The Many Shades Of

I got a hair cut yesterday (at Chelsea Salon), nothing out of the ordinary, just a little shorter to shape it up and get some bulk off now that it is Florida summer time. However, I realized that in getting my hair cut just the little bit, I am officially back to my natural hair color. Now some people my not think that is a big deal, but if you know me at all, it is. This is the first time since, well, I do not even know anymore, that my hair is dye-free.

I have been dying my hair in some shape or form since at least high school, although it may have started in middle school. It started with that popular Manic Panic semi-permanent color. Hot pink, purple, blue, green, red...yea, I was that girl. And yes, my mom helped me do it. Her logic: if that was the worst I was doing, she figured she would help me do it right. (Love you mom!) These colors usually washed out in about a month, allowing me to change it up pretty often.

Of course, I then started dying more permanent colors. Usually some shade of red, burgundy, etc. Then I would decide to try to get back to something of my natural color, using mixes of browns and blondes. Although, I quickly learned that my natural hair color does not exist in dye form. Even when I came close, however, I usually broke down and dyed it again. And these many years of dying of course came with a few fun mishaps, like the time it was burgundy and my mom and I tried to add blonde chunks. They turned a fun shade of orange. I went to my hair dresser the next day. But it still did not stop me from dying it later.

The last time I dyed my hair now was around October of my second year in grad school. I actually turned it a fun shade of purple on accident. I put another shade on top the next day and came up with a pretty cool color. For some reason after that, though, I have decided to stop dying it. Now, this has not been an easy habit to break, but about a year and half later, I am back to my natural color. It is even starting to do its old summer habit of getting blonder as I actually get out in the sun. Woot.

It was fun to realize when sifting through pictures from grad school that I could organize them by hair style. I am not really sure I can give an exact reason that I found solace in dying my hair like I did. Of course an obvious reason is form of expression, and it is surely easier to change your hair color than your cut on a whim. Nonetheless, it really became a part of who I was, and well, who I am. I do not really have anything deeper to say about it at the moment, and I cannot promise that I will not show up one day with a new hair color. But for now, here it is people, the all natural.

Sidenote: The Student Activities Center cookout out at the Rez was way too fun this afternoon! Gotta love working with people who are just as competitive as you...

Family

In light of Mother's Day, I thought I would take a moment to reflect on the role of family in my life. It really comes down to how much they mean to me. I should probably start by saying I am glad the doctors were wrong when they told my mom she could not have children. Otherwise, I would not even be writing this! Nonetheless, I am especially grateful for my mom and my sister. For more times than I can count, it was the three of us. No matter what, I know I can count on them. (see the post "Threefold" on my other blog, Ink)

Of course, I am grateful for everyone in my family. I cherish those who were so impactful even in the short time they were in my life like my grandfather. (again, read "Holding On" on Ink) I lovingly miss others that are no longer with us like Uncle Howard, Granny Joan, Great Aunt Ann, and Great Uncle Herbert. I hang on dearly to those who are still around like Nanny Bill, and Paw Paw Bob, who have done more for me than I can ever thank them. And I could continue on to an invertible list of those I love.

However, I would just like to say thank you to:
my mom for unconditional love
my sister for understanding more than anyone could
my dad for giving me my attitude
my stepdad for being there more than he ever had to
my nanny and paw paw for always caring

I could probably do a post on each person and then some, but for the sake of length and getting too sappy for one post, I will stop here for now. Just know that I care for you all so much, and for better or worse, I would not be who I am now without you.

Sidenote: I get to see you all this weekend, and cannot wait to visit, even though it will be short!

As the Blog Turns

I have to say I was pretty skeptical of this blogging thing. But with one week down, I guess it is not that bad (well, yet). The thought of being so connected to the internet world is pretty strange, but staying connected has been pretty cool. Plus, I am finding this to be an interesting way to get out my thoughts. And if people want to read them, sweet. I have certainly enjoyed the feedback so far.

I have also been stockpiling a few posts as I think of topics. I was saving them in case a day comes during this contest that I cannot think of anything to write. However, Reg (in her infinite blogging wisdom) mentioned it is probably better to post them as I think them. They are probably more relevant that way. And lord knows with our lives, I doubt I will severely lack in topics to blog about later. Just in one afternoon I could post about poolside etiquette, how hobos can make indecisive people decide, how Borders harbors some strange people, and I am sure there is even more.

So on the blogging goes, and I have a feeling it will continue past May...I hope.

Bathingsuit Season...Really?

Okay, here comes one of my feminist rants. Hold on.

At what point did we decide that every commercial for the summer needed to revolve around women losing weight to fit into that bikini? Really, Michael Vick? Really? And we wonder why we have so many issues in this country? I am all for healthy decisions. Eat right, be active, live well. (Yes, I need to practice more of what I preach on that, but still.) Good lord!

If you want to wear a bikini, fucking go for it. Being comfortable in your own body should not be overshadowed by some outlandish perception. Most of the commercials do not even show women who are close to looking overweight in the first place. Yet we are supposed to think that diet pills, branded diets, meal plans, detoxes, blah, blah, blah, are the only way we can look good on the beach?

Now some people may think I should enter the obligatory, "Where are the commercials about men losing weight to look good in those swim trunks?" But I do not want to go there either. No one should be made to feel like shit about themselves. Especially not by a commercial for Wal-Mart! (That could be a whole other rant for another day.) Get your diet needs cheaper...really?

We complain that Americans are too fat. We have so many eating disorders from anorexia to obesity in this country. How do these ridiculous messages on television help any of that? More than likely, they just push the disorders further, one way or the other. Did we not learn anything from Jean Kilbourne's Killing Us Softly? Oh wait, I suppose that was one of the privileges of attending an all women's college.

Get over it people! Get off your asses and be healthy, but for the love of yourselves, be comfortable with who you are. Is it really a good idea to listen to the media that also plays commercials like the crap from Geico? I do not think so.

Owning It

The other night, I am hanging out with friends when I get a call from one of my best friends from home. I have known him since 9th grade, and honestly he is one of two people from my hometown that know more about me than anyone should. The funny part about when he calls, he tends to draw out the more southern side of my accent. (It also does not help that I had finished a couple of beers. Alcohol can also be an instant accent intensifier.) We talked for some time, during which my friends were playing Wii Tennis. So I was thinking they were not really paying attention to my conversation. But they were, and in two minutes flat my instant accent becomes the center of attention. I cannot deny that I grew up in South Carolina, and sometimes, it surfaces in my words. Oh well.

The fun part is to embrace it. I never go out of my way to sound like a southern belle (or redneck...ha), but sometimes, it is going to happen. Of course, y'all is a major part of my vocabulary, and I certainly say momma and daddy, especially when I am talking to them. Certain words will even just catch me off guard (Wheeler: "China Bistro!"). Nonetheless, I just have to accept it all as part of who I am. Make fun of what you will, we all have those little quirks that make us unique...or at least entertain others.

Sidenote: it is spelled y'all, not ya'll. Yes, this is a pet peeve. I do not care if it is a slang word in the first place, and I know the South is not known for its grammar. But really people, spell it right.