Ok, so I've spent some time doing some more research on the re-tightening issue. My loctician charges a flat fee of $150 and takes 12 hours to complete my 688 locs. Although I really like her, I have to admit that this will no longer work for me. I end up using 9 1/2 hours of leave from work for each session, and lose precious quality time with my husband in the evening. So, I have been on the hunt for a new loctician. Thanks to
sunsail for recommending her locitian. I have also come across three others that I plan to contact soon. It's really hard to venture to someone new once you've become comfortable with someone :-(
On a brighter note, I'm planning to take a re-tightening
class in December, once my locs have reached their 6 month stage. And how cute is this: my husband wants to take the class too! He told me he could learn to re-tighten my hair so that we can save time and money. All he wants in return is an Xbox game and a pizza. He is too sweet. I love how he always takes an interest in my interests. I thought he was joking at first but he was serious. Personally, I don't think he could handle doing my hair. He would probably breeze through the first 7 locs then get tired or bored. I do appreciate the offer though :-)
In the meantime, my hair is doing what I like to call "the poof". I'll post a picture tomorrow for an illustration. I wish I could put some conditioner in it, but I know that's a no-no. I don't really know what to do with it right now. Maybe I'll get some inspriration tomorrow...
Ok, so I decided to not let "the poof" get the best of me. I grabbed some bobby-pins and did my thing. Not bad I dare say. From the pic on the lower left, you would think that my hair is really long! I only hope this will look nice at 5:30 tomorrow morning when I have to get ready for work (lol). 
