Let's not have hope. Let's have faith.

My Embarrassing Youtube Video...

Sooo we had to make a Youtube video for a contest in school. Whoever gets the most 5 star ratings gets in the top 10, then celebrity judges like John Paul Dejoria vote for the top 3. In the video we have to say why it's cool to be a Paul Mitchell Future Professional. i have never made a Youtube video before, so the editing process was not easy for me and I repeat myself in the beginning...which makes it awkward. The whole video is kinda awkward, but it gets the point across. I don't expect to win because I know other people will put a lot more effort into it than I did. If you want to watch it to see why I think it's cool to be a Paul Mitchell Future Professional you can click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kvB0BPw2GU

Derailed

I was derailed for a couple weeks, but now I am back on track (or I can truthfully say I'm probably not quite there yet, but I have recognized there is a problem and I am working on it). Step 1, admit that there's a problem, right? Sometimes it is easy to lose sight of what is important.
Right now, as you know, my career and my future is the most important thing to me, or at least I am trying to make it that way. The last couple of weeks I have been so caught up in personal things in my stupid, little teenage world (I am normally completely focused on hair, nothing else. I'm usually on the outside looking in when it comes to the stupid teenage life stuff... but for some reason I recently decided to try to act my age and be normal. That just creates problems.) I've also been uninspired. In school I find myself straightening and curling my mannequin over and over because I don't feel like doing anything else. I'm never the first one to volunteer. I take breaks instead of working straight through. At night when I'm at home, rather than working on my work book, or researching new hairstyles and techniques, I stare at Facebook until the wee hours of the morning. Why do I feel the need to read the emo quotes that people post? (I post them too, I'm just sayin'...) What the Hell is wrong with me? I can't get "derailed". It's just not an option. My goals are too important to me to lose sight of them that quickly! It's my life.
And the"I don't give a shit" attitude has got to go. (That's a little exaggeration. I always care... just sometimes less than others). It sucks because The first couple months of school I was sooo positive. Nothing was going to stop me. I was really trying to live by "Be Nice or Else!" Now that's kinda out. But I'm totally bringing it back! Yay! I am glad I am able to realize when I am being ridiculous.

Scattered...

Life changes so much. It is a serious game. You win and you lose. It's like when you play Mancala. You pick up pieces, you drop off pieces. You take your opponents pieces, your opponent takes pieces from you. You keep going around and around the board, unsure of the outcome. Then you run out of pieces and the player that has the most pieces in their large shallow hole at the end of the board wins. That's my complex outlook on life right now.



I have changed. For good or bad, I am not sure. I used to have close relationships. I used to know my priorities and they were in check. I knew my limits, I knew my goals, I knew my future. It was all planned out. I was simple and focused.

Now I can barely say I have relationships. My priorities have changed, my limits have changed, my goals have changed, and I see my future differently. My plan isn't the same. I am still focused, but I am not so simple.



I am going through things I never thought I would have to go through. I am feeling things I never thought I would feel. I am experiencing things that I never thought I would experience. I guess it's a part of growing up that I have chosen to take part in. I was not at all prepared for this.



I stand back, look at my life, shake my head and say "What the Hell?" Then I feel bad I said "Hell" and half heartily apologize to God. ( Btw, this isn't a sob story. I am not complaining about my life and I am not super depressed or anything, I am just sooo confused. I am trying to put it into perspective.)



I am sorry to all the people I have hurt while going through this change. I didn't mean for it to happen this way. I didn't know it would. My intention is never to hurt anyone. I don't think I am a cruel person, just selfish sometimes. I have no boundaries. I have dreams and goals and I want to reach them. I am not sure if what I am doing is right. I'm not even 100% sure of what it is that I want. I am young and ignorant. I am learning as I go. Sometimes I follow my heart, sometimes I follow my head and sometimes I follow nothing and end up lost.



What ever is meant to be, will be.

