What To Do While You Wait

I choose to keep my personal life just that…personal. However, I wanted to write about what I’ve been doing since I was laid off last month. Before you feel sorry for me….DON’T! God is just setting me up for something better and preparing me for my future in marketing and communications. Anywho, I’ve been applying to jobs nonstop so I can land a great position. In the meantime in between time, I’ve also been doing some other things, mainly enjoying life. I mean seriously who has time to sit around and feel sorry for themselves? Not I. So here’s a short list of things to do while you wait for that call or email saying you got the job.

1.       Get a Hobby

For me, I started what you see here before you today – a blog. I’ve always loved to write, but I always stuck to pen and paper. Now, I get on my laptop and update my blog. Find something that keeps you occupied.

2.       Learn Something New

The day after I was laid off, I started teaching myself to play some of my favorite songs on the piano. My mother is a beast on the keys, but I’ve never truly gotten into playing. Now I enjoy going to the piano and teaching myself new songs. I think I’ll do the guitar next. And you should also take the time to explore and learn something new. It may not be a musical instrument for you, but learn something new.

3.       Exercise

Yes, I know no one really likes that word, but we all need to do it. I am certainly not in great shape, but I’m trying to get better. I cancelled my gym membership so I could save money. However, that doesn’t keep me from exercising. I own workout DVD’s, but I hate them. Therefore, I go to the walk path to walk/run a lot of days. I also work out at home. I’m a year and a month away from 30 years old. I want to enter into my 30’s looking amazing. So, exercise (and eating right) is the key. While you have the free time, you might as well take advantage of it.

4.       Enjoy Your Family and Friends

Over the past several weeks, I’ve had the time of my life with my friends and family. I also gained a new nephew in that time. I’ve been able to spend lots of time with him, go pick up my niece from school, and spend time with the rest of my family. I’ve also enjoyed concerts, rooftops, picnics, and drinks with my friends. Sometimes you’re so tired after work and just want to go home and pass out. Now is the time to get back to your social life. Once you’re back to work, you can then find a way to have a healthy work-life balance.

5.       Network, Network, Network

I could add a lot more to this list, but I’ll end with this one. NETWORK! It’s all about who you know. Thank God that I’ve met some amazing people in my desired field. I’ve attended networking events, and I’m meeting with some mentors to put me on the right path. I refuse to be out of a job for too long. Nope, not going to happen. That’s why I’m on a mission to network and get my name out there. If no one knows you and how great you are, why would they want to hire you? Don’t just hide behind your resume and cover letter. Actually, get out there and network.

My Experience With Senegalese Twists

My story goes a little something like this. I have wanted to get Senegalese twists for the longest. Being the researcher that I am, of course I did a Google search for the best place to go in Chicago. A couple of places came up. However, there was a blog post by Ishea at www.sixtwentysevenblog.com that really caught my eye. Her twists were gorgeous, and she spoke very highly of the woman who did them. After reading the comments on her blog regarding their experience, I was sold. So, I put the information in my phone, called, and spoke to Nana (773-363-0711). Sidenote – it’s her house number. So PLEASE do not try and text her.

Anyway, back to my story. I asked Nana some general questions and then proceeded to set up an appointment for the following Saturday. She did warn me, however, that the process is faster during a weekday, but I was working at that time and refused to take off just to go get my hair done. Therefore, Saturday it was….or not. After having some reservations about the price and also not wanting to deal with being there for an entire Saturday, I cancelled. And I went through all of this a second time as well since I can never make up my mind. Finally, one day I was really fed up with my hair. I am natural, and I was not trying to deal with this Chicago humidity. Nor am I an expert on natural styles just yet. So I called Nana again and asked for an appointment….the next day (a Thursday). She told me that it wasn’t guaranteed since she had other customers. But if she finished them by early afternoon, she would give me a call. That next morning, I washed and blow dried my hair just in case she called. Around 3:00pm, she called and asked if I could come over right then. She said she would have two women working on me. Needless to say, I made my way to her place quick, fast, and in a hurry.
She has a room set up just for doing hair. There were two other women being serviced, but they were almost done. Around 4:30, one of Nana’s helpers started on the front of my hair. Around 6:30, a second helper started on the back. By 10:30, I was making my way to my car and going home. I don’t know about you, but I think 6 hours is amazing especially for how thick my hair is and how long the twists are. I opted for the long twists, which go all the way to my butt. They were $250. However, you can also do medium which is $220. And Nana provides the hair. Although, Nana didn’t actually twist my hair, she finished the process by dipping my hair in hot water and putting the twists in a bun. Be prepared for your edges to be extra sore, but that soreness goes away after about 2 days.

A few days after getting my twists done

Overall, I love my twists. I’ve had them in for 4.5 weeks, and I still receive compliments on them. I’m only keeping mine for 6 weeks because I’m ready to occupy my scalp and get back to my regular hair. However, they will definitely last longer. If you have any questions about my experience, feel free to ask in the comments section. Otherwise, give Nana a call. You won’t be disappointed.

 

4 weeks and 2 days after getting my twists done