Trust Costco for Tires, not Sears

Tomorrow I'll blog about the fabulous Eco Gift Festival I attended in Santa Monica this weekend, but first I must rant Sears vs. Costco when it comes to tires.  Costco builds installation and warranty into their price while Sears nickels and dimes you.  What kind of business quotes a price on a tire -- not including the tire valve stems?

I got a flat Sat. nt on the way home. AAA put the donut tire on my car on Sun. am. After internet research it looked like Sears' prices might be close to Costco, so I drove down the street to Sears -- taking my Macbook along to show which tires I was considering. I had picked out a Michelin tire with ICE in its name (costing about $80) which is for colder, icy climates and not even carried in Santa Monica. Sears quoted me $331 for 2 tires w/road hazard and about $662 (before $56 rebate) for 4 tires - and had me convinced I'd be a fool to only replace two tires.

I didn't like the price and drove to Costco. The Costco tire man also inspected my tires and said I had plenty of tread on two of the tires - especially since I frequently ride the bus or walk rather than drive to keep my carbon footprint low. He actually heard me when I said I drive less than 7000 miles a year whereas the Sears man must have had commission dollars dancing in his head. Costco sold me two BF Goodrich tires (after telling me BF Goodrich is owned by Michelin). Instead of paying $331, Costco charged me approximately $184 including tax - and my car performance tires rather than the Michelin passenger tires Sears wanted to sell me for $109 each.

Where Sears picks your pocket is on road hazard, tire valve stems and a couple of other items whereas Costco builds installation and tire valve stems into its price.

There is a big drawback about Costco -- you do have to wait unless you time your arrival perfectly. I killed 4 hours waiting for them to get to my car and install the tires. When I called, the wait was 2 1/2 to 3 hours. By the time I arrived - about 30 minutes later, the wait was 4 hours.

Maui Report - ANZ, SHAVE MY HEAD PLEASE

The big news from Maui was that I met many men AND WOMEN who would happily present their craniums to Air New Zealand for  a chance to fly from Hawaii to New Zealand.

Andy, who often captains the boat for Mike Severns' Diving said: "Hey, people look at the back of my head every day.  I'd be a great billboard."  Andy's head is actually bigger than mine, so he could actually carry more copy for Air New Zealand than my little ol' head.  Plus, as a scuba diver and great videographer Andy needs to go diving in the Bay of Islands.

Of course, if Air New Zealand would prefer a billboard who plays the ukelele, I met an Hawaiian on my connecting flight from Honolulu to Maui who would also love a chance to visit New Zealand.  His wife (or girlfriend) put a quick stop to his ukelele playing when she emerged from the ladies' room at Kahalui Airport.  I don't think she objected to him being a billboard as much as his serenading me, the lady from the plane with the buzz haircut.

Coolest thing about my current short, short (less than a half inch) hair is that now people think I got this look from a stylist rather than an airline!

THE GOBBLE GOBBLE REPORT

Well, this shaved head survived Thanksgiving and even left the table before becoming a stuffed turkey myself.

For the most part, all the relatives were very kind.  Some even said I had very nice features to have so bare a head.  

The most painful moment happened at my ex-sister-in-law's house.  My brother and I went over to pick up my niece and nephew and I had the choice of sitting in his car like a coward (my first choice) or being brave and facing a woman who always that I was wacky when I had hair.  I knew she had read this blog, so I figured I might be mocked or called a chicken if I dared not face her.  Actually what I experienced as disapproval was probably more disinterest.  When she opened the door I said "Hi, I figured I should face you since you heard about this shaved head thing."  She just said "Hullo," and perhaps my name and then seemed to look away.  Instead of my appearance her focus was on keeping my brother and me from entering her home since it apparently wasn't presentable.  

Of course, my apartment is more often unpresentable than presentable while my ex-sister-in-law usually has a pretty immaculate place.  

If I had it to do over again, however, I would have stayed in the car -- my hair's too short to even hide behind bangs.  The irony was that all I could think based on her silence was "SHE THINKS I'M A FREAK" when all she was probably thinking was: "Must not let the weirdo see my house is not in perfect order."

My cousin who lost her hair several years ago when undergoing chemo was pretty kind to me. I felt a little guilty since I voluntarily gave up my hair, and she had no choice.  She was kind enough to lend me a mylar wig to try on family game night, and I discovered a wig can get pretty hot.  

The best thing about my family was that I was embraced and accepted regardless of the length of my hair.  A couple of the kids really liked petting my peach fuzz as if I was the new family dog.  My nephew pulled away as if short, short hair might be contagious.  

And as I shared some of my New Zealand itinerary with friends and family, several said they thought it might be worth it. . . not that they would do it. . . .

I met at least two people in Dallas, however, that think Air New Zealand needs to come to Big D and shave some heads.  They thought a shaved head was a small price to pay for so much adventure!

