And So Went The Dreads: The Rundown for 2006

After talking about it for sometime, I finally did it—I cut off my dreads. I did it over winter break. I went back to my old high school barber and it was a wrap! What a liberating feeling it was to release all of the energy held within. There was a bit of sadness, but not for long. It happened so fast, I really didn’t have ample time to cry over lost dreads. Guess I have to get used to going to the barbershop every two-three weeks again.

Many have asked why I decided to do it. Well, after about six years, I decided that it was time to try something new. Even after telling people this, some still assumed that something must have happened in my life (something life-changing or bad) to make me cut my hair. I will admit that there’s been a lot going on in my life. However, it had nothing to do with the cutting of my hair. It’s a new year. It’s time for change. I guess I just don’t place as much value in hair as many others do. There’s more to me than how I choose to wear my hair (too bad many can’t grasp this). Like India.Arie, “I Am Not My Hair.” Plus it’s easier to manage. I can wear a greater variety of hats (which I’ve been doing a lot lately since I tend to get cold more now than ever). I’ve also been getting more compliments with short hair than I did when it was long. So this brotha is still turning heads! I’m not one to brag, but when you’re fine—you’re fine.

Well, besides the new hair cut, I’ll be working to lose about 30 pounds. I have what many have told is football player’s build. Probably would’ve been a good Running Back. My mission is to slim down and tone up. Gotta get right for the summer! Also on slate for ’06, letting go/getting rid of baggage and avoiding drama at all costs. I’ve also need to work on staying in better touch with friends. I have tendency to fall of the face of the Earth when there’s a lot going on my life. I will shut people out, but not purposely. I guess I didn’t really pay too much attention to this until recently. The people that mean the most should be the last people to shut out of your life, especially when the journey gets a little rough. So I’m going to try really hard to rectify my fascination with pulling the disappearing act.

Other goals include finishing my thesis (topic: blogging in higher education), graduating with my masters, and finding a great job/fellowship somewhere outside of Upstate New York. After attending school in Rochester, NY for the last six years I’m praying for a drastic location change. Anywhere but here please! As always, I gotta keep writing, singing, performing, and creating artistic masterpieces. And we’ll see what the year has in store in the love department (so far so good)!

So that’s what’s on my plate for ’06. I’m looking forward to all that life has in store this year. May the year be fruitful and joyous for all!