Choices
I just got back from the salon. It was my first trip there since early January. I color my hair, so three months is far too long. I honestly had at least two inches of roots showing. Not a great look. Think Madonna without the freakishly toned body. Between work and Oscar, though, coloring my hair simply is no longer a priority. It used to be the case that I would get my hair done every five weeks. Now, it’s more like 14 weeks if I’m lucky. And I’m usually not lucky.
Case in point – today. I get to the salon, get the process started at 1:00 only to find out midway that I have a conference call scheduled for 4:00. In addition to getting my roots done, my objective for the afternoon was to get my hair trimmed (my bangs are at that stage where they hit exactly below my eyes, which drives me insane) and get to the pharmacy to pick up my much needed drugs. Since my mental health seemed more important at the time, I chose to forgo the haircut in the hopes that I could get to the pharmacy. No such luck, my friends, somehow it took three hours for my hair to be colored and for me to drive the half hour to my office. Insane. Now my hair is half-done and I still need to get to the pharmacy.
I think I used to take this ability to get things done for granted. As if I was always going to be well-groomed (or well enough at least) and have my basic needs met. What was I thinking? I’ve written before about the luxuries in life that I’m doing without, but I’m thinking this goes beyond not having a pedicure for eight months. Walking around the office with Madonna hair is not exactly confidence-inspiring. For those of you who manage to keep it together, even if it’s just barely, how do you do it? Do you drag your kids to these appointments and while you do your errands?
For Sarah
Healthier, huh?
Haven’t been able to even get online for days, since I’ve been trying to get a huge deal signed. I’ve been in the office since (no joke) Saturday morning. I mean, I have not left the office since then, and the earliest I might even have a chance at getting out is 5:00 am tomorrow (open of market, when we might announce this deal). The amazing thing is that it’s not even bothering me that I have billed 90 hours in four days and that I have had six hours sleep in the same amount of time.
Why, you ask? Probably two reasons. First, this is one of those career-making deals, which is great, since it’s coming before I go on leave and the preliminary partnership decision for me will occur while I’m out. More importantly, though, this is the last time I’m going to do this. I will not be able to ever do this again. It’s kind of liberating. Lots of people in my firm simply refuse to do all-nighters, and I’m going to become one of them. Very nice thought.
By the way, the no sugar or other unhealthy foods thing is over. I have lived on nothing but pizza (one is being delivered as I type), Thai food, scones from Starbucks and treats from the vending maching (compliments of the partner on the deal). Not a good week food-wise.
Shopping!
I have never been one to enjoy shopping. That’s probably because I’ve never gone shopping for my child. Previously hesitant to venture into baby stores, I sucked up some courage and headed out shopping on Saturday morning. I was actually a little bit nervous as I headed into the first shop, but (much to my surprise) no one told me I needed to have a pregnancy bump to come in, nor did anyone look at me with scorn, given that I was one of the few neither pregnant nor pushing a kid in a stroller. They simply asked me if they could help – and they truly seemed like they wanted to assist me in comparing and contrasting the various attributes of the Bugaboo and the Quinny strollers. I spent two days buying the most adorable little things for the baby, as well as getting my full use out of this weekend’s friends and family discount at Pottery Barn Kids. This is shopping I can enjoy; no cringing while I try on bathing suits under fluorescent lights, no worrying that my pedicure is too chipped to try on shoes, just the ridiculous happiness from buying gifts for the little boy I haven’t even met, who is certainly not going to be remotely interested in the vast majority of these purchases. I’ll remind myself of this feeling when I’m on my hundredth trip to Costco to buy wipes and formula, I’m sure, but for now, I’m going to enjoy it. And, no, Mom, I didn’t spend $1000 on the stroller. Even in my euphoria, I restrained myself and got the Zapp (yes, this is the color).
-
Etta’s Hats
Where I’ve Been