Sites of Ideas about Bicycling through New Zealand

Looks like I'll need multiple trips to New Zealand to have all the adventure I want. This trip I won't have time to enjoy a bicycling trip (but perhaps I can squeeze at least one day of cycling in). A friend asked for cycling trip info, and I found these four sites that look tantalizing - especially the first two:
Here are links to four web sites I found for bicycling in New Zealand. Let me know what you end up doing.
http://www.activenewzealand.com/?gclid=CMaJ_b2GlJcCFQOaFQodbSkv-A

http://www.pedalerspubandgrille.com/rides/nz-grand.htm?gclid=CKL_ttKHlJcCFRgqHgod-kWo-w

http://www.vbt.com/Warm-Winter-Destinations/New-Zealand/New-Zealand-The-South-Island-2008/Bicycle-Tour-Details.aspx?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_keyword=default&gclid=CP_SxqGHlJcCFQSPFQodMBKl-Q


http://gorptravel.away.com/xnet/search-2.tcl?destination_id=149&activity_id=1

PLANNING YOUR VISIT

I think it would be possible to spend my entire trip exploring Northland. They have an amazing website to help you plan your trip including activities, lodging and cultural treats. Before you abandon North Island for the call of Queenstown on South Island, be sure to surf this Northland site: http://www.northlandnz.com/visit/

I had no idea that there is just as much adventure to be had on North Island as on South Island. If you want to scuba dive, sail, kayak or go sand tobogganning, consider spending some time in Northland. Oops, have begun drooling with excitement so Kia Ora for now.

Hey, Now I'm Reminding People of GI Jane!

I saw my podiatrist yesterday and he thinks my current "look" resembles Demi Moore in "GI Jane" so this weekend I hope to meet a younger man like Ashton Kutcher. . . .

Biggest concern about the military look would be if Bush decides civilian women can be shipped off to serve in Iraq or Afghanistan based on haircut.

The journey is what it is all about

My hair is starting to grow back in nicely and the tattoo has completely warn off. My hair should be back to normal before long. I am starting to think about when I want to travel to NZ. I look forward to the trip and all of the cool things to see. As for the hair, honestly I have realized that I really like my hair! LOL. Being a redhead I kind of feel like an important part of my identity was removed. I guess it is because I was used to people making comments on my hair from an early age when they noticed the red color. Now that unique part of my identity has just started to resurface. I think I appreciate it even more now. I am glad I had this experience because it has made me think a little about things like that. Our physical presentation to the world and how that affects how we view ourselves. I think there will be great discoveries and even more experiences ahead on the trip and I look forward to continuing this journey.

Close up on a fading billboard & DOUBLE VISION

OH WHERE, OH WHERE, HAS MY BILLBOARD GONE?

I Must Suppress the Tomboy in Me with such short, short hair

Today, I learned that if I don't want to be viewed as a lesbian with short, butch hair, I should not attach my metal water bottle to a belt loop on my jeans by a carrabeaner. My hands were full, so I thought it made sense to exploit the carrabeaner -- never thinking sexual preference could be indicated by a haircut and a carrabeaner.

Admittedly, I should have picked a loop back more toward my butt rather than two loops from my belt buckle. With the bottle positioned on my upper left thigh not far from my zipper area, it did give me a semblance of a swagger. Okay, it practically swung between my legs -- but hey, my hands were full. I guess it was more Rosie O'Donnell of me than Audrey Hepburn, but I was being practical.

Anyway, I found out from the guy running lights for my friend's play that with my short, short hair and my water bottle striking my thigh, as I entered the theatre, he pegged me to be a lesbian. When I was explaining my faded henna tattoo and remarked that "barely there" hair makes people think I'm either punk or gay, he told me he had thought gay -- with the water bottle. I immediately unhooked the carrabeaner from my belt loop.

At least I no longer seem to strike people as a chemo patient, but with my henna almost completely faded, I'm not that convincing as a billboard either.

Tonight I just used a hand mirror to inspect the back of my head. You can almost make it out the henna tattoo if you know you are looking for: "NEED A CHANGE? HEAD DOWN TO NEW ZEALAND" The website address has completely vanished.

If you don't know what you're looking for, my head CLOSE UP reads: ".. EED .. A.. AGE? HEAD DOWN . . . ZEALAND"

In the meantime, studying my head in the hand mirror, you can easily see three scars on top of my head where hair isn't really growing. That's from the cat who jumped on top of my head when I was about three and came between the cat and my boxer. Fortunately, I don't remember the blood and the stitches from that cranial cat attack. Next time someone refuses to accept I had my head shaved for a trip to New Zealand, maybe I'll blame it on a cat claw dancing on my head when I was three.

GEE, MY BILLBOARD IS ALMOST GONE

After the initial trauma of having my head shaved. . . twice in one week, each day less of my henna tattoo is legible -- both fading and obscured by hair.

Despite the side glances from passerbys who believe I'm either a chemo patient or recovering from brain surgery, anyone who paused long enough to read my skull was intrigued. Now I feel like my head in disappearing into the punk scene -- perhaps I need to join a band. . . .

