Canadians, Do You Want Me Back?

My readership has grown quite a bit while I've been in Budapest.  I'm so happy you loved a little virtual sightseeing mixed in with the usual DIY goodness, but I'm coming home in a few days.  Will you still stop by Dans le Townhouse when I'm actually back in the townhouse?
 
Sure you will!  I've got plans, Stan!  Some really fun (and easy) DIY projects are on the horizon.  But I'll also be chilling out, maxing and relaxing all cool, getting re-acquainted with my Canadian life.

In four months, I have not:

• gone to a movie
• watched television
• had a phone conversation
• slept on a mattress
• seen my employer
• used a clothes dryer
• paid a bill online
• gone a week without getting grief from a stranger
• taken any guff (looking at you, Parliament security guard.  I sure told you what's what)
• shoveled snow
• missed centipedes
• listened to the radio
• spent a day without speaking some Hungarian
• baked anything
• driven a car
• had much variety in my wardrobe
• used a dishwasher (or microwave)
• bought in bulk
• seen my Canadian family or friends (except Mom and Hubby!)
• re-organized a cupboard or drawer
• taken a bath (this needs clarification: I've showered)
• worn high heels
• had any drama in my life
• hosted a dinner party
• been able to put impoverished people out of my mind
• put paint to canvas
• sat in a truly comfortable chair
• read a home decor magazine
• seen a cat (where are all the cats?)   
• UPDATE: Amy reminded me about the drooling stray I snuggled.  Budapest, though, has been weirdly cat-free!
• made a purchase without converting the amount to CAD in my head
• used a treadmill
• gone a day without walking 

This list could go on forever.  My whole life has been different in Budapest, from the minutiae to the grand scale.  I feel a bit nervous going home, is that weird?

In addition to some chillaxin', I am planning to make my return home as life changing as being here has been.

For one thing, I've promised myself that I have to slow down and appreciate home more.  Here, even en route to do work, I marveled at the architecture, the history, the beauty . . . the differentness.  I don't marvel enough at home, even though I live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world.  From now on, if you see me in the streets, I'll be marveling.  In fact, after a blip in my confidence (okay, it was shaken and stirred), I feel good. These four months have ultimately made me feel more capable.  Right now, I feel so full of vim and vigor, I am convinced I can do anything if I just put my mind to it.  I am hoping this confidence doesn't subside.  

I never know when sneaky, unexpected feelings will hit me.

To help with the accomplishing of fantastical goals, I am also planning on concocting a good, productive routine.  I used to hate routine.  I love working from home because of the freedom.  Thrifting at 2:00pm?  Yay.  Impromptu beach or snowboarding day?  Let me just get the SPF.  But then it's working until midnight for a few days to catch up.  I still don't love the idea of a routine, but I had to have more structure in Budapest and realized it kept me more motivated to stay on task.  Look at me, I got stuff done!  So I'm going to construct a better balance between the giddy liberation I love and the fact that there are things that need doing in a timely manner.  Preferably before the vampires come out. 

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Help: DIY Dye Job Gone Wrong

Sugar.  I made my hair ugly.

Years & years ago, I used to colour my own hair.  I used henna, every brand of semi-permanent dye, plus I coloured over other dye, highlights - you name it.  Hubs (my then boyfriend) even cut my hair for awhile, which I mentioned here, so I am no stranger to the DIY hair-do.  But a few years back I turned to a hair dresser to help grow out a black, DIY dye job gracefully.  She suggested a chic, ombre colour that I loved.  Over the years, she created a fabulous angled bob, then a lovely crisp layered cut and then some glittery highlights for me.  But somewhere along the way she lost her magic.  My last set of highlights were too brassy, but the cut was sharp.  Then the next cut was crooked and wonky.  I panicked, because I hate finding a new stylist and have a fear of spas and salons.  So I avoided getting my hair cut, or coloured, for about a year.

My highlights got worse and worse.  See how drab and faded my highlights were on our trip to Boston (I snagged this photo from my telephone museum post)?  They were also getting really grown out.



I finally had enough and bought a box of hair dye, deciding to return to my DIY ways.  I'd coloured over highlights before and I picked a colour close to my natural shade, thinking things would go smoothly.

But somehow this happened (and, yes, I badly need a trim, too.  Ugh, so shaggy):

SUGAR!

The weird, splotchiness disappears if I pin my hair up, so I've been rocking some Joan Holloway updos but that's hardly a permanent solution.

I called customer service and was sent a coupon for a free box of dye, but I'm scared I might make it worse.

Help.

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Good Vibes Needed

It might be slightly quieter around the townhouse for a couple days because my grandpa is not well.  Although I only just stepped foot in the townhouse this evening, after two loooong flights, I'm off to see my Papa tomorrow.  I'm hoping my visit will cheer him up.  Although I am stressed and bone tired I am in good spirits.  The young woman seated in the row ahead of me on the plane was barfed on by the little girl sitting next to her (no relation) so things were really put in perspective for me.  Her day was, hands down, much worse.

Please send good vibes my way to pass on to my Papa (who I am confident can power through any ailment).  And hug someone you love.

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