Confessions of a no poo’er

That’s right, I said it…I no-poo.  SHAMPOO that is.

Today is 4 full weeks since I have used shampoo of any kind on my hair.  My last time to shampoo my hair was on January 10.

Candi, what in the world are you saying, you might ask.  Well, friend, I am glad you asked.

You see, I woke on the 10th, showered and washed the hair just as normal.  On the 11th, I didn’t go anywhere and therefore did not wash the hair.  It was that night that I came across the subject of no-poo’ing.  I was immediately intrigued and read many many postings in the particular conversation.  Some women said they had tried and couldn’t follow through on their well-intended project.  Others said they started and hated the results.  Others, though, said they absolutely loved their decision. 

There are many reasons one might choose to endeavor in eliminating shampoo from their personal product use, not the least of which is the environment.  Being a girl who has yet to figure out ways to try being greener that can fit into my lifestyle, not to mention one who consumes at least two bottles of shampoo monthly (we’re not talking the cheap stuff here either folks), I figured helping keep shampoo bottles out of the Earth’s landfills was a good start. 

This brings us to the 12th.  I rinsed my hair but didn’t shampoo.  Just decided to brush my hair out after blow drying it.  And that was the beginning of my commitment. 

Now, let me assure you that this little project is not one without trial…and um error.  I began the experiment with using a baking soda paste on my scalp and apple cider vinegar.  My hair was dry beginning about two inches out from my scalp all the way to the ends.  And apparently, went back and forth between smelling like easter eggs and a potato.  I know, exactly what every girl aspires to.  Not to mention avoiding sweating at all costs as this would result in instant greasies.

Fast forward.  My hair is now soft and healthy looking.  On any given day it smells like the lavender scented baking soda paste I use every third or every other day mixed with a little conditioner.  People who have known me quite a while are probably shocked reading this, as I am one of the most vain people I know about my hair.  I’ll admit it.

Without every day that goes by, though, I am proud of my decision and commitment to it.  I am even more proud as every Monday rolls around, and I’ve marked another week of no-poo days off the calendar.  So, here we are…going into week 5.  I’ll keep y’all updated, but this is one is a phase I intend on sticking with.

Just ‘cause I’m here…and I’m real *

It’s been a while. 

Life seems to have swept me up, as life may do from time to time.  My personal life went into a serious state of disarray for quite a while; though all seems to have settled into what is a nice, normal amount of chaos. 

Christmas has come and gone.  We are ten days into a new year with 355 to go.  I heard so many say how much 2010 “sucked” for them and they hoped 2011 was better.  And every time I saw this and variations of, my heart hurt a little.  And yet, I had to smile.  Not because I took pleasure in the misfortune or misery of any human being, but because to judge each year by the events that occupy it brings nothing but the wishing away of life.

We spend so much time in our lives wishing for something to come, we fail to enjoy what is.  We spend so much time wishing our lives away that we are shocked when we have none left.

We, as humans occupying this vast and beautiful planet, are here for one reason and one reason alone.  To experience life.  We are here for human experiences, both joyful and painful.  We are to feel each one of them, whether poignant or mundane, rather than longing for the next one to come along.

And we are to strive to leave our mark in a way that makes this place better for those who come after us.

For me, 2010 was full of many things.  Some painful, some joyful, some boring, and some chaotic.  I loved each one.  I am thankful for each one.  I would gladly experience every smile, every laugh, every tear, every grimace…every moment…simply to know I was here to experience it.  And I welcome 2011.  And every experience it will bring along.

And so, this is me.  Living life.  Whatever comes along.  I hope you will forgive the conventional and slightly cliche’d writing I have taken up space for today.  I hope you will forgive my abundant  us of the word “it” which I try to avoid at all times.  And I hope you will forgive the many sentences that begin with “and,” yet another writing faux pas.

Above all, I hope you enjoyed the moments you have.  Whether they are spent reading silly words on a screen or experiencing the most important events in your life.  Because you were here.  You did that thing.  You lived.

*Title taken from lyrics written by the always amazing Ani DiFranco.