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by Hope

First off, thank you to the BAD readers who took the time to give me well thought out and educated responses to my query regarding the minimum wage increase. I realize it’s a hot topic to many. But I never believe that bashing or belittling someone’s thoughts is the way to change them…education is. So thank you to those who responded in that light.

I would guess that I am one of the lowest maintenance women I know. My sister is the same way; although she does brush her hair. But after months of no hair maintenance, my daughter pointed out that it was time to do something about my “rat’s nest.” We call it that because I literally wash and then wrap it up on the top of my head with a scrunchie, and never touch it again.

She pointed out all my greys, well earned, I might add. And she pulled up an older picture of the two of us when I had bangs and said she wanted me to look like that again. I placed my trust in her and one of her friend’s hands to complete a makeover.

A Cheap Makeover

My only cost…a $7 box of brown hair dye. (She went in with me to make sure I didn’t pick “purple or something.”)

We stayed up late into the night while she completed the dye job, blew dry my hair and then she cut some bangs. Voila…here’s the end result. I love it!

Sidenote: did you notice my daughter’s dual purpose, economical decorations behind me? She collects sunglasses and not only does she wear them, all the time, but she has also used some of her yarn from her knitting to use them as bedroom decorations as well. I love how creative she is.

I know there have been lots of “self care” related posts by the women bloggers here on BAD. While some find their hair and self care time a necessary expense, it’s definitely one of my extras and not one I worry about at all. But I sure am grateful for the time and effort my daughter took to making me look my best…at least according to her. At least my greys are at bay for a few more months.

Hope

Hope is a resourceful, solutions-driven online business manager with over two decades of experience helping clients streamline operations, manage projects, and grow their businesses through digital marketing and technology.

But life has a way of rewriting your plans.

A year ago, Hope made the decision to move in with her aging parents full time – a season she wouldn’t trade, even as it came with its own financial and emotional weight. Earlier this year, she lost her mother, and is now walking the tender, disorienting path of grief while learning what “forward” looks like from here.

Hope came to the Blogging Away Debt community in 2015 as a single mom raising five foster and adoptive children. She’s written through job changes, financial setbacks, and the bittersweet transition to an empty nest. Her kids are finding their footing in the world now – and so is she.

Rooted in faith and fueled by the same perseverance she’s brought to every hard season, Hope is ready to face her finances with fresh eyes and an honest pen. She believes that clarity, courage, and community can change the trajectory of anyone’s story including her own.

She lives in Austin, TX with her dad, loves adventures with her dog Addie, and is figuring out, one step at a time, what this next chapter is meant to be.