The truth may set you free, but it usually beats the crap out of someone else...

I heard this expression on a TV show (Mercy) tonight. It really hit close to home and I hate that it is true. Sometimes you just have to be honost with yourself, selfish for your well-being. You have to be true to yourself, even if it hurts someone else. The fact of the matter is, if you aren't being truthful with that person, you are hurting them, or "beating the crap out of them" regardless. It's a lose, lose situation and it sucks. But it is what it is.
Although, Sometimes it is hard to discover what the truth is. How can you set it free when you don't know what it is? Is it really worth it to hurt someone over something you aren't sure about? Probably not.
Life is rough. It is really hard to figure out sometimes.

Update

I haven't written in a while, so I figured I should update you on school and everything.

First off, I think it is important to mention that I got through Core (the first phase of school), and now I'm in Adaptive (the second phase, there's three altogether). In order to pass Core you have to take a written test and floor test. I didn't stress about the floor test because we had to do simple things like tint applications and rolling perms. Easy. But what wasn't so easy was the written test. We basically had to memorize everything we learned in school so far. I stressed out for 2 weeks about it. My face broke out and I had like 4 mental break downs. But when it was all said and done I ended up getting a 97% on the written and 100% on the floor. I was a little upset that I didn't get 100% on both, but I was still pretty proud.

So now I am in Adaptive. I can work on guests. I like it better than Core because we are always doing hands on things. I had my first guest a couple weeks ago. I wasn't really nervous because I knew that the Learning Leaders would help me if I needed it. It did a woman's haircut, and I didn't do too bad. Go me!

There was a competition in school where the winners got to attend a hair show in Buffalo and assist backstage with Scott Cole and Linda Yodice. I worked extremely hard on it and with the help of my mentor, I did really good. It turns out only 2 people attempted it, 2 people won, and 3 ended up going. I didn't have any competition, so I won! (Although I think I would of won if I did have competition because I did put a lot of effort into it.)

I got back from the show last night. It was amazing. I got one on one time with Scott and Linda. They are the nicest people. They both made sure to make an effort of coming up to us and they made us feel welcome and important. When we got there on Sunday, we went straight to a salon. We jumped right in and began helping out. We ripped foils, swept up, and assisted whenever they needed us. It was great. Then we went to the hotel. We checked out the stage where we would be working at in the morning. We were impressed. The stage was pretty big and the models costumes were awesome. That night we decided to eat at the restaurant in the hotel. Turns out so did LMFAO (the guys that sing 'I'm in Miami Trick'). When they were done eating we followed them out of the restaurant into the lobby. The one girl who was with us asked for a picture and then we started to talk. They invited us to their show like 3 minutes away. To make a long story short, we got to party with them in their VIP room before and after the show and I danced with them on stage. It was awesome, the most fun I have ever had. I got about an hour of sleep that night. In the morning we went to help finish prepping the models. That was a lot of fun too. The show turned out pretty good. The models looked amazing, and Scott is the funniest guy to listen to. He cracks jokes and sings a lot. He is so cute. Linda is cute too, just not as crazy as Scott. Scott told us he has ADD and Dyslexia a couple times, lol.

So all in all, the trip was amazing. Sorry this entry was boring to read, I'm just not inspired to write anything. I felt an update was needed though.

Be Silent or Encouraging, Please Don't Bring Me Down.

There isn't much to say about this. It is so simple. Live by it. If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it at all. Why discourage when you can encourage? Giving someone hope and confidence makes you feel good. When you make others feel good about themselves, you feel good about yourself. Its a selfish act of kindness. And if you simply aren't nice enough to bring someone up, just keep your mouth shut.

