Days 16-20, 21-40

That many days? Yes. That happened.

I didn't forget about this blog. I thought about it almost every day. I just didn't have the time.

Days 16-20 were the end of Mod 1 (there are 12, 4 weeks each). I finished with a 99.02 in the class and earned a spot on the presidents list.

Then came Mod 2...
On the second day, my 4 month old had a cardiology appointment. A lot of you know about the hole in his heart, and you've seen his pictures on my old page. Long story short, these doctors admitted him to the children's hospital for being in the 1 percentile for his weight. He was there for 4 days and the experience was terrible. And nothing was wrong with him. The doctor admitted to me that his stay was not necessary. So imagine how upset I was to miss all this class time for something that "was not necessary". The verdict was: he's just really long and lean. Lets change his formula.

It was upsetting that I missed the first week of class. But then I realized the worst: I failed the mod.

This is how it works at my school, and many other schools have a similar structure: There are 100 hours each mod. You have to be physically in class for 75 of them or you automatically fail. In addition to being there for 75 in class, you have to have at least 90 hours done in that mod (consisting of class hours and makeup hours if you had hours to make up) or you fail. After missing those days, that 25 hours, I knew it was over. Even though I talked to the program director, my instructor, and had documentation those are the rules.

When I returned to class, I looked up my hours on the computer. It was unbelievable.
I missed 24.5 hours.
Not 25.
24.5

I still had a chance. But that meant I couldn't miss one more day. I couldn't be late one single time. All I had was that 30 minute window saving my ass. I was happy, but I knew I had to get serious. I had to make up all 24.5 hours in order to pass. Plus I had 7 from mod 1 to make up. 31.5 hours.

I mentioned before that only 2 hours can be made up daily after class. We can also get makeup hours by participating in events. And that's what I did. I did two fashion shows. I stayed after for seminars. I worked the booth for our school at a convention for TEN hours one day and six hours the next. I did all of this on top of tests, two class projects, and our manikin projects.

I had to bust my ass stressing over how I was going to pass. I cried and cried and talked to my ceiling many nights, pleading and bargaining. I fell behind in my school work, because even though I only missed a few days, it was more than easy to fall behind and stay behind up until the very last day. My test grades went from 98s and 100s in mod 1 to low As and Bs. That doesn't seem like a big deal, but with my personal goals it was a disappointment to me.

By day 40, I had made up 29.5 hours--more than I needed to pass. I finished the class with a 93.

I'm telling you this not to explain why I was gone.
I started this blog for anyone who may ever wonder what cosmetology school is really like. Well, this is what it's like. Life throws you all kinds of shit. Flat tires, sick kids, nonexistent baby sitters. And it does not give you a pass when it comes to school. My child has a HOLE in his HEART. And my absences STILL were not excused. Nothing is going to be handed to you. Everything is going to be exhausting. It's not going to be easy and it's not going to be fair. You have to put your ALL into what you're doing or you will fail. You have to be a machine. You have to take the emotion out of it and say "This is what I'm here to do. This is how I'm going to do it. Failure is not an option. Success is imminent."

So if you're going to start school, go in prepared for obstacles. And be prepared to tell those obstacles to move the hell out of your way.

Days 12, 13, 14, 15

Every day wasn't worthy of having its own post. Sorry, week. You were lame.

Remember my freak out over that rap we were supposed to do? The day came, and the muscular system went up. We sat there nervously awaiting our turn. I felt like I was going to barf out everything from September (gross). Then the muscular system group sat down. I grabbed my paper with the stupid rap on it, ready to get up when the teacher looked our way. Then she says "Well that's everybody, so I'm going to review everything." NO FREAKIN WAY! I sat there, tensed up, waiting for her to realize her mistake. Then me and Lulu looked at each other and upheld the ancient student code of telepathically telling each other and our other group member "Keep your mouth shut and do not make eye contact with the teacher." So we didn't do it. That junk wasn't even for a grade! I'm supposed to make an ass of myself for no reason? No.

There was one day that I stayed after for extra hours. The people that were in there with me were ridiculous. It was kind of like detention. I'm sitting at a desk minding my own business with my crappy ponytail and my nerdy glasses and my head in a book. The teacher walks out for a second and this dude is like "Hey who got some trees?! I know somebody wanna match!" WOW DUDE. Then this ass clown in front of him is like "She do!" and points at me! I don't know either of these mofos! So Trees Dude turns around and he says "You sell drugs?" Remember: Ponytail. Glasses. Book. I looked at him so stupid and said "No. Not on Tuesdays." Perhaps he was already high and could not translate sarcasm--he raises his eyebrows and seriously asks me "Oh, so just not today?" I snapped at him "NO! Not ANY DAY!" What the hell! Lulu told me that the day before, she was in there with him and he was sitting behind her making loud ass sniffing noises. Finally someone else saw/heard him and asked "Why are you sniffing your weed?!" And sure enough he's sitting there sniffing weed. Mind you the teacher was in the classroom for this. She was just on another planet having
an out of body experience I guess.

