So far

This has been an interesting experience. But a really exciting one, too!

I've gotten so many comments that I have a perfectly round head - phew! I was worried about that, considering my family's history with odd heads (sorry, family). Not that it would have been a big deal, but it is nice to know that if I ever lose my hair, I won't have to be self conscious about my head.

I tried three times to shave my head completely with a real razor, and finally succeeded the third time. It was pretty weird to see my shiny, white, super bald head! I think I like it better with a little bit of fuzz, because it's more fun to feel (: I think I'm actually going to use the clippers on it a few more times and keep it mostly bald for a little while. It's a good conversation starter, and a great way to promote St. Baldrick's. Plus, it's kind of fun to laugh at the weird looks I get (: I got an especially weird look from the lady at the check-out counter when I bought the razor called a Head Blade! :P

I've only had two people actually approach me to ask or comment about it. One lady was at church, and thanked me for doing it because she is a survivor. Another man came up to me at Chipotle while I was there with friends, and told me it was a great thing I did. I coudn't hear him very well when he approached me (Chipotle can be pretty loud sometimes), but my friends said they were pretty sure he said he had done it, too, so now I feel bad for not saying anything to him! One of my friends at church (who didn't shave her head) was approached and asked if the bald family had shaved their heads for a family member with cancer, so she explained it to the lady. With all the people that give me strange looks, I always wonder if they think I shaved my head as a new fashion statement/rebellion, or if they think that I'm sick.

Of course it has been really cold most of the days that I've been bald, so I haven't really gotten to experience much while COMPLETELY bald, without a hat, because I have to keep warm! That's another reason I want to keep it shaved for a little while longer, so that I can really experience the baldness without a hat. I can't wait to go cruising with my windows down without having to worry about my hair in my face!

The funniest part is the fact that I'm getting used to the feel of my bald head, but not the look of it. So every time I walk into the bathroom and see the mirror, I do a double-take. And it is SO nice not needing to style my hair in the morning! I can be ready in fifteen minutes, and that includes makeup!

The best feeling, though, is having my dog lick my head...I say you haven't lived until you've experienced that (:

Another really cool thing is that a couple of people have found me online through St. Baldrick's, and we've started talking. One guy is now going to be a shavee/event organizer next year, and even donated on my head - I've never even met him before! Crazy stuff! It's excitng, though, to think of the impact people can make through this organization. I have a feeling this is not my last time doing it, and I hope that I've started something by inspiring future shavees/volunteers/donators. And I hope that St. Baldrick's can inspire people to do good through other organizations, too, because cancer, although huge, isn't the only problem out there.

I think that's all for now, but I'll keep you updated with anything new and exciting :P

Baldly yours,
Kelly (:

Post #1 - Shave Day!! (4/6/07)

Today was the day! I'm 19, and BALD!! It is such a GREAT feeling! I feel so free and fuzzy! :D

Our team has raised at least $1,300, which is pretty far above our goal, and that's really exciting!

I was really nervous, and really excited all at the same time. I don't even know why I was nervous, because I don't care that much about my hair anyway. I think it was mainly excitement, and my adrenaline going. We had 8 people on our team who were shaved, and everyone was really happy to do it. Feeling my hair fall off of my head was bizarre! My dad held up a mirror right after the first chunk dropped, and it was sooo weird to see!

I'm really glad that my head is not weird shaped or anything...I'm actually OK with not wearing a hat most of the time (: My parents took me to Chipotle afterward, and I refused to take my hat off, except to take a picture. They were annoyed, but I'm not quite ready to go totally bald in public yet. I told them to just give me a couple days and I'll be fine (:

After I got home tonight, I decided to shave my head with a real razor...did not work too well. My hair is just so thick and tough that it was irritating my head without getting rid of my hair. So now I have a few patches missing, but nothing too bad. I may get some pointers tomorrow from a guy that shaves his head regularly.

The weirdest part by far has been taking a shower. I used soap on my head, and was trying to rub it out of my hair, but there wasn't hair to rub it out of! WEIRD feeling! It was so nice to be able to get ready in 15 minutes, though! Wow...I love it!

Anyway...I can't stop rubbing my fuzzy head. My dog licks it, and it's one of the best feelings in the world when he does! It's hilarious! I'm going to feed the dogs some cake frosting off my head at some point ;).

There should be pictures of the event posted on the St. Baldrick's Website sometime soon, including professional pictures of me, and my team, before and after. Just go to www.stbaldricks.org, and do a search for the event in Colorado Springs. It's the one at Armstrong Hall.

Thank you so much to everyone who donated and showed your support in any way! It really means a lot! This has been a great experience so far, and it's only the first day! I'll be keeping you all updated on how fast my hair grows, and any funny experiences I have through this.

Thanks again! Love you all!

-Kelly