Why Straightening My Hair is hard

The simple answer: because it's naturally curly.

The actual answer: because I feel like a big faker trying to act big.

Just about a year ago, I was introduced to the flat iron. Seriously. Until then, I thought all those movie stars and teenagers just knew how to do their hair. I had no idea there was this new invention out. Obviously, I don't pay much attention to fashion or fussing with hair products and doo-dads.

After experiencing hair straightening at the Hair Garage, which took about 40 minutes, I looked completely different. Suddenly, I looked sophisticated and put together like never before. It was like I gave a damn about my appearance. I really felt good about myself.

Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Honestly, I'm not sure why I have trouble walking around with my hair sleek and fashionable. It just seems so false to me. I've never wanted to color my hair for the same reason. I mean, I feel guilty using lemon juice.

My guess is if I spent more time digging to the root of my objections I'd find a completely unexpected problem. Pride. I'll bet anything that it has to do with my pride. I want to be genuine inside and out. I think people who have cosmetic surgery for purely vain reasons must be twisted and wrong.

Maybe they are.

But does that mean I am better than them?

When Life Was Normal...

My life used to be normal.

Then I started writing.

It was never the same after that.

My home used to be clean. My yard looked (a little) better. I organized and accomplished many projects. I walked by people without caring what their story might be.

Now my house is in peril of being over run by dust bunnies and dog and cat hair tumbleweeds. Moles and ground ivy have settled comfortably in my yard. I can barely hold one thought in my head before another over takes it.

And when I see someone, nearly anyone, I can no longer ignore them. I wonder about them. Sometimes, I think I might even care about them.