Other than that, we did more barrel curls. All week when I worked on mine, the teacher told me how great mine were and even once that they were perfect. I didn't take it in a smug way or a "yay me" way, it was a huge relief instead.
My confidence level:
makeup > hair
So for me to get compliments on my work is reassuring that I'm doing okay out of my comfort zone.

Class is short a few people now, people who left. Remember attitude girl who pushed my buttons before? She wasn't there at all, all week. Good.

This week is the last week of the first module. Next week starts a different class. Same teacher, same students with the exception of a few who are moving on to the next level and new students who are coming in to take their spots. I won't be a newbie anymore!

Day 10, Day 11

Day 10 was the Saturday before last. We had to make up labor day. It was a free day. Pretty cool.

Then we had all last week off for "fall break". I went crazy. I was so glad to go back today.

The teacher brought Panera! Just bagels. But still awesome!

We found out we have a group project for the chapter this week. It's anatomy. At first I was like "Yes!!" because well its anatomy. Then I was made aware that I have to rap. Now I'd like to shoot myself and take the F. Are you serious? I hate this small portion of my life.

Then we had a "pep rally". We went in a room and watched students do a 5 minute skit. Then people were shaking their ass and getting mad at those of us who were not. There was a contest--people had to put an Oreo on their head and get it to their mouth without using their hands. You can't imagine how entertaining that is. There was also more beach ball throwing. One girl said "Uh uh I ain't throwin no beach ball now y'all know I can't swim!" ...What? LMAO!

I'm sorry, is there tequila involved? Oh, no? Ok then. Ass will remain stationary.

Anyway, remember Lulu? That name is hilarious...well we talked all day today! She's super freaking cool. Guess I found my friend in class!

We also practiced barrel curls. Wish I had something more exciting to share with you, but I've got 49 weeks left of school. I'm sure it's coming.

And as always:

Days 7, 8, 9

Where have I been? Going crazy.

Remember on that last blog post how I listed the overwhelming things I had to do? Well they all happened! I got trampled over by home life, homework, practicing stand up curls, and studying for the test!

Today was the test. I missed one question and made a 98! I am very annoyed though, because I went against my instinct for that answer. Don't you hate when you do that? At this moment though, I'm on the Dean's List! I just have to continue my good grades. I also made a 100 on my stand up curls!

Not much went on this week other than review. Yesterday two girls complemented my long hair, and today two more did! One of them asked if she could style it on our next free day. Now I'll have to make sure there's not spaghetti sauce or something in it thanks to my toddler. I also had a conversation with a girl today! I won't use real names, so I'll call her Lulu. She looks Hawaiian. And I like saying Honolulu. So Lulu and I bonded over what just about anyone can bond over: a conversation about our moms. And iPhones love. She's really cool.

Some things I realized lately...people are going to think they know it all. They are going to think their opinion on life and everything in it is absolute. They are going to be condescending. You can't do this if you let those people eat you up. Just remember that this industry is ever changing and there are so many parts to it--classic, modern, futuristic, avant garde...anyone who puts everything down is an idiot. Anyone who puts you down and points out your mistakes in a mean way is an idiot.

You have to have an open mind. If you don't, you're in the wrong field.

And this is very important-do not stop and look around you and compare yourself to your peers. If you're trying 100%, then take a deep breath and keep going. It's ok. In class, while we are rolling our manikins' hair, I'll hear someone next to me or across from me sigh in despair as they look around and realize they aren't moving as fast. Never do that. Keep your eyes straight ahead and dive into YOUR progress. Looking at others can slow you down.

I forgot to take a picture of the quote today, but I remember it because it embedded in my thoughts all day.

"All limits are self imposed."

It means you put limits on yourself. There's no end to the things you can accomplish if you let yourself.

It was a good week.

(PS-I did take a picture of the quite yesterday though!)

Day 6

Someone talked to me today! They complimented my nails. And someone else asked how long I've been growing my hair out and suggested that I do not cut it. It's funny because I just posted on my page yesterday that I was considering chopping it off. And finally, I got the usual. "Are you mixed?" If I had a dollar...

Female mullets...why?
Actually, scratch that. Any mullets. Female, male, dog, squirrel, hamster mullets...see? They are never okay.

Sitting in the break room is kind of weird because there's all kinds of students. Mostly cosmo and med program students though. It's weird because all the med students all look the same but it's totally different from cosmo. The med students always seem to have frumpier scrubs, always have on a hoodie, their hair is thrown in a ponytail. That was me too. But in cosmo? The scrubs look neater somehow. 99% of the girls have their hair styled at all times. Makeup, earrings, manicures intact. Most people would probably think "Well it's because it's cosmo; those girls just like to look good." But that's not entirely true, because I was on the other side of the fence and I still liked makeup. I think it's because when you're in any medical program, you are too damn exhausted to give two shakes about how you look. The information you have to retain is insane in the membrane. Dr Seussery, I'll be here all night.