I've started wondering whether some re-applied henna over my hair might revitalize my tattoo. Or what if only the back of my head was re-shaved for a fresh henna tat? Would that make me some kind of mullet billboard?

If John McCain had seen one of our 30 cranial billboards, might he have desperately made Sarah shave her head? The day our heads were shaved, many billboards really wanted a henna Obama applied to the side of our craniums. Fortunately, Barack won without such cranial support.

A friend has a t-shirt that reads: "Once you vote Barack, you can never go back." I think we billboards will never quite be the same either. After all, now that I've shaved my head for adventure, I may just need to marry a Kiwi while I'm in New Zealand. Besides I'm old enough to have already been through one marriage. . . .

Kylie's report - opening eyes about Alopecia and Air New Zealand

The first two pix of Kylie were taken at a HUGE 3 block NO ON PROP 8 Rally where she wound up by accident. Kylie reports people at the rally had "HUGE questions about alopecia and the billboard."

The third photo is Kylie with her soccer team: "So you see the wide spectrum of people who have been exposed to my ad."

Hey, My Billboard still works! & I have disowned my shadow

Day 19 of being a billboard for Air New Zealand.  After a couple of days with little notice, a man came up to me as I headed toward our building on Wilshire Blvd. and said: "What's your head say?"

I was so happy to know my cranial sign still attracted some attention.  Since all the hairs on my head are still under an inch long, I want my sign to keep attracting interest in New Zealand and its signature airline until the last speck of Henna has faded.

 On a separate note, despite encouragement to keep my hair close to this short because my skull lacks dents, I still visualize myself with more hair.  When I walk home toward sunset and my shadow is highly visible, I think: "Who's that with the alien skull?"  The shadow of my head is so petite and round that I feel disconnected from it.

I just can't wait until my hair gets long enough to cast a shadow.  In the meantime, I'm getting more excited every day planning my trip to New Zealand.  

Terry's Billboard Pix from 11-7 cocktail party for Opportunity Green

These photos were shot by Samantha Lloyd-Gordon at last Friday's cocktail reception kicking off Opportunity Green at the eco-friendly Hotel Angeleno.

As I reported in a prior blog, many of the environmentalists I met last weekend at the conference would have volunteered to have the head shaved for an opportunity to explore New Zealand.

I learned so much at Opportunity Green that I plan to start a separate Green blog.  

It turns out that going green is great for businesses because the energy savings ultimately improve a company's bottom line.  Companies including Patagonia, Pangea Organics, Leaf Paper and Walmart are focused on being sustainable and helping other companies move toward sustainability.  Ultimately, what's good for the planet is good for business because clean energy leads to savings that help a white roof with daylight collectors pay for itself quickly.  Walmart sees the value in sustainability and is sharing its knowledge with other stores like Costco and Target.  

. . .to be continued. . .

Well, my hair is growing back (with amazing speed according to my co-workers) and the tattoo is completely gone now so I'm experiencing life as a (very) short-haired-girl.  I have a few observations: 1. I really like being able to take a shower whenever I want and not having to do anything to my hair 2. I still find myself reading Glamour and paying attention to hairstyles even though I've got a good 6 mo before I need them again 3. There are a lot of women out there whose hair is not doing them any favors (I feel like I've got guy goggles on now and can pick out the women that do and don't use their hair to their advantage) 4. I am allowed to be judgemental about hair because everyone else is judging me (I can feel it) 5. My favorite thing is getting home and taking my hat/scarf/etc off  6. I would keep my hair short forever if it weren't a social stigma- I don't like people staring and then quickly smiling 7. I've never felt so edgy before and it's inspiring me to wear crazy clothes 8. I'm acquiring a very fun scarf wardrobe and am skilled in wrapping them 9. I can't wait to go to new zealand and am having trouble getting the time off- what the hell! I shaved my head for this give me a few freaking weeks off without pay ok!!? 10. Any of you semi-bald guys out there looking for a very short - haired date?  This is not going very well as far as the singles scene......

Will I ever want to come back from NZ?

Now that I've begun planning my New Zealand adventure, I wonder if I'll want to come back.  If you are planning a trip, you may want to check out a few websites:

For scuba diving, I'm planning to go out with Dive Tutukaka - the only activity operator in New Zealand so far who have been awarded the Qualmark Enviro Gold logo and were also founding members of the Northland Sustainable Tourism Charter: www.diving.co.nz 

It looks like I'll spend three days in Tauranga Bay in the Bay of Islands for both cultural and eco adventures including visiting the Waitangi Treaty Grounds (www.waitangi.net.nz), taking a Maori canoe (waka) trip with www.taiamaitours.co.nz and going kayaking with Richard Israel from Northland Sea Kayaking (www.northlandseakayaking.co.nz )

Next there will be sand tobaggoning in Hokianga followed by a forest walk with Maori guides - http://www.footprintswaipoua.co.nz/index.html

and I haven't even researched a visit yet to the wine country from where our Kiwi billboard Paul Carton hails.

ARE YOUR BAGS PACKED YET?

