We_Destiny

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LL

I forgot the website that I usually download pictures too. DUH!!!!!! I will sign up somewhere to the servie and then post the link.

I gave Zainab my Ghana number and she gave me Bassi's, if all goes well we can meet up.

I am going to view my bridesmaids dresses tomorrow and pick up more fabric for some traditional clothing for me and hubby. I also have 2 meetings.

But if she is near Osu I will find her

Mmm Hmmm! It does give you a new appreciation for hair. Girl, talk about mini fro after washing! My hair has always been thick, but now that it is all natural it is way thick! I didn't do a big chop. I was too afraid of wearing short hair. I was doing mini chops on my hair. When it grew out inch by inch I'd cut the old perm ends off until they were all gone. I love messing with the NG too. lol! Although, I did wear braids for a good long while while transitioning. I didn't like braids too much either because after I took them down I'd get a lot of shedding. I know that shedding was normal after braids, but I just couldn't get used to it. I used to do my own braiding. I have never had [i]healthy and natural hair before. I also never thought I'd say those two words in one sentence either, natural and healthy...and it's getting long! I've had perms and jheri curls pretty much all my life. I had the Jheri curls up til high school and then I got a perm during 12th grade up til December 2007.

I think I will check out that Motowngirl site and see what it's all about. Yep, that shrinkage will fool anybody. Once you stretch it, it is like abracadabra! I've learned that S-curl spray is the bomb for my hair as well as Aubrey Organics shampoo and conditioner! Product junkie is and understatement for me. I have a whole closet full of junk and a big box full at the bottom of my closet. I think I will sell on Ebay.lol!

LOL @ you doing mini chops. I was afraid to wear mine really short, too. I let it grow in braids/twists until I had about 2 inches of new growth and then I did the BC. I put it back in braids that very same day, lol. I STILL play with my NG. I love feeling the waviness of it. B) Yes, all of the hair shedding that comes with braids can be intimidating and you feel as if you will be bald if you continue to wear them. I read that people generally shed over 100 strands of hair per day, so if you have braids up for a few months then all of that shedded hair can be a shocker.

Please do check out Motowngirl because there was so much information on natural hair care that I didn't know where to start and I found it to be a good place to start. I've heard that Aubrey Organics can work wonders. I have yet to try it. I know what you mean about all of the junk. I have three plastic bins in my bathroom full of stuff and that doesn't even include the rest under the sink. One bin is for my essential oils, one is for my hair sprays, bottles and moisturizers, and the other is for my CONDITIONERS!

Interesting ladies!!!!! I too have been toying with that same idea and have felt the same way you both have. I have permed my hair since age 13 and I was one of the ones who would go to see my hair dresser every week. It's been about almost a year since I have seened her. I have been doing my own perms and my hair is not doing all that great I thought about doing the natural thing so many times and would go about two months without a perm. Then it would get to where I could not deal with it and I would just perm my hair again. I am in fear I guess because I know nothing about caring for unpermed hair and how to get it managable or how to style it. Hopefully I will get up enough nerve to go ahead and do it. I plan to check out those sites also. Thanks for the tips!!!!!

Your story is similar to many natural stories. That was basically how mine was...once you start doing your own perms, then all hell can break loose on your hair. Like I said, go check out both of the sites and see how you feel about it. The main key to natural hair is keeping it MOISTURIZED and CONDITIONED. Your hair will be so manageable and soft once you find a good routine to keep it full of moisture. I intend to keep it natural, but getting a press every once in a while. There are many many styles that are available for natural women, but you just have to break past the myth that "natural is hard to maintain". Let me know what you decide to do.

When I was in high school I permed my hair. Never again. I have been all natural since then and my hair is just past my shoulders. If I use a flat iron it adds a few more inches. My hair is the kind that is really curly but falls nice. No idea what I ever permed it

Do you like being natural? Wow, there seems to be so many of us on here. I know Radical Lover is, too, and I think Asante Maroon, also. Your hair sounds really nice and low maintenance.