Another Long Winded "pick-me-up" Rant

A lot of the time I feel my life is buzzing by me, opportunities zooming away. Sometimes I don't even realize that there was an opportunity until it has already passed. Example: I was in choir in middle school. The teacher absolutely loved me. When I sang for him he said I gave him goosebumps. I participated in an "American Idol" contest in that school (which was not a small school btw). I sang "Delta Dawn", by Tanya Tucker and a couple other country songs. I got 2nd place, beaten by an older girl. For a kid I could sing! I didn't take advantage of it. I dropped out of choir to be in agriculture class. When I told my choir teacher I quit... he threw a chair at the wall. Not an exaggeration. He was soooo mad. Why would I want to be a farmer over a singer? (Not that I wanted to be a farmer, but FFA does stand for Future Farmers of America). At that age I didn't think that being a singer was ever an option. What are the chances of that? I could easily land a job in the agricultural industry, plus my best friend was in that class. I should have stuck with choir and taken singing lessons. But I didn't and now that I am older I can see that FFA didn't benefit me at all, when choir could have. I would kill to be able to sing the way I know I could if I would have practiced and educated myself in it. There are so many opportunities out there for me that have either passed by or overlooked. I overlook them because I don't believe that I can do them. I have wanted to model for about the last 5 years. I have gone to a couple of open calls but never got called back. That is extremely discouraging. I know I'm not tall enough, but I just want to do it for me. I don't expect to be a supermodel. I got in contact with a photographer that is looking to build his portfolio. He was interested in me and I was really excited about it. But then my parents found out that I contacted him off of Craigslist, an add for wanted models, and they said ABSOLUTELY NOT! Of coarse he is a rapist/murderer if he was on Craigslist! So there's another opportunity passed.
Recently I have decided that I want to act. Not anything big, just student films...and maybe if I am good enough, a small roll in an Indie. I have never even been in a play, but I want to act. It's not that I wasn't interested, I just wasn't confident enough. I did try out for a Peter Pan play in 7th grade but they wanted me to be a "lost boy" and I wasn't havin' that. I am not going to lie, my sudden desire to act probably has something to do with my love for Kristen Stewart. I see me in her. Don't make fun, I really think that! Our personalities are kind of similar, from what I have seen. I just think, "Hey! If she can do that, so can I!" ( I think she is an amazing actress). I found a guy, yet again on Craigslist, that is filming a short student film this month. I think I am going to audition. I figured, why not? I am worried I am going to make a complete fool out of myself, but I keep reminding myself that in order to be good at acting, you can't worry about that kind of stuff.
What I am coming to realize is I feel like I can do anything and I want to do lots of things. I want to be an amazing hairstylist, I want to model, I want to act and I want to travel to Europe, frequently.
Here's one inspirational example: John Paul Dejoria started Paul Mitchell out of his car, and with only $700. He is now very very rich and the most famous man in the hair industry. Here is another example: I was reading an interview with Kristen Stewart. (She was discovered by an agent when she was acting in a Christmas play.) When she was like 10, she went to tons of auditions, i think maybe around 30. She never landed any of the roles. Eventually she got discouraged and sick of it. She had one last audition and didn't want to go, but her mom made her. Because she didn't give up, she is now the most famous teen in the US. It turns out she was cast from that last audition and it landed her her first role in a movie. This just proves if I want anything in life, all I have to do is take advantage of the opportunities, and recognize that they are not out of my reach.

Be Nice (Or Else!) My Metamorphosis Has Begun!