Andrew's Billboard is a Hit at a Hockey Game

One of our billboards, Andrew Shanks, shared this report on his Air New Zealand noggin:

I went to an ice hockey game the other night and was in the first row of the section with a full crowd behind me. I could hear everyone behind me talking about the message on my head. Curiosity got the better of alot of them and they had to ask more.

The guys directly behind me initally thought I must work for Air New Zealand and were amazed that Air New Zealand's employees were so dedicated to the cause! HA HA!

Being in the front row, I made a point of standing up as much as possible on any good plays to get as much exposure as possible. By the end of the game I was feeling like quite the VIP in my area. Just walking around the back areas and waiting in lines for food and drinks was a laugh because everyone wanted to talk to me about New Zealand while waiting in line. They had either been or knew someone who had or wanted to go themselves one day.

Of course, I told them that Air New Zealand was ready to take all of them there any time of the year!

Saturday at the Green Opportunities Conference

The eco conference at UCLA was fantastic.  Tomorrow I'll blog in greater detail about the event.  The cool thing Saturday was that my head/billboard seemed to only attract positive attention.  Even better, two women said that they would like to go to New Zealand as much as me -- enough to shave their head for a trip!  Several men at the conference also said they would happily present their craniums to Air New Zealand for a chance to head off for a Kiwi adventure.

At the after party Saturday night, I found out even alcohol can be grown sustainably. Barbelles, a green bartending service (www.barbelles.org) served up sustainable cocktails in bio-degradable cups.  I tried a vodka tonic made with Crop Cucumber Vodka.  It smelled like cucumber and went down clean and smooth. 

Day13 as a Billboard

See how many hairs are now on my head?  And yet my Air New Zealand message remains.  Sadly, the Air New Zealand web address is growing more and more obscure.

The hair on my head feels like puppy fur.  When I rub my head on some level, I think, Good Dog - which is not necessarily healthy for my psyche.

Tonight I went to a cocktail party for Green Opportunity, an eco conference at UCLA this weekend.  My shaved head was as welcome at this eco event as it was my gay friend's wedding.  A few guys said they would happily shave their heads and be a billboard in exchange for a ticket to New Zealand.  A few people had been to New Zealand and said it's one of the most beautiful places on the planet.

One woman, however, did admit that she initially thought I was either in chemo therapy or a lesbian -- so I still worry this look may make it difficult to find the right guy.  It's a shame I signed up for Match.com one week before my head shaving.  But then again I wouldn't want to be with someone who lacks a sense of adventure.

Report from a Kiwi - Paul C.

To all those who don't speak Kiwi - (technically Maori, New Zealand's native tribe), here are two phrases to pack for your trip: Kia Ora (also the name of ANZ's flight magazine) literally translates: "be well/healthy" -- it expresses good will or gratitude -- typically not a sentiment found in traffic on an LA freeway.

Kia Kaha means: literally 'be strong'; roughly "be of good heart, we are supporting you"

To study more New Zealand English, go to: http://www.tvwiki.tv/wiki/New_Zealand_English

Paul reported to Sarah, our billboard wrangler: Kia Ora. The owner of the company wasn't too pleased --

Owner: You need to grow your hair or wear a hat cause you look like s*%t!!!

Paul: Oh well !! (but dreaming of New Zealand)

Although Paul viewed his billboard as water off a bald head, his employer didn't think much of his free speech.

On a brighter note, Bugs & Daffy loved my head at Magic Mountain.

Paul says a variety of people were intrigued and enthusiastic about his deployment as a cranial billboard. It was especially entertaining to watch reactions while waiting in long lines for a ride. Just seeing people's expressions as they wanted to look -- but tried not to look until Paul encouraged them. Once Paul welcomed their viewing, people were "all up in the business (when, how, what)."

"One business man actually from New Zealand called me the smartest person he has met in a while (the complete opposite from the comments from my own boss!!! Gee, maybe I need to look at my work status????).

If Air New Zealand needs any more promotional assistance from Paul's cranium, he'll be happy to step up (as would I this moderator -- if I could keep at least the peach fuzz covering my pate).

Paul says: "I would be glad to represent Air New Zealand & my country that I love!!!!!
I thoroughly enjoyed every part of this journey from the selection , the shaving and the comradery of all that were selected."

Go, billboards -- what an adventure this has been. And yet it's nothing compared to what awaits us in New Zealand -- a land of pristine beauty calling all kayakers, divers, rafters, parapenters and hang gliders!!

Mark M's Halloween Report

Before heading off to Toronto this weekend to attend an airport concessions conference (which he anticipates will be interesting), Mark shared his Halloween report:

"Halloween was interesting; I wore an Obama mask, but I really got attention when I took it off. I shared my story with everyone at the party (parents of kids that our kids go to school with). It turned out that that several of us had been to New Zealand previously, so we spent about an hour recounting our adventures and favorite places down there. I think the consensus was that jet boating and black water cave tubing are tops!"

