Gray Haired

I wanted to begin this post with a really funny quote about having gray hair. I googled for 15 minutes, read many quotes about hair, but none struck me as funny. Is that because it's NOT funny? Oh, dear.

My friend, Barb, world-traveller, ex-RE/MAX'er, just blogged about her gray hair (check it out http://holeinthedonut.com/2007/11/28/going-gray/ and I found it interesting that we were thinking some of the same thoughts about the same topic.

Actually, I wanted to blog about it last week, and decided that I needed a good, up-close photo of my head so you can see exactly what I am talking about. I tried to get in the mirror, and position the camera "just so" but the flash was making the shot all jacked-up, and then I got self-conscious and felt silly, so I stopped. If I were closer, I'd get Carol to take the picture, knowing that she'd get all artsy-crafty-interesting with it.

** UPDATE ** 2nd photo try ... EEK!

Anyway, we have all discussed this gray hair business. I'm lucky that my hair is light, and most of the grays blend in. The issue is that the intruders are right at the VERY front of my forehead, or along my part (which I intentionally try to relocate each day so that those little bastards don't get comfortable basking in the light of day.) They stick STRAIGHT up! It's like they are waving and saying, "Hellooo? Woo hoo! Here I am! I double-dog dare you to pull me... go on, you know you want to!" I know that this is a normal part of the aging process, but C'MON!

I remember the trouble that my mom put herself through with the whole "frosting" process. The dreaded cap and the knitting needle that would inevitably draw blood (yes, Carol, I am having a flashback to the night you used that technique to give me highlights. I wanted to punch you in the face, but I was too busy whining - the pain was not to ignored.) Back then I remember thinking, "I am never going to do that. Who cares? Just love who you are." That must have been about the time that Oprah first came on TV and I was being brainwashed with the whole, "Learn to ask for what you want and you will get it" BS.

Well, we are getting older, all of us. Yes, we are all heavier (except Laurie who is the Weight Watcher poster child and still runs on her treadmill all night) and getting a few laugh-lines, and gray hair. If I am to be honest, I no longer pass the pencil test... but let the record reflect that I was the last woman standing!! My eyes still see who they are, not what they look like. Does that make any sense??

Anyway, I've made a pact to not pluck one gray hair until January 1. I know that I need to set realistic goals, so this is one of 'em. I got in the car after lunch today and looked in the rear view mirror of my car. That's when I see them the most. Just as I was reaching up to yank that sucker, I decided not to. It was hard. I wanted it to be GONE! Knowing that it's up there mocking me right now, is making me laugh. I am insane.

!