If you know me, you probably know that I am not the nicest person. I never have been, and I never cared. I had this, "I don't like you, or agree with the things you do... so why should I give you the time of day? Talking to you, or pretending that I care about what you have to say is a waist of my time. Why would I want to associate myself with you?" type of attitude. I have always envied, and still do, the girls (or guys) that can mingle and be genuinely nice to everyone... no matter who they are, what they look like, what type of reputation they have etc. How can they really be that nice? I sometimes feel like it's simply not in me.
About an hour ago I began reading the book I have been putting off for a while. Be Nice (Or Else!), by Winn Claybaugh. They give it to all of the students at Paul Mitchell Schools, and Be Nice (Or Else!) is basically their theme. I have been so excited to begin reading it, because I knew I would love it. I have recently discovered I really enjoy feeding off of other people's motivation and inspiration. But I didn't want to read it. I was being lazy, because I knew once I started it, I would want to start being nice. Being nice takes a lot of effort. And what I have learned from this book so far is that being nice is definitely not easy. At least not for me. The first few pages describe the characteristics of "mean" people. Guess what? I am guilty of all those bad traits... in one way or another. I will actually have to "unlearn" all of my not nice behaviors that I have been practicing for my entire life.
When I decided I wanted to be go into the hair industry, especially Paul Mitchell, I quickly realized I was going to have to change my ways. (I think that graduation and growing up a little but also made me a little more self aware of my "unattractive" personality) I think that a lot of the shocked reactions I received when I told people about my career choice had to do with my bland, not nice personality. I even got, "If someone asks you to do something to their hair that you don't want to do, or you don't like... you are going to look at them like they are stupid and tell them 'no'". That's a complete exaggeration, but that's the way people see me (or hopefully SAW me because I don't want to viewed like that anymore).
In high school I was never liked. At first it was because I was shy. I was a new student in 8th grade and I didn't know anyone. I wasn't confident enough to be outgoing, introduce myself or be the first to say hello, so people thought I was a bitch. Then the word got around that I was this "Holy Girl who is a prude and thinks that she is better than everyone else...". I even got the nickname, the "Anti-Christ", and I still to this day don't know why. Then to top it off I started dating a guy that a lot of the girls liked at one point or another and I "stole him" and "changed" him. Eventually I put up a defensive barrier. People were talkin shit, and I wasn't gunna have it. To make a long story short, my high school memories are not any to be proud of. I was not nice, nor did I try to be. In a way I have regrets. I wish I would have got to know the quiet kids, or the ones that nobody talked to. I wish I wouldn't have defended people that were not worth defending, and defended the ones that did deserved it. I wish I would have been able to tell the difference. I wish I wouldn't have worried about things that should have just been let go. I wish I wouldn't have gossiped or said mean things. There are many things I wish I would have done differently, but I guess the old saying is true. You learn from your mistakes.
But back to the book. I will tell you, with a lot of shame, that for a short second I decided I wouldn't blog about this book. My selfishness didn't want to share the overwhelmingly amazing advice and information that Be Nice (Or Else!) has to offer. I wanted it all to myself. That's my inner "not niceness" shining through (Yeah, I know, I've got a long way to go). To counteract that mean thought, I am going to share my book with whoever wants it (after I am done with it). I am actually going to advertise it, like I do with Twilight : ), and recommend it to people, in a nice way of course.
There was a part in the 15 pages that I read that actually made me teary eyed. It was a story about John Paul Dejoria. Winn begins to explain how John Paul is always nice, no matter what the situation. He tells a story about how John Paul has a phone call conversation with the President of the United States, and then has one with a Halloween costume seamstress. He speaks to both with the same degree of unconditional niceness. The story is told a lot better in the book. It really touched me. I hope that someday I can be genuinely nice, not faking it whatsoever.
I'm trying, and at least I have come to realize that I need some work. That's the first step, right? It is not going to be easy, but this book is going to help me. It will be my "Book of Nice" (like The Book of Life, get it? haha).

