy Award

2008-12-17T18:29:00.000-08:00

As the year winds down, I was thinking about the highs and lows of 2008. I loved the Sanford and Son tv show. Fred always called Lamont: "you big dummy." Well here goes my Big Dummy Awards.

3rd place - The Big 3 Automaker CEOS for flying their private jets to Washington, DC to beg for billions of dollars.

2nd place - OJ Simpson. No explanation necessary

1st place..drum roll please...

Plaxico Burress for literally shooting himself in the leg. On top of the world one day, facing jail time the next. ( I wonder how Michael Vick is doing in the slammer. He should be named as last year's Big DUMMY!)

Stay tuned for the Best of 2008. More lists to come.

Craving a new gadget

2008-12-13T17:46:00.000-08:00

I am just itching to buy something. I know times are hard and I should be saving money. But I just want to buy myself something. I am a believer in paying yourself first. Anyway, so I am still contemplating a flute. But now I am eyeing a gagdet. I am looking at flat screen tvs, a new phone or a new computer. Since times are bad, I am trying to bargain shop. I really like the Blackberry Storm but unfortunately I have AT&T for my cell service.

So why not the iPhone you ask? Because my husband has one and he still shows it to everyone. I told him that I was going to write a letter to Apple and ask them to hire him in their marketing department. He plays with that iPhone so much, it works my nerves. And the killer for me is that the iPhone does not have equipment protection. If someone steals my iPhone or I accidentally drop it in the toilet, I am "Chopped and Screwed" (sorry I have that T-Pain song in my head).

I may narrow it down to another Vizio tv or a pc. I have a Vizio in my living room and enjoy it. I need a laptop so I can carry it with me. I am such an internet freak that I cannot live without being able to access the net in every room.

Well, I think I may have talked myself into researching some laptops. I will write more later. Peace

Blog of the Week

2008-12-10T18:49:00.000-08:00

The other night I had a dream about playing the piccolo again. It was so vivid. I woke up thinking about how much I miss playing. I have not played in about 15 years. I am debating in my mind about whether to buy a new flute. My old student flute is probably rotten. I think my parents still have it in their closet. Frigtening..

Anyway, after two days of searching, I found the best blog for flutes: http://www.fluteinfo.com/

I really like fluteinfo.com. They have a link to site reading, fingering chart and scales. They also have a history section and theory charts. I took music theory in band camp (Yes I went to band camp!!) but I probably forgot it. Anyway, I will keep you posted as to whether I buy my flute or keep dreaming.

Favorite Christmas movies of all time

2008-12-07T07:53:00.000-08:00

Since Christmas is not too far away, I am starting to see some of my favorite holiday movies. I have created a short list of my favorites (videos courtesy of You Tube):

6. Shrek the Halls
--I watch this movie with my son. He loves Shrek and he watches it so much, I was forced into becoming a fan.

5. Bad Santa
--I tried to find a clip with as few curse words as possible, but it was hard. This was funny to me despite the profanity.

4. Charlie Brown Christmas
--I just like Charlie Brown

3. Home Alone
--Very clever movie. I loved this as a child.

2. Grinch who Stole Christmas
--The Grinch is so cheesy, you just have to love it.

I am totally obsessed with this movie. My sisters and I watch it every year and then talk about those who have never seen it. Drum roll, please....

A CHRISTMAS STORY

UT news: BCS controversy, 16 year old graduates

2008-12-06T09:59:00.000-08:00

I am not a sports fan, but I am a Texas Longhorn fan. I feel like Texas was robbed for a chance at the Big 12 Championship title game, but I stopped obsessing over it. Obviously some people are still discussing the BCS controversy. I did see a picture where supposedly a UT fan rented a plane with a message to Coach Mack Brown. I thought it was cute.

Here is the link: http://www.statesman.com/search/content/gen/ap/FBC_BCS_Banners_Banter.html

In other nerd news...
A 16-year old graduated from the University of Texas in two years. He stayed clear of distractions. I wished I was that focused. I did enjoy my college years. I originally wanted to graduate in 3 years but I decided to have a little fun. I am very proud of Andrew Bisbin...you make us nerds proud!!

http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/12/06//1206utgrad.html

Cox Communications commercial

2008-12-03T17:34:00.000-08:00

I was taking a break from my nerd studies to watch basketball with my husband. He has the NBA League Pass and watches all the games. Anyway, I saw this Cox Communication commercial and fell in love with it. My area does not have Cox so I had to rely on You Tube to get this commercial. I think I am truly obsessed because I cannot stop watching and laughing at it. I hope you like it.

Favorite Blog of the Week

2008-11-30T07:23:00.000-08:00

I love reading blogs. I spend hours (yes hours) on the internet reading blogs. I do not really read too many books because I enjoy blogs. So without further ado...my blog of the week is:

Margaret and Helen - Best Friends for 60 years and counting
http://margaretandhelen.wordpress.com/

Helen does most of the writing for this blog and she is hilarious!! I appreciate her opinion on political matters. I haven't followed the blog long but I love the posts.
Check it out if you get the chance.

Ode to countdown tickers

2008-11-29T19:33:00.001-08:00

I am contemplating a new signature. I am going to include every countdown ticker I can create. It is funny looking at forums and the items that people countdown. So here is my collection:

Obsessed with weight

2008-11-29T19:20:00.000-08:00

One of my current obsessions is with losing weight. I can lose weight. I just cannot keep it off. I have been on almost every diet: Weight Watchers, Quick Weight Loss, Jenny Craig and now South Beach.

I have lost mostly water weight. I go to the gym about 2 to 3 times a week. I only like step aerobics and spinning. I love to eat so let's see how long it will take for me to get to my ideal weight.

Being an internet junkie, I see everyone with these weight loss tickers. So I went to tickerfactory.com and have attempted to create a weight loss ticker. It seemed pretty easy. I think I will create one for just about everything.