Ahhh BLUE...Babydoll...I feel your pain! I look at my beginning photos and think.."What the heck...I look the same length as then!" I help my struggle by viewing my favorite FOTKIS, Anky, Dlewis, Sylver2 and many others. I know my hair is healthier now that I use lye and am able to stretch and understand the moisture/balance secret. My length is now armpit when wet but my braided pig tail is as skinny as anything! I just know that with continued diligence and care I will reach below bra-strap. I thought by now I'd be swinging my bra-strap hair but shedding {dammit!!} and some breakage is ultimately for the good.......the old no-lye, damaged hair has to go before true health emerges. I will not cut so, the hair is leaving of its own accord.....really, it is all for the good. I look forward to summer 2008...Imma get that healthy length...{as THE SECRET dvd is playing on my TV right now}..............I see it, I envision the reality of my healthy long tresses.