Sudden Burst of Thought

Okay so I'm at work right now and really need to be working but I have these thoughts that I need to right down before I forget.
Soooo I was driving to work and I was observing all of the things around me. People sitting outside of their run down apartment buildings, houses that I wouldn't be caught dead hanging around after dark, closed down dingy store fronts, grungy people walking down the sidewalks... and I am thinking to myself, "Why do people settle for this? Why would anyone want to live here, or live this way?"(I don't mean to sound like a stuck up bitch when I say that. That's not my intention at all.) I couldn't help but wonder, do they ever feel like they could do better? Or do they not know any different? Or do they just feel like they can't do any better? I mean, c'mon, they must watch TV and see all the other better places to reside and all the more glamorous ways to live. Why do they seem perfectly content with this low middle class way of life? Are they content? Then I started to think... maybe this way of life is better than what they started out with. Maybe they were brought up even worse (I'm not saying that its like really gross here or anything, but it's not really nice either). Then I thought that maybe this is their version of "glamorous". Maybe this is what they want. Maybe they enjoy where they are, and they are thankful for what they have. I just can't figure it out. And what about the people who simply settle for working at a fast food restaurant for the rest of their lives...making minimum wage, barely paying the bills? Or the people who just don't give a shit about school and don't make any effort to learn? Aren't they worried that the rest of their life might suck if they don't get the ball rolling and try a little harder, trying to get more than they already have, trying to make their average life better? I feel like I am always wanting and striving for something better than I have, when I have it a lot better than so many others. Is that wrong of me to want more? In one way I say no, I have a right to work hard and get what I want... but on the other hand I feel like I am being really greedy. Don't get me wrong, I love my life and I couldn't have asked for it any better. God dealt me a great hand and I truly am grateful. I just feel like if the opportunities are there, take them! I feel like so many people have the ability to be something great, do something better, live a more "glamorous" life if they all just believed in themselves and tried a little harder. Don't settle. Don't live by the standards that the rest of society has set. Dream big. Be what your heart wants you to be and never doubt yourself.

Week One is Complete!

I just want to start off by saying that I am soooo happy that I decided to follow my heart! This school is everything that I expected it to be, and more. I even enjoy reading the 900+ page text book (Miladay's Standard Cosmetology). I have read the first two chapters and they are right up my alley. It is very motivational and I totally agree with everything it says. Examples: "Motivation is the ignition for success. Self-management is the fuel that will keep you going on the long ride to your destination." "You can have all the talent in the world and still not be successful if your talent is not fueled by the passion for your work that will sustain you over the course of your career." "If you are to succeed in life and in your work, you need a sense of purpose and reason for being." (The first two chapters are on Opportunities and Life Skills). I really can't wait to start reading Winn Claybaugh's Be Nice (or Else)! "When you start being nice, everyone wins!" -Winn Claybaugh
At the end of every school day I leave feeling confident and happy. Isn't that great? Even if I didn't do something right, or master a certain technique, I know that I will get it eventually...because 1) that's just how good that school is and 2) I have the determination to go home and practice and figure it out myself.
Another thing I have discovered this week is the beauty of YouTube. If I don't get something right away, or I want to get ahead for the next class I simply YouTube it! YouTube has people like Johnny LaVoy (stylist for Ford Models) who are really awesome at teaching you different styles and techniques.
I am loving life right now. I will soon be starting at a Paul Mitchell focus salon, which I am really excited about. I have got in contact with someone I hope I will eventually be assisting with in NY. I feel like I have an artist inside me waiting to escape and go wild. I am so eager to learn and be taught so many different things. I have to keep reminding myself not to get too excited and not plan too far ahead because unexpected shit called life always eventually ends up happening and messes things up (But that's okay...life is supposed to happen...Where would we be without it?) I was reading in my text book that in order to be successful you should always have a Game Plan. Long term and Short term goals. This may be the only thing that I have read so far that I don't fully agree with. Short term goals are fine, I think almost everyone has them and they are a part of life. But as far as having a "Big Plan" for life...I don't know. I just feel like maybe we don't have the right to say we know where we want to be so many years down the road. So many different things could pop up between now and then. Hell, I could be dead by then...or the world could have a Hair loss epidemic and there would be no need for my skills in this industry. Who knows. In a way I kinda feel like you gotta leave your long term plans in the hands of God. I mean, obviously my Game Plan right now is to be this big, well known stylist making tons of money, traveling the world and having a great family life. But things may change, and my desires might change. I just don't want to get too far ahead... ya know?
Anyways, I'm happy and eager and waiting to get this show on the road ; )

In response to my last post...

