Over the past few weeks I had some time off from my routine due to a small medical procedure.  The result was ample time for contemplation, and a more philosophical view of the world.  It started when a dear friend gave me critical advice for the hospital stay: do not neglect your looks.  A simple yet powerful statement.

So being a classic follower, I quickly made plans for hair styling, nails, and waxing (admittedly necessary) before my medical appointment.  I also added to my hospital bag of essentials a cheery mauve lip gloss, and my cream eyeliner that definitely opened up my eyes.  Take action, don’t sit on the sidelines.

As the big day approached, my caring partner offered me the chance for a weekend getaway.  But it would conflict with my aesthetic appointments.  Pretty brazen of him.  Quality time with the most important person in my life vs. the right shade of honey highlights, and a slight trim of the dead ends?  Was I a Clooney or a Kardashian?  Would I ever admit any link with the latter?  So I embraced the trip to New York, and tried not to stare too wistfully at the nail salons at every corner.  When faced with dilemmas, the Clooney vs. Kardashian test can bring clarity and vision.

Soon enough, the countdown to hospital began.  With only a few hours left, I headed with determination into my bathroom.  I didn’t see any neck trauma-inducing basins with scalding water shooting into my ears; or even a blow dryer.  I eyed my tools: orange blossom shampoo and a barely there blob of conditioner – at least it was deep conditioning.  So, wash, rinse, coat, rinse, rub head with towel, and call it a night.  Be determined, but flexible along the journey.

That night, I dreamt of walking through the city streets at dusk, surrounded by the crisp fall air.  My friend suggests we go for an energetic fitness walk.  I decline firmly, and repackage the outing into a foray to our corner bar.  All I had to do was choose words from the heart that were universal: “I am having a good hair day.”  The kind of day you do not waste on trees and buildings, but impart instead on as many humans as possible.  For you never know when the next one may arrive.  Life is short.

So, when all was said and done at the hospital, I woke up in my room groggy and in pain.  Two nurses entered to help me shuffle across the floor to the bathroom.  One of them laid out a hulking adult diaper-underwear ensemble.  The neck of my gown had a trail of drool on it, leading back to my very own mouth.  A mouth that had zero interest in lip gloss, no matter how cheery it was.  But gee, my hair smelled terrific!  And more often than not, that is good enough.