WOW! I was looking forward to adventures scuba diving in Northland and the Cook Islands, white water rafting and parapenting in Queenstown, NZ -- and now I must research jet boating and black water cave tubing!!!

Gee, will we billboards want to return once we arrive in the land of adventure?

Vann Johnson's Halloween Adventure

San Diego 10/31/08

Vann reports that his Air New Zealand walking Cranial billboard costume attracted a lot of attention. As you can see he tried to capture bits and pieces of the land of adventure with pictures of rugby, beer, sheep, an Air New Zealand plane along with a map of New Zealand from Kia Ora (Air New Zealand's flight magazine).

No trick, heading down to New Zealand will be a treat!

HURRAY! OBAMA is our new President!

Since many of the cranial billboards expressed a willingness to have a henna OBAMA tattoo put on the side of their head, it seems only fitting to say THIS BILLBOARD WILL SLEEP WELL TONIGHT.

Change has come to America.  Many who first saw "change" on the back of my head initially thought I was promoting Obama rather than Air New Zealand.  See how powerful subtext can be?

I've Developed Empathy for the Follicle-Challenged

Gee, having my head shaved has been an eye-opener and a head chiller. How do bald men or women do it? My head shivers as I walk to the bus stop in Santa Monica each morning. I now have some pimples on my head from the oil of sunscreen. I didn't want my head to burn. Now I don't want my head to have zits. Geez.

Prior to being a billboard, I was a bit of a hair bigot. I could appreciate a bald man having nice features, but I'm definitely more drawn to guys with thick luscious hair.

Now on the elevator with my head covered with hair about 1/20 of an inch long, I'm envying the men who are bald on top with hair on the sides (whom I used to think of as "chrome domes").

At least now I know one of the things I'd like for Christmas -- got my two front teeth -- NEED HAIR.

"Hey, I love flying Air New Zealand"

I forgot to mention that along with my cranium, Air New Zealand was well received at today's wedding. Todd and Bea have flown Air New Zealand a few times from LAX to London. Todd suggested when I fly to New Zealand I should try to get in one of the back rows of coach where there are just two seats per row rather than three. Although they haven't yet been to New Zealand, they love Air New Zealand!

Others at the wedding said I have a great cranium for a billboard and think a cranium is a clever way to promote an airline. One wife told her husband who is a pilot with United, "United ought to do something like this." Lloyd told me that he had read about the Air New Zealand promotion this summer in the LA Times but thought they were only looking for Kiwi heads to shave. Had he not been in Palm Springs last weekend, he definitely would have offered his cranium to the airline!

Neal and Gordon's Wedding - Shaved Head Acceptance

Today, at my dear friend Neal's wedding, I realized why I was so upset the other day when a man gave me a card for a "women seeking women" website. Since I still long to meet Mr. Right, the notion that my shaved head was some sort of Lesbian beacon made me panic.

This doesn't mean there haven't been times I have thought "If I can't understand men, why can't I be attracted to women?" But I'm not. Instead I'm drawn to men, usually one who is my polar opposite and very mysterious (like "why doesn't he call?").

After a week of mixed reactions to my cranial billboard, I felt greater acceptance at a gay wedding than I had anywhere this week - other than Fairfax High last Sunday and the Air New Zealand office Thursday night when our heads were re-tattooed.

The crowd of about 80 people was an equal mix of straight and gay friends and family. Perhaps I experienced such acceptance in my current state of "hairlessness" because gay people and their families know what it feels like to be ostracized for being different. This was very comforting since I had to drag myself to the wedding. As I dressed I kept thinking "How can I attend a wedding with my head shaved? Yuck. What was I thinking?"

Then I arrived at Maggiano's, felt great acceptance and witnessed a loving couple commit themselves to each other before God, family, friends and the State of California. I was once part of the Christian camp that uses scripture to discriminate quoting Genesis as stating: "God created Adam and Eve" -- not Adam and Steve.

I have since evolved and no longer try to pigeon hole people. Some people are wired differently than me. Who am I to deny any loving couple an opportunity to marry?

This is not to say I've evolved to the point where I am comfortable seeing two men kiss. But then again, I prefer movies that cut to the ocean and leave something to my imagination.

Don't all Americans have a fundamental right to the pursuit of happiness under the Declaration of Independence? How can anyone deny Neal and Gordon or any other couple (straight or gay) the right to marry and pledge themselves to each other if that gives them happiness?

Say Hello to my Old Doctor in New Zealand

This morning at the Santa Monica Farmer's Market, a woman read my head and then said: "My old doctor lives in New Zealand. Will you please say hello to Dr. Millford (or something like that) for me? Say Marla (or Marie or something like that) says hello."

I explained there's a North and South Island in New Zealand. She just said to please say hello. So I said okay. I hope her doctor goes white water rafting, scuba diving or parapenting because I'm not planning to schedule medical visits on my adventure. . . .

