I am usually entirely too impatient to grow out my hair.  Every few months I run into my hair stylist, Ben, and adamantly exclaim, “It’s got to go!  Chop it all off!  Do whatever you want – just do something drastic!”  (Yes, with Ben I have complete, blind trust – but that’s beside the point.  Getting back on track…)  A couple of years ago I decided to commit to long hair.  I pushed through my neuroses and grew an outrageous amount of hair.  It was great until one day, I discovered that it was no longer doing a thing for me – no style, no body – it was just hanging there – it had to go!  This is where Locks of Love comes in.  I’ve heard about this organization for a long time but never really knew the details.  They are doing such an amazing thing providing wigs for sick children so I thought I would share my experience in hopes that some of you out there might be encouraged to give your hair the next time you need a drastic change as well.

First, I never knew exactly how much hair they needed.  The answer:  10 inches.  Your hair can be layered; the longest layer just need to be 10 inches.

Second, I always thought that I wouldn’t be eligible to give because I have my hair colored.  This is not the case.  From what I understand, it used to be, but they are in such need of donations that they now accept color-treated hair.  Bleached hair or hair in dreadlocks are the only kinds they can’t use.  If you’re uncertain whether your hair would be considered “bleached”, ask your stylist.  

Third, it’s so easy to donate!  Just visit the Locks of Love website and you’ll find the address.  You basically just stick your ponytail in a bag and a padded envelope and mail it in.  No forms to fill out or anything like that. 

I know there are a lot of brides out there who grew their hair out for their wedding and are looking to cut it off when they get back from the honeymoon.  I encourage you to donate your hair to such a worthy cause.  When I went to get my hair cut, the donation requirement was about 3-4 inches shorter than I had originally planned on going.  However, my hair grows, and by going a little shorter for a while, what I cut off can make a child happy instead of just going in the trash.  I share this with you so that you might consider doing the same the next time you go to the stylist.  It’s well worth it and I actually really like my shorter hair.  What can I say?  Ben is fabulous! ;o)

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This past week was a bit nutty.  Both of our main computers died as soon as we returned from Mexico.  After battling it out for a couple of days, Sean banished them forever and adopted two shiny Mac Pros.  Yes, we have officially joined the Mac cult – I know many of you are very proud. :o)  We’re still in the process of completing the conversion but we’re nearly fully operational again at last!  

In other news, I have caved to peer pressure and joined twitter.  I am still awaiting my blog thought bubble until Sean is done with computer world but you should come be my friend – please! :o)  Join in on my random musings and the general madness inside my head at http://twitter.com/melmclellan.

Anywho, just wanted to touch base with all you wonderful people.  Hope your week is off to a great start!  

– Mel