Day 668- 22 month Anniversary, Tuesday, December 2, 2015

Moments of Life

Rest in Heaven Beautiful KEISHA...the infamous tophat. That topcoat withstood all types of activities :). You woke me up to have this bomb conversation and once I got started, became an active participant, AND asked for a response you were knocked out. Lol. I wish I could post the pics that required me to obtain a secret folder but... I CAN'T. Lol. Thank you for the memories.  Lol. I'm a new friend but we miss you more than you will ever know. xoxo

Birthday Cruise!

Serra Homecoming 2015

Just working...

Day 607- Happy 1 day after my 40th Birthday to Me!, October 2, 2015, 20 month Anniversary

This is my co worker and I. Our classrooms were next door to one another for an entire school year, 184 days to be exact so he saw every emotion I could possibly go through. He made fun of me babying my son and called me Softridge. Our initial connection was that he works out with my ex husband so he was not my favorite person by default. However, now I am like, "Hey BFF!" Spending an entire year working that closely with someone in an urban high school allows you to have a new found respect for people because so many deep conversations are had. One you would never gain in another professional. Anyhow, he is one of the silliest and definitely most rude person I know but he's a softie inside. This pictures exhibits the true happiness felt at my wonderful job. You see I have my Homecoming shirt on. Oh and I want to be at the wedding. You are taking too long! Bye BFF

19 month Anniversary!- September 2, 2015, Day 577

Mommy-Daughter time. She wanted me to post her favorite picture which has become her screen saver. Apparently she loves Matt Barnes. He is a cutie though. Well, I am in love with my locks even more so. I have so much freedom that most times I just freestyle. Translation= wake up and go. I should style them a lot more frequently but oh well time just does not permit. Now I am going every six weeks for retightening and that is basically because I am way too lazy to increase the frequency. Six weeks is definitely pushing it. I really wanted to go two weeks ago but what is the difference at this point? I mean they are locks. I decided I needed a little lock excitement so I colored my hair with the lightest blond from Nutri-Tint. Nutri-Tint is an all natural hair dye but we know permanent dye needs a little non natural boost. I only colored the front because I was trying to achieve this two tone pseudo ombre look. Actually, my locktician colored them not me or the outcome would have been completely different and possibly disastrous. I think I am going to let the "blondes have more fun" dream die. I love color but I am running out of ideas. Plus, I like combination of black roots and color. Oh well, enjoy your Labor Day weekend!

Day 569 & 570- A day in the life of Ms. Hardridge.

Day 567- Sunday, August 23, 2015

It's been 11 days since we've laid eyes on my baby boy. Thank God for the friends whose children have gone away to college and the parent page for the class of 2019. It's kept me partially sane. Now I just call when I want. Later is better. Lol. A little intrusive but who cares that's my kid.

18 month Anniversary!- Sunday, August 2, 2015, Day 546

First off, I so look like his mom here but this is our most recent picture. Not ok. :) My baby decided to switch roles and invite me to dinner. Just four more days until I take him to a foreign place and basically drop him off. I keep having this reoccurring dream, well nightmare that we are to board the plane and I just cannot do it. Instead I tell him that he is going to El Camino College (local junior college) and that we are going home. I want the very best for him like we all do for our children, but the thought of not being there to rectify each and every issue he may incur is sickening. My faith is sustaining me and keeping me free of a nervous breakdown. However, this is a very confusing time to say the least. Unbelievably, the last 17 years have gone by quickly! Much faster than I could have ever imagined. Time waits for no one so enjoy every second with your babies because one day I will be reading your post that illustrates the same thing. Do not get me wrong, I am beyond thankful that I have been given the pleasure of raising such a delightful, easy, young man. He has taught me more than I could have ever expected but there is still a deep sense of mourning that comes with this experience. Ultimate comfort can only come from HIM and that is where I will continue to place my faith for this journey. May God continue to bless you with the world Dr. Betts!

17 month Anniversary!- Thursday, July 3, 2015, Day 515

My Sisterlocks and I travelled all the way to New Orleans for the Essence Festival! What a ball we had!

7/3

Back from New Orleans. Exhausted! Off to work I must go!

7/7

The beautiful bride and I! Isn't she the prettiest?!! Congratulations baby girl! xoxo

7/11

Day 482- Wednesday, June 3, 2015. Happy Graduation to my Baby!

My two babies on my big babies' graduation! Congratulations baby and now on to Fisk, Dr. Betts!

Day 469- Sunday, May 31, 2015 (Late Post)

Mother's Day 2015

Scholar's Weekend- April 10, 2015. My baby's 17th birthday!

Another wonderful day in Teacherhood!

Day 381, Wednesday, February 18, 2015- First Day of LENT

This is my big baby and I after our evening Mass service with my infamous selfie stick. At this point my locks have journeyed with me through several stages of my life. It has been a short stint but Lord has it been an eventful one. This year has been a lively one, a year that resembles a roller coaster ride that looks unassuming but is actually a nightmare. In the beginning I wanted off this ride but now I just want to throw my hands up and enjoy every moment of it! 

Day 385, Sunday, February 22, 2015- Happy Bridal Shower Precious!

My sister-friend, my confidante...I met T about 5 years ago. We did not immediately become friends but eventually there was a quiet loyal friendship that morphed between us. Her hair exudes her inside and outside beauty and that description is still at a very elementary level. I miss our conversations but I know I can always call on her if need be. As you can see her Sisterlocks are phenomenal and so I decided that my second time around needed to be phenomenal as well! Precious is her locktician so I of course would not have wanted anyone else to start my 2nd set. Congratulations Precious on your engagement as well as your beautiful wedding! Because of T, I have now another sister-friend I can call my own.xoxo

Day 380- Tuesday, February 17, 2015- Fat Tuesday! Let the Good Times Roll!

Well, tomorrow is the first day of Lent. The devout 40 days of dedicating your life to the Lord by giving up a vice that may be in the way of your sincere commitment. I am giving up Instagram! I almost can not take the daily falsehoods posted on Instagram. However, its so entertaining. Instead I will use my blog as a sounding board for my life journey. Here it goes!

Happy 1 year Sisterlocks Anniversary to Me!- February 2, 2015

Today marks my 1 year lock anniversary! I have not regretted this decision at all! I do miss my hairstylist and our convos. :(  The freedom, versatility, and uniqueness (is that a word?) has been perfect. Lots of people say, "I can't commit to locks." Well, you're committing to something and with this I have a million options. I no longer have to worry about the weather or any activity at all! That in itself is refreshing. My life revolved around my hair. Smh. That was a mess. My hair does not define my attitude or life. I am free and ready for whatever! This year flew by and what an adventure it has been. These pictures depict the last three months of my journey. I did not realize how I have been slacking on the posting. Lol. This is not just my hair journey, but my journey in general. Enjoy and thank you for your views!