Later this morning I had a cranial doppler test to make sure a procedure I had in July definitely closed a flap in my heart called a PFO (google it). They wanted to make sure I didn't have any bubbles in my brain (they inject some agitated saline solution to determine this). The two first year residents, Andre and Te (sp?) who administered the test were pleased to see my shaved head as it made their job easier.

My doctor, Jonathan Tobis, M.D. was glad that there were zero bubbles. The irony is that I expected nothing less than zero bubbles, while he seemed a bit relieved. Given the fact I had my head shaved for a flight to New Zealand, perhaps it was logical for him to worry I might still have bubbles in my brain.

Which just goes to show Los Angelenos need to know more about the marvels of New Zealand and the importance of my mission as a cranial billboard.

Anyone I meet who has been to New Zealand seems to understand my willingness to give up my hair in exchange for a ticket.

Tomorrow I go to Neal and Gordon's wedding. They are tying the knot while it's still legal in case Prop. 8 passes. I've already warned them about my shaved head b/c I thought they might think my missing hair was a bad omen if I surprised them. Instead, I hope my cranium will signal great adventures ahead.

One question I have is whether a bouquet will be thrown. If I catch I'm assuming I'm promised the partner of my choice, despite my short, short, short hair status.

A Refreshed Tattoo & Questions for other billboards

Seeing some of my fellow billboards gave me a bit of cranial envy b/c I seem to have a smaller head than others.  The good news is that my cranium measured 24 inches and one of the folks at Sunday's event said that an 18 to 19 inch head would be considered a pinhead. I guess that makes me just a petite head.

QUESTIONS FOR OTHER BILLBOARDS - Please comment:

1.  Did you enjoy the warm towel on your shaved head on Sunday?  I always wondered what a warm towel against a freshly shaved face felt like.  I always imagined someday having a warm towel pressed against my freshly shaved legs rather than my scalp.  I missed the hot towel treatment yesterday when our heads were reshaved.  THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT NOW MY HAIR CAN GROW AND GROW - no more shaving.

2.  What's the best reaction you've had to your cranial billboard?

3.  What's the most hurtful comment you've received?

4.  ARE YOU READY TO BE A KIWI????

HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS CAN BE HIP

Tonight at Whole Foods I met a high school math teacher named Marla who proved white women can be hip!  She was familiar with the Air New Zealand campaign and told her students all about the cranial billboard promotion.  Marla has challenged her students to come up with both luxury and budget travel plans.  She has encouraged them to be creative using concepts like Air New Zealand's billboard idea.  Marla would really love it if a few billboards could make a guest appearance at the school.

Plus, Marla has been to New Zealand before, so she knows it's a land of adventure!

Do White Women Feel More Pressure to Conform?

Having a shaved head has igiven me some insight. Universally, my black female seem more accepting of my "new" look while some of my white female friends find it hard to look at me and suspect I've lost my mind.

My black friends have said: "You have a nice face" or "Wow, it really brings out your eyes - you're going to look great with short, short hair."

In contrast, some of the women in my office with shorter hair than I had have said: "Are you going to wear a wig or hats till it grows back?" When I said my head was Air New Zealand's cranial billboard for the next 10 days -- several said: "But they won't know if you wear a wig in the office." I said: "I'll know."

As a single white female, I've always wanted to be slender like Eva Longoria or Michelle Pfeiffer. Instead, I have boobs and hips. One of my black friends once even asked if I had some black blood in my ancestory since I have more of a bubble butt. I said: "No," and was a bit offended since I've always wanted a less conspicuous butt.

Whereas I've always wanted a better more perfect body as a single white female, my black female friends seem more comfortable in their own skin -- WYSIWYG - What You See Is What You Get. I'm still trying to reach that level of comfort.

So I may be hairless at the moment, but I'm gaining insight (which I'll be able to pack for my adventures in New Zealand). My other revelation is that I had more self-confidence in my hair than I realized.

Now We're Talking

A man behind me on the elevator said: "Gee, I think I want to go to New Zealand."
I told him about being a cranial billboard for Air New Zealand to promote flights from LAX to Auckland. He said: "Is it too late? I'd let them shave my head for a trip to New Zealand."

The woman next to him said she was headed to Australia in a week. She was ready for adventure. But she did not said she'd be willing to shave her head -- of course, she already has a ticket.

SHAVED HEAD DOES NOT MEAN I'M GAY

I'm blogging today in "girlie" purple as a statement of my heterosexuality.

Earlier in the week, another woman advised me that when she cut her hair really short, a lot of women hit on her.

Today, at Amandine, a man approached me after I ordered a piece of quiche.

Man: Since you're advertising --

Me: (thinking) Yay, he wants to go to New Zealand.

Man: (handing me a card): This is a new website for women seeking women.

Me: (trying to hand him back the card) But I'm not gay.

Man: But you may know someone.

As he walked off after refusing to take back the card, I stood there thinking: "But I want to go "down Under" not "down There." By the way, I am voting "No" on 8, I'm just wired to go for guys.

Tonight I'll give the card to Air New Zealand since the one woman at work who is rumored to be gay, would be offended if I tried to give her the card. . . .