Look what I figured out how to do! Woo hoo! Little did I know, there are two different types of french braids. One is called the "invisible" braid and the other is called the "inverted" or "dutch" braid (what cornrows are). This is my inverted braid! When I was practicing last night, I was unaware there was two different ways to french braid and I was combining the two.

Anyways, day 3 was good! We did braiding and finger waves. Braiding is fun, and everyone knows I love a good braid : ) We even learned how to do fishtail braids, which look like they are really hard to do, but its actually very simple. Finger waves actually suck. I suck at doing them, but like the french braid...I'll get it, and then I will post a picture on here of my victory! For those of you who don't know what a finger wave is, its a 1920s style where there are actual waves plastered down to the head with tons of gel. It is really tricky to master at first. A lot of celebs have been sporting a softer version on the red carpet and things like that. I think they look awesome so beware my friends, I may be needing volunteer guinea pigs!

Like I said, day 3 was lots of fun, and day 4 should be too! We are doing pin curls along with other things I can't recall at the moment. I am familiar with pin curls so I should be good at doing those.

My little words of wisdom for the day:

I love what I am doing.

Do you really look forward to going to school ? Can you say that you are actually learning things, hands on, every day, that you will use in your career? And most importantly, Are you learning about something that you love? I hope your answer is "yes".

Its all just the beginning

{I am tired and I don't feel like writing but I will so I don't forget my thoughts on my first couple of days}
Okay so I started school Tuesday. I will say that it was really good but very overwhelming. All of the "core" students (there are 19 of us by the way, ranging from ages 17 to 20) got our Paul Mitchell kits. It was kinda like Christmas... I got so much fun stuff. Straightener, blow dryer, curling iron, clips, capes, brushes, combs, mirror, manikin heads, shears etc. (All the essentials). I felt like an idiot because we had to unwrap and put all of our new, cool stuff in this little silver box. I was thinkin to myself, "I have no clue where this all goes and its not gunna fit". Thankfully one of the girls there helped me out. Anyways... today and yesterdays focus was basically on learning the Paul Mitchell "Culture". They are very focused on discovering what type of learner you are. (Kinesthetic, Visual, etc). They also focus on always being positive and leaving negativity at the door. Every morning we start out by having a "pow wow" where we discuss our victories, upcoming events, and do a warm up to wake everyone up.
We take all out notes with colorful scented markers on big sheets of paper using bubble charts and things like that. Music is always playing and they have a box of goodies (squishy putty, tops, fruit snacks, pipe cleaners, bendy animals etc) to play with at every desk. They definitely do things differently there. It is going to take some getting used to. But its fun and I am still excited : )
Little Side Note: I am feeling a little down tonight. I have discovered I can't braid cornrows! I used to be able to and I don't know what happened! Like what the hell?? Oh well. I will get it eventually.

My "To Do' List is getting smaller and smaller!

So I had a dentist appointment yesterday morning. The lady cleaning my teeth asked me what school I was going to be attending and I told her I was going to a Paul Mitchell Partner school. Then she asked me if I had been to this Paul Mitchell salon nearby. I had heard of it before through conversation with my admissions leader at my school. She told me I should go up to the salon to check it out. So after the apt. that's what my mom and I did. We stopped for lunch and went searching for the salon. We found it, and of course when we got there I felt weird and didn't want to go in. I didn't even know what to say. "Oh hi, I'm going to a Paul Mitchell School and I figured I'd stop in and check your place out." Lame. So I told my mom I didn't want to bother them because for one, I didn't want to be a burden and two, I felt under dressed and unprepared. But regardless of what I felt, my mom made me go in and she did the talking for me, because I'm a baby. The girl at the desk went to tell the owner I was there and I sat with my mom and waited. To make an already long story kinda short, I am so glad I walked into that salon. Turns out the owner, who is a Paul Mitchell National Educator, is amazing. She is oozing with energy and good vibes. Shes been there and done that. She took me in under her wing, offered to be my mentor and said I could come in the salon on my day off of school and do receptionist kind of stuff. I told her about what I want to do and be and she happily said, "I will be your stepping stone and I will get you to wherever you want to be!". Amazing.So amazing that I started crying right there in front of her in her salon. Embarrassing but so true. I was crying out of bliss. I am so thankful that I met her and the rest of the girls in the salon. I feel so lucky and blessed. It's amazing how things work out. I can't wait to start learning from her and experiencing all that she has to offer!

