Back to Where I Started

This started out as a facebook status update but then I just kept writing so I moved it here. Apparently I have hair issues. I knew that but it still surprised me.

I have a weird relationship with my hair. It's hair. That's it. When I'm stressed, I need it cut *this very second* so when I can't find a professional, I've been known to do it myself. I inherited this trait from my mom. I very clearly remember her doing things to her hair at odd hours. I haven't had it professionally colored since I became a single parent because it was an extravagant expense we didn't need.

Fast forward to several weeks ago when I saw something on FB or IG and decided that was the look I wanted. I went and talked to a local salon that isn't one of the affordable chains I've been going to. They quoted me a price and told me 5-6 hours in the chair. What?! Really? Why?

They were right. It was about 5 hours. It was 5 fabulous hours where no one needed me, no one asked me to do anything. I held my phone for the first hour or two because work calls were coming in. I told folks I'd respond on Monday. Then I put my phone down. And then in my purse because I was enjoying the break. I took a few photos. That was all.

In one way, I feel a little selfish because, you know, Christmas, upcoming college tuitions, etc. On the other hand, I love it and feel like I finally got a turn to do something I wanted.

Maybe by now you're wondering why this was title "Back to Where I Started."  Purple hair has been a running theme in my life.  When I was 14, I got my first job down the shore in Ocean City, NJ.  I worked at a place called The Habitat.  We sold jewelry, kites, all sorts of stuff - included spray on hair color, which was new and fascinating to me.  The first time I sprayed my hair purple, people stared at me.  I didn't like that at all but my mom told me to be brave and walked on the boardwalk with me, pretending not to notice people looking at me.  After a while, I didn't care about the stares any more.  Then I found cellophaning and the color lasted longer.  I loved it.  I had purple hair for years.  In fact, my first name sign (a sign that is given to someone by a member of the Deaf community to represent their name and personality) was based on my purple hair.  When I moved to DC, I stopped because I needed to look professional and all that.

Fast forward 25 years.  Now I give far less shits than I probably should about looking a certain way.  I woke up just as happy as I was when I went to bed.

This took a while.

I kinda liked the blonde.

I look like I dumped a jar of grape jelly on my head.

So. Freaking. Happy.