I'm contemplating wearing a pink bow on top of my head. . . .

Tonight the Santa Monica Police Came to my Apartment!

Gee, every day is full of surprises when your head is shaved.  This is DAY 4.  On Day 2, my co-worker who kept saying "Oh, my God!" also asked if I was about to go postal.  Until tonight, I thought the conversation was irrelevant.  Gail said: "Well, you know before somebody goes postal (and shoots up a post office), they snap.  You look like you've snapped."

Last night I told my sister-in-law I was a little depressed at the lack of support from many women at my office.

Today, I went off to work without my cell phone and then took a yoga class right after work.  I got home about 8:15 and as I walked toward the elevator, two Santa Monica policemen entered our building lobby and said: "Are you Terry Gardner?"  And I said "yes," initially thinking "Gee, is Air New Zealand playing a joke on me?"  But then the cops - who were very cute - fireman cute (which made me wish my head had even an inch of hair) said: "Are you okay?"  I said: "yes."  

They said: "Please call your brother, Ma'am.  He's very worried about you.  He told us that you'd shaved your head. . . ."  

Aha, that's why they suspected I was Terry Gardner.

The policemen asked me to tell my neighbor who had buzzed me in that I was okay.  They left.  I told my neighbor, Mike, I was fine.  Sadly, Mike and I rarely ever speak -- I think he's always thought I'm weird.  As I stood there with my shaved head explaining I was a human billboard I knew I wasn't help establishing my normalcy in Mike's eyes.

I called my brother and sister-in-law, and they were so relieved.  So after the mixed reception I've received at work, tonight I felt very loved, and I know the Santa Monica police respond very quickly.  Better yet, there are some cute cops here.  I've only seen heftier ones out on the street on bicycles.  

So things are looking up.

OKAY, FELLOW CRANIAL BILLBOARDS, have the cops come to check on you or what?  Post your most interesting tales.  PLEASE.

TATTOOED FOR CHANGE

THE GREAT SHAVE OFF

MORE PIX BEFORE THE GREAT SHAVE

WAY OUTSIDE MY COMFORT ZONE

Rob's post hits the nail on the head. I am suddenly so far outside my comfort zone, it's like I'm free falling daily through a range of emotions.

I knew I could be a bit down on a "bad hair" day, but I had never experienced a "no hair" day.

What's interesting about the response at the law office where I toil as a secretary (when not traveling as a journalist) is that the men have generally been kinder than the women. The men think I'm adventurous, while many of the women stare as they go by. Their glances and expressions suggest they are filling out applications to enroll me in an insane asylum. If these women had long luscious locks (like Rita cut off), it would be more understandable, but these are women with hair shorter than what I cut off. I thought they would embrace my sense of adventure.

Having done stand up comedy and pursued acting, I didn't expect to experience moments of diminished self-confidence. Instead of embracing my bravery, they look at me like I'm a freak.

As women we seem so quick to judge each other. I've been guilty of this myself. During the primary season, I first gravitated toward John Edwards and then Barack Obama because Hillary didn't seem as warm as Michelle Obama or Elizabeth Edwards. Hillary's great grace at the Democratic convention made me truly appreciate her for the first time. Yet, I was previously blinded to what a brilliant woman of substance she is -- I fell for style instead.

Having been to New Zealand and gone white river rafting and tandem parapenting in Queenstown about 10 years ago, my anticipation of new adventures gives me more joy than these minor slings and arrows can ever take away from me.

Who is behind the shell?

One of the most profound realizations for me has been the drastic difference in which women and men are treated based on physical looks and appearance. I did this together with my close friend Rita that had long, flowing red hair prior to the shaving. The differences between how people react to me and how they react to her has really opened my eyes to how much more women are faced with extremely rigid expectations about their physical appearance. For me it's been mostly pats on the back and responses of "cool" but Rita has faced many blank stares or even looks of contempt when she has gone out by herself. We all know that the person inside doesn't change or become less valuable just because of a change on the outside. However, I'm realizing that many people don't understand this. In many ways the head shaving is a real eye opener and a liberating experience that is a catalyst for building inner strength. We are all more than merely our physical form. This process has re-affirmed that truth for me.

THE MEASUREMENT

As my head got measured I figured I could still back out at the last minute. When they called out the "winners" a couple of ladies didn't respond. After the shaving began, one woman changed her mind after seeing how hair removal can really set off a lady's face.

The Invitation

Hey, your henna tattoo is fading

My co-workers keep coming up to me today worried about how much my henna tattoo has faded. Fortunately, Air New Zealand advised this would happen. It's surprised me that I've had to reassure so many friends. I guess they must think: "Poor girl, has she had her head shaved for nothing?"

VIEW PIX OF CRANIAL BILLBOARDS: http://www.carreonphotography.com/anz/ 

Day 2 - 10/27/08

I awoke up clinging to my pillow, scared to get out of bed and head to work to face my unsuspecting co-workers – including my boss, whom I’d failed to tell about the billboard contest.