Ponder this???

I was laying in bed last night trying be to all hardcore philosophical and what not. It started off that I was pondering on how big of a risk I am taking. Then I started thinking about some of the reactions I have gotten when I tell people that I am going to beauty school. Some shake their heads in disbelief and disapproval, which temporarily pisses me off, while others happily say "good for you! and "that's great!" Regardless, I know that almost all of them think it unlikely that I am going to get to where I want to go, if they care at all. But you know what? I bet every successful person has to deal with that.
Then my mind started to wander even more and from what I can recall, it led me to draw this conclusion: I firmly believe that anyone can do anything they want if they really put their mind to it. Cheesy but true. If you are willing to take risks and give up things, you can do whatever the hell you want. But there is a catch. Everything has its pros and cons. Nothing important can ever be achieved easily and without giving something up. It can be as simple as passing a test. Although you passed the test, you stayed up all night studying and you missed your favorite TV show and the opportunity to spend a night with your boyfriend. Or it could be deciding to take a job across the country that offers amazing pay and excellent benefits, but you must leave your family and friends behind. Obviously missing your fave show and skipping a night with your beau isn't that big of a deal, but picking up and leaving is. Which leads me to say, making major life decisions is never simple. I look at it this way, asking myself, "Am I willing to give up the things that I love for a fairytale ending that is not guaranteed?" I dunno, We'll see. I guess it all depends on the level of strength and desire within. I feel it's important to learn to balance your dreams with reality...just like you have to find a balance between your head and your heart. If I can do that, I think I will get to where I want to be. I don't want to give up too much because like every other 18 year old, more than likely, where I think I want to be now is probably not where I will want to be later. Lock your heart in your head and hold your dreams in your hands.

Exciting New Info!

Okay so I was talking to my boyfriends 2nd cousin who is a hair stylist in Pittsburgh. Her fiancee is attending the same Paul Mitchell school I am. He informed me on a couple of interesting things:
1. The first Wednesday of every month I am going to have to write a long ass paper. Writing papers in beauty school? whhhhaaat? Oh well, I guess it's a good thing.
2. The first part of school, they call it Core, is really hard. You actually have to study and take tests and stuff like that. I mean I knew I was going to have to do some memorization (chemicals and stuff like that) but I was unaware that its like hard core studying. I don't know what I was expecting.
3. I can go to Vegas for a hair show thingy if I sell a certain amount of Paul Mitchell products! Woo Hoo I'm excited!
4. I need to start socializing and "getting in good" with salons because I am going to need references for my resume. Since I can't be an assistant in a salon during school, due to school hours, this is going to be tricky. I guess I better start getting my hair done at a bunch of different places.
I also got a little more information about my dreams of going to NYC.
There's a place called Bumble and Bumble. It's like a school/salon to further your education as a cosmetologist. I can be an assistant there and take more classes at the same time. I want to be as educated as possible in this because I'm not going to college anymore. I better do this all the way. I'm pretty excited about Bumble and Bumble. I think it will open a huge door of opportunity for me. I just hope that I will be able to take more classes there and afford an apartment. New York is effing expensive! But so totally worth it. I'm hoping to move up there after I finish at PM...but well see!
Anyways, my info I got tonight at a family picnic has me pretty pumped. Plus, I'm thankful I met someone that will be going to the same school as me : )

Just Thinkin...