I am just reaching shoulder length, but when it is shampooed and dried it is like a small afro. I hate when it shrinks like that. When a small touch of water hit my hair, it will revert. Summer time is coming and I dread how it will look then. I may just opt for braids or wear an afro puff.

By the way LL, your friend hair looks very thick and healthy too. It look like it would be long after she press it.

LOL, I know what you mean about it reverting instantly. You can try to keep it looking longer with braid outs and twist outs. Those styles help to show a little length. Yes, that picture shows pressed vs non-pressed. Her hair was closer to her bra line.

Hey Lovin

Tell me about it. I was natural for about 7 years before I got sisterlocks. My fro used to be so short (TWA) teenie weenie fro, and when I pressed it out it wuld come down my shoulders. I would also be amazed. I love my locks but I miss the versality of my natural styes.

Happy 2 B Nappy

YOU TOO!!!! I didn't know you were one of "us", LOL! Oooh, speeaking of sister locs, the same friend that I posted before (her name is Free), she just got her SL in December. Hers are beautiful. I think I actually like SL better than the regular ones, even though I say I will never get locs. Free is trying to convince me to get some, but I keep telling her "mayyybe", lol. I love how they look, but I always love the ability to change my styles and like you said, the lack of versatility would get to me after a while. Here are some pictures of her new Sisterlocs:

I'm trying to insert the picture of my SL and having a difficult time .

I really want to add onto this discussion, but I have to run to the post office to drop off our AOS RFE evidence. I'll respond when I come back this afternoon. I just wanted to add a picture to show how shrinkage can definately fool you. This is a picture of my friend. She gets her hair pressed every few months and as you can see her shrinkage is out of control, LOL:

Hey Lovin

Tell me about it. I was natural for about 7 years before I got sisterlocks. My fro used to be so short (TWA) teenie weenie fro, and when I pressed it out it wuld come down my shoulders. I would also be amazed. I love my locks but I miss the versality of my natural styes.

Happy 2 B Nappy

hey Destiny

Hey Omoba

I mentioned Cipro because I just had to use it recently. Last week I decided to eat cole slaw that sat on the counter for a couple hours and I chased with a kebab from the outdoor vendor. But besides that Ghana is great.

Zainab, take some Flaggyl along with you and a broad spectrum antibiotic for your stomach issues.

Cipro is also

Hello all

Perserverance like you I LOVE My Nigerian Husband

I meet my Nigerian husband because of mutual friends while visiting Ghana. We hung out a few hours a day during the week's visit and began to bond with one another. Our initial connection, sad to say was vanity (we both had cameras and kept giving our cameras to each other, we both wanted pictures of ourselves), and everytime it would happen we would laugh. Well after I arrived back home, we kept in touch. In our one year courtship I travelled to Ghana 3 times and he would always meet me there. I also went to Nigeria 2 times our visits were always atleast 2 weeks and 2 of them a month. Therefore, I was very comfortable with our relationship as we proceeded to obtain our visa. I could have not asked for a more compatable mate. MY NIGERIAN HUSBAND is WONDERFUL to me and my entire family. We have went from the initial giddiness of newly weds and have settled into a very warm and comfortable place and we grow closer together everyday.

As some know we our doing our BIG wedding this August, and just recently he has began to really get excited about the wedding (after I have done all of the hard work) he can see the plans coming together. So before I travelled; I gave him a list of wedding things to do. My wonderful husband booked a Nigerian catereer (the hall is allowing us to bring in food for 50, but we have to pay for the food with them also , a videographer, a Nigerian DJ, and he spent the weekend at my mothers house to stuff the wedding invitations and just to hang out with her .

He is a pain in the butt sometimes with the constant (Monk) cleaning and moving stuff around, but hey, better him than me .

