Don't Stare...it's rude..

The simple task of shopping has turned into a study of society. Granted, I certainly expect a degree of stares..who wouldn't stare at a bald women with a seriously pale skull letting it all out there for the world to see.

I found the experience at Applebee's most interesting. Michael and I popped in there after a training walk (which the last 3 miles felt like a very modern version of the Bataan Death March - heat, humidity, no shade after 8 miles of some shade, humidity, and a slight breeze) to grab some lunch before hitting our other errands. The greeter didn't even bat an eye - cool. We were paraded off to a corner and seated. Our server swiftly brought us our wine and food, and after I scarfed down an entire order of Chili Cheese Nachos myself (such a piglet I can be) we were ready to go. Michael left his wallet out in the car, and I went to get it. I got up and proceeded to the door, passing by a corner table of 6 adults and 2 little kids. Without glancing at them I went to the door, but could literally feel their stares - like laser beams following me to the exit.

I got to the car, grabbed the wallet, and was passed by a vehicle who honked and gave me a thumbs up - that was quite cool, actually. Of course, he may not have been honking at me or doing the thumbs up for me since I certainly wasn't the only person in the parking lot...but, hey...I will revel in my own thoughts on that.

As I entered back into the restaurant, the greeter welcomed me again, and I walked past that infamous table of 6 adults, looked the eldest in the eye and gave an abbreviated nod. Michael looked at me and said "They were staring at you". I told him "I know...I could feel it." We finished up, and got up to leave...having to walk past THE table again. This time, as I walked by the table the entire group stopped chewing, and with heads lowered, eyes all simultaneously raised upwared and followed me.

I guess I just wondered what they were thinking. Perhaps I should have just sat down next to them and asked what at what they were looking so intently. Hindsight, I guess.

I think about the fact that this is my choice to do this, and remember that for many, it's not really a choice. I did not go bald to garner donations (however if you would like to donate click on the link on the upper right hand corner), I did this to get a better perspective of a different path of my life. So, I will keep it covered a bit in certain situations and when in not-frequented-by-us establishments.

Today, to our grocery store, which we visit at least twice a week, and know most of the staff....I kept it covered. Not because of the staff, or the shock on their faces...but because of the clientele. It is a grocery store with a majority of the shoppers are of proud Hispanic heritage, where doing what I have done, as my friend Dalia told me today, would make me look "ugly". I was kind of taken aback by that statement.

What defines beautiful and what defines ugly? In some cultures and in some age groups, a full head of thick strong hair makes a woman beautiful. In other cultures, a full figured woman with very short hair is classified as beautiful. And in our society as a whole...a woman's hair, by virtue alone, defines status, beauty, desirability, and success.

Bald can be beautiful. Bald can be stong, and courageous, and brave. It's time our society embraces it.