So I have a dilemma... I am talkin to myself! I have zero followers! That sucks. I need to figure out a way to get my blog "advertised". I have it posted on Twitter and Facebook... but apparently that's not good enough. The whole point of this blog is to share my experience of becoming an awesome hair stylist with the world! How can I give when no one wants to take??? Although I haven't started school yet so I don't really have any stories to tell. I'll guess I will just have to be patient : )

Harem Pants and Leggings

I went shopping a couple weeks ago and got a decent amount of black clothes!! Yay! Old news though. But I've been thinking... I purchased three pair of Harem Pants and I am really hoping I can wear them right! (Harem pants are "MC Hammer Pants" for those of you who don't know. You know, Baggy in the crotch, tight at the bottom and totally hott when worn correctly). When I went shopping I decided that I needed a bunch of stuff I can mix and match with since I am going to have to wear all black 5 days out of the week for 9 months. I'm gonna feel like a Goth Child or somethin'. Anyways, Harem pants and leggings seem to be what's on the racks for Fall, so I decided to get a few pair. I figured they would be comfy and easy to mix and match without losing an ounce of style. I did some research on these baggy crotched pants and I am predicting that eventually these guys will be really popular. Just like how leggings and every other fashion trend has made its way into popularity (where only the ballsy sport them first) they will eventually catch on. Trust me, the Harem Pants will get their time to shine. And oh yeah, about the leggings... I totally love when they are worn without anything overtop. With the right shirt and shoes it is the perfect comfy&couture combo.

A quick overview of how it all started... (my application letter)

Very recently my heart has overruled my head. I have chosen to attend a Paul Mitchell School, rather than Westminster college, giving up a sixty-four thousand dollar scholarship and the opportunity to earn a degree in biology. To some this may seem very irrational and juvenile, but I feel that I am making the right choice for me. I am following my heart.
In high school, I did my best, graduating with honors, earning a 4.0 GPA and a seat as 14th in my class. I was a cheerleader as a sophomore, junior and senior, and I was a member of the National Honor society and Spanish Club. Like the rest of the top students in my highschool, college was my game plan. It was something that I was expected to do… but it never quite felt right. The only thing that got me excited about being a college student was having the opportunities to study abroad. I love to travel and experience different cultures. I am hoping that as a Paul Mitchell Professional, my opportunities in travel will not be limited.
The idea of being a cosmetologist has been a new aspiration of mine, but my love for beauty and fashion has been a part of me from the beginning. I feel like beauty and fashion are forms of art. With the right hair, makeup and attire you can make anyone look runway ready! Working with models for photo shoots and fashion shows is a dream of mine.
The whole idea of being a cosmetologist first came to me when I was with my mother when she was getting her hair done while on vacation in Florida. I moved to Pennsylvania from Florida about five years ago, so while vacationing my mother decided to pay her previous hairdresser, Pat, a visit. Pat owns and runs a couple Paul Mitchell salons and according to my mother, she is the best. Pat told me that I had a “good eye”, and asked me when I was starting beauty school. I just laughed at her and told her I was going to college. But then I began to consider it. When it first came to me that I could be a cosmetologist, a light turned on in my head. I am passionate about beauty and fashion, I love to be creative and I have always loved doing hair. Why would I do anything else?
I made my final decision after visiting the Paul Mitchell School I am going to attend. The positive, youthful and energizing environment is screaming “success!” I was getting choked up while touring the school because I was so excited. I am sure I will get the greatest education at a Paul Mitchell School.
I know that I will shine as a Paul Mitchell Professional. I am passionate and extremely excited about my future as a cosmetologist. I plan on doing my very best, working as hard as I can, and being completely dedicated to what I do. I will not settle. I will keep trying until I am at the top.