He assists and encourges me to be the best person that I can be. I LOVE My Nigerian Husband

Uno

I'm sorry you have to go through this madness.

I told you to point me in the right direction, and I will take care of thangs!!!!

My husband was given an envelope but Ithinkit was his x-ray. I like Zainab think it is couriered over to the embassy. My feeling is the embassy will not do the interview until the courier arrives. Kingsley's interview was done after 5p.m., while we arrived at the embassy before 7:30am. I sat outside and went to the car, pid someone to let me use the restroom and waited some more until he arrived at the turnstyle victorious. I truely belicve that the embassy will receive the medical and then they will interview him. Now I would not hold my breathe that it will happen before 3 or 4pm but they will recive the medical on the day of the appointment.

We also had an issue with the fact they were trying to schedule his last appointment ona Sunday. I looked at my phone and said"hey that's a sunday your closed" the doctor walked by and said ohhh do it for the Friday. They never look at calendars when they re-schedule.

I hope this eases your concerns.

My husband had to have 3 medicals, they kept losing or mixing up his blood work. On the third on a Friday he received the results and the vacination form with signatures. We went to the embassy the following Monday and they had all of his information from the meical. We did not have any problems don't worry the embassy will receive the results in time.

Hey everyone

My story is we received the full medical in Nigeria and the beginning of the vaccinations, the civil surgeon form for vaccinations from Nigeria was given to us.

I never got it transcribed, transposed or anything. I made a copy of it and sent it in. Now mind you I recived an RFE for birth certificate from Nigera, I responded there was none he was born during the war. They sent me another RFE for birth certificate and a newer I-864 with 2007 W2. I did the I-864 over but sent back the exact same information about the birth certificate and was approved for AOS 2 weeks later.

My point is that I was very strict with my documents before my husbands arrival, but now that he is here we decided to try, and all we lost was being approved 2 months sooner, without the hassle and expense of sending someone to his state (village) and trying to obtain a document that does not exist. USCIS has rules and regulations, but it is up to the interpretation of the adjudicating officer to determine what is required. Everyone has to follow their own minds and weigh their options when it comes to matters like this.

Good Luck to all!!!!

Hey ya'll!

We_Destiny, I couldn't stay up as long as you. Sorry for the restlessness..........I hope you settle in soon.

You are a goddess for doing all of that. I'm so through with "wedding" stuff, I'm thinking about a BBQ in the back yard! I'm serious! I can't wait to see everyone in your wedding party, I just know it's going to be beautiful!

Uno, by the time Zee and I get to Ghana, poor Chris will be in hiding wondering if all the VJ ladies are on their way across the ocean! As my girlfriend says, Don't make me go Brooklyn on you!

For sure

OMG, I want this wedding to be done with already. So many things to do with so little time. I have people half way around the world planning things, buying things, coordinating things. This is not good for my health.

Someone wakke me up when it is all over.

Just keep your weddings on the DL so that Bassi won't find out I'm slacking!

Zainab

A BBQ in the back yard sounds like a great idea right now. I wish I had thought of that.

Hey We_Destiny ,

I really hope you are having a great time and I know you will make a beautiful bride on your blessed day .

Just know that a marriage is a union of 3 ; God, man and woman.

I really wish you the best .

While you are there, find "Chris" (my so-called husband ) and for me.

(ahem...) Anywho , I was asking aboutcha cuz I hadn't seen hide nor hair from you. Enjoy your trip and all that it affords you B) .

UNO

As always thanks UNO your words and humor always brightens VJ.

Girl you being a recent graduate you know how taking these bleeping classes will keep you busy. I am always snooping around lurking for updates of everyone bizness.

I really put toooo much on my plate and should have reduced my course load. But as they say "a hard head makes a soft behind", and I am taking a big time whooping. But only one more semester to go and I get some new initials behind my name ; well atleast on my business cards .

