Business as usual?

The snowy north.

I just got back from a business trip up north.  It was an annual leadership conference for all the leaders in my university (about 150 in all).  I debated with myself on whether I should go, and I would have been excused had I decided not to.  But I really thought it would be a good opportunity to get to know the other leaders.  And it was.  I got to stand up twice and be recognized by our CAO for efforts by my team.  That was pretty awesome.  Not many people got to stand up twice.  As I’ve said in previous blogs, my doctor wants me to live as “normal” as possible, and she doesn’t want chemo to get in the way of life.  It was a great conference and I learned a lot.  And, it didn’t get in the way of chemo, which takes place on Thursdays.

TSA patted my head down on the way up, as my hair was glowing on their security screen.  The conference attendees provided additional pats and hair flips, or at least a mention of distinguishing hair traits.  It is intriguing how many conversations (for women, anyway) center around hair.  It’s even more interesting when you are wearing a wig.  “I love your hair,” or “your hair looks great” or “do you use a flat iron,” or “I like the way you part your hair.”  Then there was my favorite: the awkward pause when someone notices out loud that your hair looks different, cocks her head to the side with a quizzical look as though she wants to say something further but — stops herself.  I wondered what she was thinking, but I didn’t encourage her to go on for fear of embarrassing her in the process.

These were just a few of the interesting comments I observed.  Some were directed to me, and others I overheard when two people were talking at a close distance.  It surprised me how unaware I was before, and how much more aware I am now of these hair conversations than I have ever been in the past.  It wasn’t just “business as usual.”  I was so much more aware of the possible situations people were bringing with them from their home and personal life, as I was.  Perhaps they didn’t talk about it either.  No one would know.  I am more aware of the people who surround me, and I am more attentive to their spirit as they speak.

I didn’t go to the conference prepared with a “hair” speech, so I typically just nodded my head in agreement.  No one asked, and I didn’t tell.  My diagnosis is not a secret or I wouldn’t be blogging about it, but at this point I’m choosing to keep my work and personal lives in separate silos.  I’ll keep them guessing for at least a little while longer.

Flying Home.
Houston is below.

The flight home was effortless.  Two empty seats on either side of me and an early arrival finished the trip with high spirits.  Weary from the long daily schedule, I couldn’t wait to go to bed!  I don’t know if I will go on any other business trips for my job this year.  We’ll take it one day at a time and see how I feel, but I seriously doubt it.

Here’s a fun comment/discussion starter:  Take the next day or two and observe how many “hair” conversations you notice at work, home, and around you.  Then come back to my blog and talk about it.  I’d love to hear what you discover!