Oooh, I'm thinking about dyeing my hair as well, Nonian! I've got lots of grey, and I'm turning 45 this week, so it's probably a good idea to try and look a bit younger. I'm heading out to my mom's for a few weeks in April, and her salon does a great job with her hair color, so I'm thinking about asking her to make me an appointment to see what they can do for me.

{{{{Laura&Mom}}}}}

{{{{Erin}}}} Vibing for that awesome-sounding writing job.

My grey hairs are (for now) strategically placed such that I can pretend at least to myself that they are blond streaks. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

I read some statistic somewhere that said that 80% of American women over the age of 20 color their hair. I was aghast until...oh, wait, that's me.

Better living through chemistry.

My grey hairs are (for now) strategically placed such that I can pretend at least to myself that they are blond streaks.

If my white hairs grew in streaks, I would be thrilled and not slap color over them. But nooooo, they are scattered everywhere, and I HATE my "natural" color. In my world, the blue-black is the color I was supposed to be born with, and that mouse-brown shade is some sort of accident.

Sending coping ~ma to Laura. I'm glad you are able to be there for your mother, sorry that it has to be so hard.

Also sending job-landing ~ma to Erin. I hope That Place snaps you up.

In terms of unemployment, if you don't know if you qualify, call the unemployment office to make an appointment to talk to someone. People in unemployment offices vary like any other workplace and are usually under a great deal of stress and overworked, but a lot of them will go out of their way to help you with eligibility questions. They know the system is tough to navigate, and many of them will try to help you find your way through it.

I'm very tired. We drove to London and back to have a three-hour meeting with lawyers yesterday. Now I'm going to do a twelve-hour day at uni, followed by two days in Leeds (there's a great speaker giving a talk at the Centre for Disability Studies, where I did my MA), followed by another long day at uni, followed by a protest march in London on Saturday. Oh, and then wedding dress shopping with a friend on Sunday - but that will be fun, if also tiring. Then I might get some sleep.

The Girl pointed out to me yesterday, when I was ranting about the power of the beauty myth (I'm doing a lecture on women and popular culture next week) that I dye my hair. "But I'm only 32 and I'm going grey," I protested. "Quite," she said.

But I do love being a redhead. And that involves chemicals. I'm waiting to re-dye it until just before my wedding, this time, or it will get expensive.

Erin, wishing you the snarky writing gig, and whatever kind of work you want next.

Thoughts for your mom, Laura.

It is like they don't feel they should challenge authority.

That drove me crazy when my parents were ill. They were both smart, assertive people. And mom had ranted for years about the doctor who kept telling my pack-a-day grandma that the cough was just bronchitis until cancer had claimed one and a half of her lungs, so it's not like they thought doctors were infallible. But, second opinions? No, that would be rude. Asking them (or the pharmacists) about drug interactions? No, no, the doctor knows what (s)he's doing. So I found myself fighting both the doctors and my parents to try and get them the care they needed. And I felt like I failed a lot, too.

 *le sigh*

Anyway, hair. After years of experimentation, it looks like a chin length bob is the best cut for my hair. I'm starting to get a few white hairs, and they seem to blend pretty well into my light brown hair at the moment. If I ever go all-white I'd really like to try dying my hair anime character colors. It'll probably depend on the job I have at the time, though.

Calli is me when it comes to hair. I still enjoy going red from time to time, but need to remember to use the more temporary methods because I don't have the ambition to keep it up. I would really enjoy a shocking bright streak, but the natural mixed colors don't really work with that. Right now I am mousy brown, sun streak blond, and grey.

Nonian, sounds like a fun change. We need pictures!

the doctor knows what (s)he's doing

With all the information perhaps, but they don't necessarily have it. Doc ordered a CT and her chart clearly says she is allergic to Iodine. I mentioned it and the test was canceled, then the Doc re-ordered without contrast the next day. I'd like to think the Radiologist would have double checked with her before giving her the Iodine, but I am sure it happens.

The overwhelming majority of doctors I encounter encourage patient active involvement in their care. They do want to heal, that is why they study so hard and work the crazy hours. They understand that the patient knows their own body. (exceptions exist of course, but most really want to help)