A female coworker recently commented on how often I go to the hair salon.  Her comments made me think – why do I go as often as I do?  Is it too much?  Quite simply, I like to get my hair styled by a professional.  I also like the conversation and customer-service that I get when I sit in the stylist’s chair.  However, I have to admit, that since taking on the role of caregiver for my little sister, I’ve re-examined my ‘salon schedule’.
So I added up my normal services.

• Shampoo & style - $40 (every 2-3 weeks) or $80/month
• Relaxer touch-up -  $65 (every 6-8 weeks) 

When it was just my hair to think about, it didn’t matter that I had a bi-weekly hair appointment.  I could easily afford this.  Hey, I deserved it because I worked hard. Little sis deserved this cause she’s with me, and we have to maintain the MMOE image, yatta yatta.
Nevertheless, I decided to be practical and cut out appointments that I didn’t think were a necessity.  I asked my salon professional friends for tips (See some here) on how to style my hair at home in-between appointments.  The best stylist is one who will teach you how to style your own hair.  They are the hair guru and I am the young grasshopper (or whatever).

What do you think?  Is going to the hair salon a luxury or a necessity?

2009 will be a year I will never forget, at least until another unforgettable year takes its place.  I was originally going to post some lessons that I learned this year, but they are about the same as I learn (or come to appreciate more) every year. So instead, here is the soundtrack to my life in 2009.

• Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough – In August, I celebrated a two-year benchmark of the MMOE podcast with the butterflies of PYNK.
• Chasing Pavements – “Should I give up or should I keep on chasing pavements even if it leads no where.” Adele said it best with her chart-topping hit.  Sometimes working the regular 9-to-5 and then trying to live the “dream” can feel just like that.
• The tape of Love –  Love is the strongest adhesive.  Mr. Looney and Aunt Elaine has reminded me of this this year.  Thanks for the support.
• “Lights Will Guide You Home…” – I will never forget the phone call that I got from my mother telling me that I had to come to NY right away to pick up my sister from child protective services.  And just like that, within 24 hrs, I was in NY signing papers for temporary custody of my 12-year old sister, and telling her “I will try to fix you.”
• I'll Be Just Fine - Thanks Mary!!!