Bangs; a True Story

I don't have much experience with bangs- and the few I have are not particularly pleasant. The last time I had bangs I was in 2nd grade- making me, what? 8?

One morning before church I was fixing my hair but my bangs were dipping down past my eyebrows and into my eyes. My dad was calling for me to leave for church but I had one piece of business to take care of before I could leave. I got out a pair of scissors and made one large snip across the span of my forehead to clear up my vision and free it from my locks. Unfortunately the scissors weren't straight and I ended up with a 'business on the left, party on the right' slant look that I was sure was very modern and sheek. I guess my dad wasn't up on the latest fashion trends because when he saw me wandering out of the bathroom and into the car, he turned me around and marched me right back into the house. Can you believe he wanted to straighten them up and make them boring and even? In order to fix the damage i had done he had to cut them pretty close to the roots, leaving me half-inch stubs jetting straight out in front of me. The stubs were even though, I've got to give him that.

I don't think I've had bangs since this incident. Once they grew out they were gone for good. Even though some of my friends were sporting what I like to call the double-layer bang where you curl one layer under and one layer up and run your brush through them to give them a little poof. Such celebrities as Sally from Charlie Brown sported these bangs for years.


but bangs just aren't for me...

OR ARE THEY?

You think I would have learned my lesson, but earlier this week in a state of boredom I decided to trim my own hair and once again, sport some bangs. Not many, just a few shorter strands in the front. I didn't think it looked too bad the first day, but the next two days I wore my hair pinned back and that night I had an emotional break down! Its just hair, I know, but it's my hair and I was convinced it would be slicked back, pinned back, or braided back for the next few months until my mistake grew out.

I decided to take it to the experts. I took it to the great folks at Great Clips. I usually go a cheaper haircut route to get my long hair trimmed cause it's pretty hard to mess it up and when I do something more dramatic I'll go somewhere nicer...but there wasn't time for that now. I knew Great Clips was open early, they were close by so nobody would have to see me in shame, and plus they were having a $6.99 haircut special. A perfect combo. I think the nice man who cut my hair got a good chuckle at my emotional state but he did a great job and I am now sporting a new do.



So here's the glam shot of me and the newest addition to our family; bangs. Kids, don't try this at home! Please!

Tribute

On the morning of January 29, we got the shocking and horrifying news that Tim's older brother, Bill, had passed away. Not a dream, not a joke.



Bill was the perfect friend and uncle. He was our go-to guy for entertainment and companionship. He was creative and fun- always coming up with a reason to celebrate. Bill was selfless, generous, and supportive. We deeply miss him.

After the news has had time to settle in, and after one awful and beautiful week of getting business taken care of, we have all been trying to find ways to preserve Bill's memories and honor his life. We had all been talking, Bill included, in ways to get healthier- with the family vacation at the beach as a goal line.
With Tim's family, we've come up with a six month plan for better health. I feel like its a way we can honor Bill's life by trying to lengthen and enrich ours.

So here's the plan. Each month has a health and fitness theme, and I'd like to add a personal improvement theme. We all have our own personal goals within that theme...each month will build on the months previous, resulting in a healthier lifestyle that will hopefully have become habit.

Exercise/Food

February: Develop an exercise routine/ Portion control
March: Find physical hobbies/ Fast food
April: Calorie education/measurement/ Vegetables
May: Increase exercise intensity/ Sugars
June: Doctor visit/annual physical/ Whole grains
July: Try something new/ Beverages

February's goals for me are:
1. At least 30 min of exercise 5 days a week
2. No seconds at meals and no mindless snacking while cooking or between meals
3. Personal prayer morning and night (I have gotten out of the habit)

Each successful day I get a dollar to spend on myself...and I'll be that much more ready for a beach vacation with the family in August.

This is one small way to pay tribute to a life taken way too early. It is a reminder to me how precious each day is and how important it is to take care of ourselves; body, mind, and spirit. We will continue to miss you, Bill. We will think of you often and cherish your memory.