I DIDN'T KNOW MY OWN STRENGTH....

Who knew that a year and a half after I stepped foot back in school that I'd actually finish? Who knew the days that I missed my kids desperately, the days I was sick, the days I was depressed, the days I wanted to be at my kids karate practice, the days I missed a church event, the days Marlin wasn't feeling as supportive, the days my kids ate fast food day after day after day, the days my kids had to go to childcare, the days I didn't see Marlin for days at a time, the days Marlin and worked opposite shifts to keep the kids out of childcare, the days I missed my favorite t.v. finale, the days I had to endure profanity, immaturity, deceit, spite fullness from others at school or days that I wanted it all to be over. Who knew that I would not only graduate with an A average, but 95% attendance in the presence of my sons, husband, father and both directors there to wish me well. Who knew that I was this strong? I guess you did!

I did it I did it I did it! I am a graduate and I have a trained and marketable skill. A mother's dream. It makes being the mother to my miracles more special. I have options and I chose them. It was always my dream to be home with them, I was blessed enough to be actually living my dream, but it makes my dream bigger now that being here with them is really what I want to do. Nothing can turn my head now, or make me question my devotion to being home. Because I did it! I actually did it.

STRONGER THAN EVER

It has almost been one year since my dream began to attend beauty school. So much has happened. I finished 3 classes then took an unexpected LOA (leave of absence) to be with my mom during her second bout of cancer. Then I returned full time instead of returning to nights-part time. I then finished 3 more classes and took another unexpected LOA when we attempted to adopt-again. When that didn't pan out I returned again this time to nights part time again. I'm hoping to finish Skin and Ethnic and then return to days-full time where I plan to stay until I graduate hopefully in the summer!

A year ago I started in Color class. I loved getting my hands in the hair right away and learning so much. One of the first things I learned was that beauty school is really an understatement. It should only be referred to as Cosmetology school. For the simple fact that ology is the word you use to refer to the study of something. Cosmetology is the study of hair. All parts, chemical, biological and everything else. Cosmetology school is not just curling irons and hairspray-and is not for the faint of heart. It is ALOT of chemistry and anatomy. However, I greatly enjoy it. I've learned alot and in the process have been able to maintain an A average and 99% attendance! I'm very proud of that fact. If you could see my litany of jobs you'd know what an accomplishment that is.

I've completed Hair Design (styling), Sculpting (cutting), Perm Design, Men's, Skin (facials etc.) and Color Class is where it all began. I have 1 1/2 classes left to complete-Ethnic and Nails. And then I'll be on the floor taking clients until I graduate. I am so anxious to be done with school. It really seems within my reach since I'll be graduating this year-2009. My next milestone will be finishing these next 1 1/2 classes, followed by externing. Externing is when Iget to go into salons and work for one day a week. It's a real advantage to see a real salon and get an idea of what salon life is really like as well as see what kind of salon you may want to end up in. I kid you not everyday I'm in school I say a prayer of thanks that I get to FINALLY pursue my dream. 2009 is going to be an awesome year!!

MY HAIR POEM

Styled, combed, fried & dyed
there isn't a style you haven't tried
up do's, curls, a bob & a shag
they'all looked good-not to brag
throughtout all the styles
your hair's gone the mile
dry, cracked and splitting ends
uneven and now refusing to blend
your color is limp your hair is dry
it's helpless no matter how hard you try
and now you don't know what to do
if there was only someone you knew
that gives you style AND saves your hair
a stylist that really does care
when what to your wondering eyes should appear
but Erin Pressley your new stylist is here
leave in conditioner with quality products
healthy hair for just a few bucks
you're thrilled and she tells you as you walk out the door
YOU WON'T GET WHAT YOU WANT...YOU'LL GET A WHOLE LOT MORE!

Marketing

I am so excited! I go to the floor in a little over 2 weeks and that will be my debut! I have decided that because of that I will do a little marketing. I designed a flyer that I am mailing out to friends so that they can take advantage of my special 1/2 off pricing for the first 6 weeks I'm on the floor. I am proud that I'm taking such a big step in attempting to be a professional. Even if I don't get one client to come in, I'm proud of myself for taking the initiative and pushing myself to do something out of the ordinary. Kuddos to me!

HAIR, HAIR AND MORE HAIR

I have been in school since January and with the exception of my LOA (leave of absence) for my dear mommy I have not missed a day of school!! I know, I know brilliant. But it has actually happened, I am officially burned out and stressed out and if I don't stop soon I'll be strung out! Just kidding. You get my point. I have decided to return to night school and be home with my Amani a little more this last year before kindergarten. I am tired and hoping for a fresh perspective regarding school once I'm not so overworked. Not to mention this last week was one for the record books, it was a week from Hell.

HEALTHY HAIR

Cuts, color, perms, relaxers, high heat and lots and lots of chemicals. All causing damage to our delicate tresses. But, there is a way to have it all and keep your hair healthy. That's where you come in... in to my chair that is and let me work my magic on you and your hair strand by strand to restore moisture, volume, style and most importantly HEALTH! You won't have to sacrifice style for health any more. HAPPY HAIR DAY!