Often, when I have experienced a particularly bad stretch of medical frustrations, I like to have a pick-me-up.
Sometimes it's a small indulgence, like new soap or candles, sometimes it's a little bigger, like a manicure or something, but last night, my pick-me-up was changing my hair.
I picked up a box colour from the drug store, spent half an hour trying to get the perfect part in my hair so that I can have my natural hair color on top and a deep colored red underneath, and then got started.
Because of the color, it's a bit more of a production. Extra care not to get it anywhere unplanned, extra towels on the floor, wrapped around my shoulders, and extra cleaning in and around the sink.
I used to color my hair frequently. When I had more expendable cash, I used to go to a salon... Once I moved up here, box colors were what I could afford, so I would experiment with colors and two- or three-toned hair....
It always helps to make me feel a little sexier... Just a simple little pick-me-up.
I remember in the hospital, having my hair done or my nails done as I was lying in the hospital bed helped to make me feel better in every single way other than the strictly physical pain.
There were a couple of things that I hadn't anticipated last night though. Holding my arms up to do the part and to actually dye the hair ended up creating 8/10 pain in my shoulder blades - particularly the left one.
Furthermore - I hadn't quite thought the entire process through. I haven't been able to shower without vomiting for over a year. So now I just usually have baths so that I don't wind up with tons of nausea. I was very thankful to have my bath bench last night.... Luckily - no full fledged vomiting!!!! - WIN!
It was a great pick-me-up and I love the color and plan to keep it for a while.
It's really nice to have something simple and affordable that can make the day a tiny bit brighter.
Sometimes, when things are frustrating or difficult, and even when things are great, having several kinds of pick-me-ups in the arsenal is always a good idea. It's also good to remember that very simple things - like a free cup of tea, or a surprise bouquet of flowers, or even a thoughtful message or note - can make the difference between a good day and a great day :).
Simple pick-me-ups are the secret to staying on the bright side. ;)