You know I am a fellow Chicago girl and I know how to give a real beat down... so, you just point me in his direction. I will get one of those minature White Sox bats and give him a whooping he won't soon forget (shouting this is for UNO all the way through the beating). I will give him an old fashioned "Pumpkin Head" West Side style. You just point me in the right direction !!!!!

That wedding seems like a dream come true....congratulations on that. I am looking forward to seeing pictures too. My guy is from Nigeria, but I laughed when I read about the hot fanta and malta, and especially the cola nuts. I experienced them ALL on a regular basis during my trips. Oh how I wanted the soft drinks to be really COLD. But I loved it all. God bless you during your current trip and I pray that you have a spectacular wedding event.

Thanks Stevi1123 I am trying to hang in there and not go crazy over this event, now...as in last week... my husband is really getting excited about the wedding....so... he has recently begun to help with some of the preparations (its about time ).

Thanks for asking Uno

I'm in Ghana ........ for the next 4 weeks....getting my wedding and bridemaids dresses made .... oh yeah and working

I love this place

Post some pics when you get back please, I want to see those dresses !

Hey Omoba

I will.. I have to post pics to the bridemaids, they have only seen my drawing of the design of the dress and are probably a little nervous. I have women from size 0 to size 26 and none can imagine how a dress will look nice on all of them. I already know that West African clothes are very forgiving and can accomodate any size woman and make her look beautiful. So, they are all awaiting the results of the dress, and I will post some of the pics here.

This whole wedding has gotten so out of hand I am dumbstruck.. and excited at the same time.

I started out wanting 3 bridemaids and now I have 11. I carried over a 180 yards of fabric on the plane can you imagine? My female family members all want to wear West African clothes, so I have atleast 20 dresses, 15 men's tuxedo vest, my mothers 4 outfits she wants to have backup dresses just in case (what tha he!!?) plus my clothes to make. The seamestress is going to want to beat me when she sees all this fabric. Gotta love Ghana a whole bridalparty's worth of clothes in under 1 week.

I have told all the bridemaids that the clothes will fit them perfectly, if anyone losses or gains weight I am going to have there head, I lied and told them there is no place in Chicago to alter the clothes. The wedding is in August and we don't have room for alterations.

Sorry I was ranting

I'm bring the cola nuts, the hot, Malta and Fanta to the celebration.

I know I am usually restless The first few nights away from my guy is always the hardest...after a couple of days I will settle into sleping alone and not getting elbowed in the head in the middle of the night. It is so crazy the things we miss about people when they are away.

Zainab

What area are you staying in? I'm in North Labone about 5 minutes from the Embassy.

Before you travel PM me or (have your people call my people), and I will give you my Ghana numbers. Maybe we could do lunch B)

Naw...........I'm here. I'm just not usually around on weekends. It's my time with my daughter. I don't mind taking time away from work for VJ, but not my baby girl. Plus, it was too hot to type here this weekend. I even tried to slow my breathing cause I think I was overexerting myself!

I'm leaving in two weeks.

I want to go with you.

Thanks for asking Uno

I'm in Ghana ........ for the next 4 weeks....getting my wedding and bridemaids dresses made .... oh yeah and working

I love this place

I want to be there with you.

Zee

Your coming next month right? Wedding Bells

I will be here until July 5th.

I hope I run into some of you VJers living it up in Accra.

Naw...........I'm here. I'm just not usually around on weekends. It's my time with my daughter. I don't mind taking time away from work for VJ, but not my baby girl. Plus, it was too hot to type here this weekend. I even tried to slow my breathing cause I think I was overexerting myself!

I'm leaving in two weeks.

Zainab

Congrats on you and Bassi's upcoming interview...I will keep both of you in my prayers.

Thanks for asking Uno

I'm in Ghana ........ for the next 4 weeks....getting my wedding and bridemaids dresses made .... oh yeah and working

I love this place

CONGRATS

I am so happy for you, you deserved the easy 2nd interview.

morning

Our AOS was finally APPROVED ON 5/23/08