Corporate Woes (Video)

Yet another installment of my daily YouTube vlog series...

As a member of corporate America I know how to play the game, fall in line, and stand my ground. When it comes to lunch meetings I'm usually on board and don't mind my company stuffing my face for free 99... however - - when this is intended to replace my actual lunch hour that's when I have to put my foot down and disagree.

Maybe the issue is calling our lunch hour a "lunch hour." I'm down for calling it an hour to do whatever the fuck I like. I work extremely hard and like to use my lunch hour as an opportunity to decompress, get away from my desk, get some fresh air, eat, run errands... whatever it is that I choose to do with it. It's an extremely small fraction of time to have to myself.

So, for all of my corporate folks out there, how do you handle lunch meetings that cut into typical lunch hour times - - noon to 2p? Do you still take your lunch after the meeting? Go before? Suck it up and take a longer lunch on another day? I'm curious to see what corporate protocol calls for... and if anyone is in HR please feel free to give me some insight.

Litter Box Woes (Video)

Smudge, my 2 yo Russian Blue, uses the litter box 100% of the time... but only covers up his shit 50% of the time. I never know what little surprises will be waiting for me when I pass by the box... and I'm tired of living my life in that type of agony. I want to send him off to some feline finishing school to help him get his life together... and give me some peace of mind.

I think this is a male cat issue since Misty (my female tabby cat, also 2 yo) doesn't EVER do this. She's actually my little angel. For those with cats do you have any advice?

- Stressed out Pet Parent

Natural Hair Rant: I Hate Protective Styling

Earlier I found myself questioning whether or not I wore my hair "out" too much.  It seems like such a silly thing to ponder, but in the world of natural hair people are constantly talking about low manipulation protective styling. To me, just the term "protective styling" depletes my life force. Damn... Can I live? 

Curly or Straight, I like my hair OUT!!

I like rocking my hair big, bold and everywhere... every day. However, it caused me to question whether my flare for big hair was causing me to sacrifice length retention.

Honestly, I'm not that into wrapping my hair at night or doing deep treatments. I like to live carefree during the day and just crash when it's time to sleep. I don't mind re-twisting on a daily basis and if you ask me, hair will grow regardless of what I do... so really, if I'm not length obsessed it shouldn't be a big deal.

One of my favorite bloggers/vloggers Lipstick Love Affiair, recently posted a new video discussing her current hair routine and I was in love with the growth and retention she's experienced. It caused me to question whether I should overhaul my hair life and put an actual routine into place. Now, I'm not trying to build Rome in a day, but I think committing to wrapping my hair and keeping my ends covered at night, and potentially scaling back the amount of times I wear my hair out during the week could be a great starting point.

My company's corporate office is located in a different state, so my office in Chicago is very small. Like 5 people including me small. Yes, my appearance is what I'm showing the world, but I doubt the 4 people I work with really care too much. So, I've theorized that I could adopt the same routine as Lipstick Love Affair and wear my hair covered up Mon-Wed, reserving Thurs-Sunday for rocking my curls. Plus, it's the weekend and I'll be able to do it up for Cuffing Season excursions with the boo.

I will  rock a wrap around the house lol

Or am I putting too much thought into this? lol... I can honestly think of at least 5 other things I should be devoting time to OTHER than my hair, but you know... whatever. Am I the only one going through this? lol... My other option for giving my hair a break from daily styling is to grab a weave or twists. That could probably appease me for a month or two.

Natural Hair Rant: When to take your head wrap OFF!

I stumbled upon this pic of India Arie walking the red carpet of Black Girls Rock and it infuriated me. Yes, my life force was hit with a swift 1-2, and I felt super annoyed. Maybe I'm in an irritated mood, but damn... if you won't take your head wrap off to walk a red carpet, WHEN IN THE HELL WILL YOU? 

I totally understand running some errands or waiting for your hair to "set" while you're doing mundane things, but if you're going to a real event, doesn't that warrant ditching the wrap and showcasing your hair! What in THEE fuck. Who told her this was acceptable? This is a freaking red carpet.

If she was doing something daytime casual and rocking jeans and a cute tee, just maybe she could get away with not doing her hair... but she's wearing heels and a cocktail dress! Come on.... do better.

This also makes me think of people in general that wear their hair covered up in scarves, wraps, or God forbid that black satin bonnet in public at inappropriate times. For the love of God... just take it off and wear your hair out! Am I alone in my annoyance? lol...