I'm Ready for a Challenge!!!!

Hey!! Im Back!! Ive been a bit discouraged since my last post. I know. I had fallen back into that "its too much work" mode. And a lot has to do with my personal life recently being an emotional roller coaster as of late. 
It always seems that nothing is going right or you are always in the wrong, making it very difficult to divulge your focus elsewhere, where it is truly needed. At my last Ladies Bible Study, we kinda touched on this subject in our discussion. As women, we naturally are brought up to multitask, assist, advise and make amends in almost everything we do in work, family, and home. Naturally, we have a tendency to focus or pinpoint what is not quite right until we figure out what is odd about it in the first place. Men, sometimes I wish I had their focus, naturally see the problem and immediately tend to fixing it, asking questions later, lol! 
Well, that's life! And just about anything and sometimes everything else takes a back simmer. In my case, its beauty and regime. Many friends tell me I got it or its potential "if you do this...". I never had the need to see it in myself, but always noticed when someone would point out my hair and either like or scrutinize it. 
Over 30 and a single mom, I still have my crush moments and want to be recognized and all ideas end at the pinnacle of my head. But I learned a long time ago outward appearance does not count for much if your inward appearance (and intellect) is not sought after, too. Therefore, the love I put into my head is for me and myself first and only. Its my pride and joy. I also find that my love for my hair reflects how I see respect for myself, hold the last vestige of innocence, and value what makes me me.

So, On With IT!! I've registered for KinkyCurlyCoilyMe (KCCM) Castor Oil Winter Hair Challenge!!!

Im so excited and today is the first check-in day of the challenge! I just wanted to share with you the questions and my answers to this check-in:

1. How long have you been natural? Did you Big Chop or Transition? Why did you choose this method? If you are not natural, do you think it is something you would consider in your future, why/why not?

2. Is this your first time participating in the Castor Oil Challenge?

3. What is motivating you to participate in this challenge?

1. I have been natural, ive calculated, a little over 13yrs. My hair had been relaxed since i was a child, so i think when i finally BC, i was tired of all the breakage and maintenance and bleached and dyed the ends of my TWA a bright electric blue. :-D it wasnt really a choice, i just did it. Wasnt really into fashion or styles, so it didnt matter to me cuz i wasnt all routine with taking care of my hair.

2. Yes, this will be my first time participating in the and any hair challenge. ive tried on my own and knew only to oil my head. didnt work cuz i thought it too much work.

3. i like this challenge cuz i will be held accountable by others. plus, my hair has been short all my life, even with relaxer. I've only experienced it long, to my shoulders, once in my life. I would like that experience again and then some. I want to know that i can achieve diversity with my hair beyond what i currently can.

Today is the first day i am applying the castor oil to my hair and scalp! Yay! So excited!! I started my own blog when i decided to start caring for my natural hair. Its "Mane Control" at:http://exewoods.blogspot.com/
Ive been discouraged, so i hope i can document my check-ins and routine there as well. Id appreciate the help in accountability, ladies!!

Here is an updated pic, before I start applying the Jamaican Black Castor Oil~

Beginning/Before/Start

Anyone who has been keeping up with my posts or checking in or wanting some help in some way, this is a great way to start at the basics of scalp and hair health and maintenance. Come, try it along with me, start where ever you can and work your way out.

Thank you for viewing and Take Back Your Mane Control!