Why are women’s haircuts so much more expensive than men’s? I set out to answer this question and find out if a decent woman’s haircut under $20 was as elusive as finding a unicorn to ride to the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. I started by asking unisex salons their prices: a woman’s cut averaged $35 …
There is glamour and magic in the memories of our youth
Today is my son’s birthday; he’s five years old. Five is so young, but so old at the same time. He’s changed so much. I’m already missing things about his “youth.” I miss the way his head used to fit against my shoulder so perfectly as a baby. I miss the way he used to say “ephelant,” “Indy Nana Jones,” …
Find peace of mind in getting your tests done, whether for lumps or lead
Like the classrooms of yesteryear, I’ve received a reminder that: some tests are easier than others; some test results are easier to wait for than others; and avoiding these tests won’t improve the situation. If you’ve been following my columns, you’ll know that last month I was told I had to get a lead test for my water, and a …
Cancer is no laughing matter — but humour gets the message out
When I found the lump, I was not pleased. (I wish I could tell you I was talking about a lump in my signature gravy or in my cream of wheat.) As I checked and re-checked my 38-year-old self, I had five thoughts: * My kids will have to grow up without their mom. * Could I lose my partner …
Lead testing and websites are enough to make one a hypochondriac
PUC Services Inc. is offering me a free tap water test. It seems their “records indicate that lead service pipes may have been used in homes built between 1943 and 1948. Based on the age of your home, it is possible that lead may have been used in the water service pipe for your home.” The word “lead” alone had …
Start with the big rocks when prioritizing items for this year’s pages
New Year’s Day is not unlike the blank page that I found myself staring at this morning. There were no words already written, no ideas jumping off the page, and no direction provided. Sometimes, a blank page is wildly liberating as it feels like a wide open field of opportunity, hope, and dreams. Other times, it is hugely intimidating, like …