M/21 thick,wavy,strawberryblond

Hi. I`m Geo (George) and I am 21. I have been growing my hair out since Jan. 16, 2001. I cut the sides on March 4, 2001 but have not cut a hair since. It has been very tough. This is my 4th time trying to grow it out. My longest steak was 6 months, but know I am in progress of doubling that. I would like my hair to be just above my shoulders. My hair is thick, wavy, and it is strawberry blond. It is about 7.5-8 inches on top and ROUGHLY 6-7 inches in back and on the sides. I think it is starting to look better. But I always have to wait for it to dry in the morning. I put a little gel in it and wait 2-3 hours and then I shake my head and kind of put it back with my fingers. I don`t really know how to blow dry it - if I do - it`s a big puff ball. Any suggestions on what to do or if I should continue growing my hair out? Heh, it feels awesome when I run.