The morning receptionist’s jaw dropped to the floor (okay, perhaps slightly less). Then she said, “I recognized your voice but not your face. You have such pretty eyes.” She seems to be rooting for me to perhaps transition to a military bob. When our former naval male receptionist saw me, he said I reminded him of a female drill sargeant.

Gail, who helps me manage our office suite could only exclaim: “Oh, my God.” As I tried to explain why my head was shaved, she repeated: “Oh, my God!” "Gail, I get a free airline ticket --"  "Oh, my God!"  All she could say for about five minutes was: "Oh, my God!!" 

In contrast, my boss who had been warned by two people to "brace himself" thought I was a sight fit for uproarious laughter.  He must have laughed for as long as Gail shouted: "Oh, my God!" 

Other tenants in our suite suggested I wear a wig or hat to stay warm in our suite which runs about two degrees warmer than Antartica.  I told them I’d consider a wig after I’ve been a billboard for 10 days.  They asked how Air New Zealand would know if I wore a wig at the office.  I said: "I would know."  How can a become a Kiwi if I cover up my billboard?

Lunch on the sidewalk of Wilshire Boulevard near Bundy, just outside of Quizno’s:
After staring at me for a bit, a woman approached and asked: “Do you have breast cancer?” I thanked her for asking and explained: “I’m promoting Air New Zealand’s nonstop flights from LAX to Auckland” and showed her the back of my head. She said: “Oh, that’s why people were staring at the back of your head.” She clearly spoke to me concerned that people had just stopped and stared at the back of my skull, no doubt thinking: “poor thing.”

The next woman who sat down at a neighboring table asked what was up with my head. I told her about Air New Zealand. She said “My boyfriend is from New Zealand. I’ve spent about four months there. It’s an amazing place.” It turns out her boyfriend is actually 2nd (or maybe 3rd) cousins with Phil Keoghan. She was pleased to know that hair was donated to “Locks of Love” since she’s growing hers out to be long enough to cut for a donation. I told her my hair probably was only long enough for a toupee.

When her colleague joined her at the table, she told him why my head was shaved and he lit up raving about his trip to New Zealand with his family. He had just turned 50 and they had adventures in New Zealand, then flew to Tonga and sailed around the island.

Later a female attorney in our law office asked me what the deal was. I explained, and she said: "I see, I see." But it was clear, she didn't see. Her subtext blared: YOU'RE NUTS! YOU'RE NUTS! But then again, I don't think she's ever been to New Zealand.

HEY, AIR NEW ZEALAND DYED MY CRANIUM!

DAY 1 - 10/26/08

Before arriving at Fairfax High School, I prayed: "God, if I'll look awful without hair, please make my skull the wrong size for Air New Zealand's cranial billboard.  After my skull measured 24 inches, I asked one of the staff what was the minimum size head.  I was told an 18-19 incher would be too much of a pinhead, but most others were acceptable.  Hmmm, if I'd look bad bald, maybe being a pinhead was a good thing.

As I considered withdrawing my application, I noticed a beautiful bald woman signing up.  She turned out to be 19 year old Kylie Bamberger.  She lost her hair at 15, due to Alopecia.  Seeing Kylie showed me bald can be beautiful.  "Hey, I think I can do this."  

Better yet, while 30 of us snagged either a roundtrip coach ticket LAX to Auckland, New Zealand or $777, Locks of Love would receive all the cut hair.

I found out later approximately 200 heads applied for the gig.  10 women applied and 5 of us were chosen.  The gleam in the PR folks eyes as women signed up, made me think being female increased my skull's chances for selection.

Phil Keoghan, host of "The Amazing Race" - a Kiwi himself (who is quite fond of flying Air New Zealand Business Class) announced the 30 chosen craniums.

SHAVED SKULL:

Hmm, suddenly my head feels like the warm chin of a freshly shaved man.  While we waited for our henna tattoos to dry, the newly bald compared notes.  If you touch a bare skull while speaking, you can feel good vibrations.

WHOLE FOODS:

People glanced from my face then looked away and I realized they must think I was in chemo or had recently had brain surgery.  As I checked out, the man behind me noticed my skull and said: "Great advertising."  Thank God.  Someone finally realized "NEED A CHANGE? HEAD DOWN TO NEW ZEALAND.  www.airnewzealand.com" was a positive message.

I could have hugged him for making me feel my head had a purpose.  We chatted about my being a cranial billboard for the airline.   He was disappointed he had not known about the competition because he clearly would have been willing to give up what little hair he had.

On the phone that evening, friends and family were disappointed I hadn't insisted on flying business class.  They didn't understand I wanted to revisit New Zealand so badly that I would have been willing to fly Air New Zealand strapped to a wing. Since it's a 12 hour flight, I would have definitely bundled up. . . .

Looking in the mirror, I keep asking: "Who are you?"  Eating dinner, I watched myself in the mirror.  With my bare skull, I can see my mandible work hard from my temple to my jawbone when I chew food.