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Weather-Proofing

It's unbelievably cold in Chicago, so of course I decided have my hair cold-weather-proofed. 

Last Friday, by the time I got home from work, my hair felt so stiff and not well-conditioned, that I had to give myself a hot oil treatment (the kind you do in the shower). So I called my stylist and told her that I was ditching the highlights and going for caramel hair this winter. That way I don't have to deal with the extra chemicals stripping the precious moisture from my hair. Winter is hell on unnaturally-colored hair. And being a former ravenette, it's extra hell when you're lifting several shades up from your natural color. 

So this afternoon I left work early to get my hair tended to. I got an ultra deep conditioning, a rich caramel coloring, and less stress worrying about my highlights dulling on me. No added highlights, but there are natural highlights. I really like it.

Steven's back from his vacation, and he wanted to know why I didn't answer his calls while he was away. "I've been busy," I said. Busy fucking taking pregnancy tests and checking for Aunt Flo (she's still MIA, people!).

"Oh. Did you miss me? Did you need me?" he answered back.

I smiled and patted him on the back. "I need a lot of things, but right now what I need most is some time to myself." He looked so deflated.

I mean, saying that is like one step above the whole "It's me, not you" thing.

Doesn't he know that winter is hell on single hearts? The cold cracks the glue where the hearts have mended, and gaps form; packed inside those gaps are baggage and issues and a bunch of stupid expectations. And so a girl has to weather-proof accordingly. You weather-proof your home, your hair, your clothes and now your heart. 

Come spring, it sets all right again.
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