I'm a red-head. 17h00, Parris mixes together peroxides in her mini lab-station, measuring the near perfect ratio of red to brown for formulating auburn. Ten minutes later, I emerge carrot-top. Flabberghasted and staring at myself, mouth agape. But, change is healthy. Part of this miraculous transformation is not to alter my appearance but catalyze a transition...away from the elementary me. Already, because of a wrecked relationship leaving me empty-handed but refreshed, I have stretched myself emotionally. Emotions were personal territory, seldom expressed in the public eye. Who wanted to witness a nervous breakdown? Scripting what and how I feel channels this. Branché as a 60 watt outlet. Yesterday I cried. Susanne made the ultimate decision to book a flight to Holland. She is leaving me. Disputing with her parents causes the problems she had left behind to follow her, even to the good ole US of A. She needs to resolve these conflicts. Face to face. One on one. No desperate phone calls. No name-calling. So, she scheduled a flight departing Dec 30. I respect her decision. But at the same time, I resent her leaving. The entire dynamics of my daily life will have changed. No more weekly runs to the grocery store when the nutella jar gets low. How lonely those 15 min drives to school will be? I know my feet will carry me to upper E-hall, simply out of habit. Here are a few reactions to the new coiffure: (Enter eccentric red head) Mother: " Your aunt will want to swipe your look. She loves auburn. Susanne probably said she liked it because.. haha.. it's not on her head." Bobo: (cautious glance) " Grooo-eheh-vy... I'm glad you like it." Susanne: " Aw, pretty girl. It looks soo good." Andrew: "I thought your hair was going dark anyway. I wouldn't have known if you hadn't said anything." Jason: "Hey girl. That's not natural.. but I still like it." Rick: " You know, in Milan reddish color means you're either single or married. I can't remember which one.. " Vandy: "Oh honey. You've got a beautiful color." Leave your own comment a propos the image...