Which brings me to my OMG moment. I've been like "man, this is different from the med field because I'm not drowning in homework and throwing my book against the patio blinds, coolio". WRONG. Today we were notified that we have 20 book questions to write out and answer (due tomorrow), and a pre test to study for (tomorrow as well). We have been working on our two workbooks (we have one for theory and one for practical) and each has over 100 questions. Those are due Thursday. And then the test is Friday. And we will probably have another evaluation on our manikins Friday. And if you want to be any good, you'll end up practicing on the dummies at home.

So I sit back and look at this ass ton of tasks I have to do while I'm doing laundry, cleaning up 10,000 toys, cooking dinner, closing my eyes real right hoping for a dish washing fairy, and taking care of a 2 year old and a 3 month old...Everyone else around me is freaking out, stressing big time. And I know that it's only a matter of time before we move on to a subject I don't know as well as bacteria and then I'll be in the same spastic boat my classmates are in. I'm almost there now.

Actually where I'm at is in bed when I need to get started on those questions.

Another short rant about a classmate. I'm sure I complained about her last week. She's so careless and lazy. Today she was talking SO sideways to the instructor. I wish she would just throw her ass out of the classroom if she's not going to apply herself. Her mere presence makes me itch with fury.

Anywho, since we defeated the pin curl demon last week we are moving on to stand up curls this week. They are SO much faster and easier. They are just like pin curls but instead of laying flat on the head they stand up (obviously). I'll take a picture of Naomi tomorrow. I did Sam's today but it looked like a rat's doodoo maker because her ends are disgustin'.

I should go lurk on Facebook and ignore my homework now. Here's your awesome quote for your life:

Day 5

Y'all gon make me lose my mind! Up in here! Up in here!

DMX starts your morning right!

We didn't have lecture today! Only lab, which meant doing our manikin's hair. We were evaluated on our pin curls. I got an A! But I know that my work wasn't "A" work even though the instructor told me I did good work. A year from now I'll be great and look back on poor Naomi and laugh :-)

Still no friends today :-/ I think I'll give up on that and just remind myself I'm not there for friends anyway I guess.

Today wasn't super eventful. I'm relieved that my first week is over though. Only 51 more weeks to go, right?

I get a much needed 3 day weekend. I need to catch up on housework and homework because this week wiped me out. Being on your feet blows, but I've been a photographer and a medical assistant so I should be used to it. I have Shape Ups, and no matter how unattractive they are, they are great on your feet. Mine were brand new and need to be broken in though. Ouch. I still love them. I'm on my second pair.

I'll be back Tuesday, but here's your quote from today! I think it's awesome.

Day 4

I was on time today!

I got a compliment on my hair. I did pin curls. This morning we went to the library to print a picture of a pin curl hairstyle. Tomorrow after we are timed for the actual rolling of the pin curls and the hair is dried, as are also getting evaluated on our "comb out". That basically means the end style. There can be no parts, pins, clips or anything in the hair but teasing is allowed. It's supposed to look like the picture we printed. I printed the rattiest looking pin curls I could find. Not really, but I should have.

When we talked about parasites like scabies and lice during lecture, one of the girls asked "Can we put a sign on the door that says 'Please make sure your head is free of species?'" LOL! SPECIES!

Something that the instructor pointed out today is that even though you're a licensed cosmetologist, it is illegal to do freelance work without a business license. I'll have to do some research about that...I think that's crazy. If its true I'll be ticked because there goes my life plan. I don't think I'm going to ever excel at hairstyling. I don't want to work in a salon setting anyway. If I'm not freelancing, I'd like to work in a spa. Facials, nails, things like that. Our instructor said she prefers that setting too.

I still didn't make a friend today. I know I'm 23, but it still makes me feel sad sometimes. Everyone new always falls in line with other groups of people, and I am never able to do that. It's been that way my whole life, so I'm used to it but sometimes I'm just like "Oh come on". It's a racial thing for me, and a lot of people just don't understand what that means. I don't ever quite fit in on either side, and I feel like my personality is too much and too little of something for everyone. You would think I'd outgrow these insecurities by now. But I get panicked and have to hide in a bathroom stall for a few minutes like I did today. It's not a boo hoo thing, it's just a frustrating thing.

Maybe I'll make a friend tomorrow.

Anyway, we just practiced more pin curls after lecture. I really am going to take my lunch tomorrow. People microwave food in the break room and it smells so good! Maybe food will make me feel less lonely at my big table :-)

When I was leaving today, I realized the wifi password was only taped up EVERYWHERE. I could have been on Facebook all week damn it!

And again I'll leave you with today's quote that the instructor put on the board. I really like her.