It was about that time of my life again, so I stepped into a salon for the first time ever and got a haircut. Nothing fancy, just a straight chop.
It was 30 inches, from scalp to end, and it would take at least 45 minutes every morning to get  ready. Not only that, but it was long enough for me to tuck under my pillow when sleeping, and exercising was a right pain, because I had to stop and re-tie my hair; it is shiny and silky, so it doesn't like to stay up for long.

I decided to donate my hair to Locks of Love, a program for kids who have lost their hair to illness/cancer. The hairdresser tied up my hair and measured the length, and I braced as she advanced towards me with the scissors. She took a generous snip, shoulder length. "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!" I screamed. "I changed my mind, I CHANGED MY MIND!!!"
She looked at me with a horrified face and almost dropped her scissors.
"Just kidding," I said as a smiled sweetly, returning from a monster to a princess.

he he he...

----


         

For a good many reasons, I'm staying away from boys this summer.
And then Mitchell winked and said, "What about men?"

It's complicated, and in more ways than one. I need time.
The uncertainty of the next year is settling in, making me nervous.
---
My parents and Nina got back from San Francisco today, and I cleaned the house, mowed the lawn, and got everything spic-n-span for their arrival. Do the men in the house do anything? ...oh wait, they're still boys.

Luke just got his learner's permit for driving and was begging me to drive with him to the library. Fair enough, I said, and we took off in my mocha Lincoln. The air conditioner doesn't work, the engine makes noises, the leather is sticky, and the radio dies from time to time: which makes it a great student car. Not to mention, its length is enormous, making it large and in charge of the road. This is one of those cars that make you squirm and inch over in your lane when it passes you on the highway.
It wasn't until we were on our way home did he tell me that it was his first time driving on the main road! Ahhh! I scrawled "STUDENT DRIVER" on the back of a long receipt and made Nina keep it on the back windshield... it's better than nothing!
I remember when Matthew started driving... he got the middle finger and several honks on his first drive out. Not to mention, he still gets dirty looks  (he's a horrible driver).
As we passed the highway, cars graciously left us to the right lane (the sign worked!). One car sped up alongside us, rolled down the windows, and the girl inside shrieked, "WOOOOO! I JUST GOT MY LICENSE TODAY, HAHA!" and sped off.

Luke has more common sense than most, and he did well today. We just need to work on his appearance, next. Who wears flannel pants to the library, church, and work?!

       

Location: Reis Biological Station
Reason: Spring Flora of the Ozarks

As of yesterday, I am halfway through this plant class. I survived the DeathMarch, as it is so aptly called, at St. Francois Conservation Area.

More later; I must line up my minions and prepare them for battle! (think ticks)