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!