I got a haircut tonight and now feel about 200 times better about myself than I did when I last looked in a mirror. (Yes, I really am that vain.) I keep twisting my neck left and right so I can feel my short tresses sway across my neck. Nope, I’m not washing this ‘do for at least another 36 hours. Haha, anyone wanna hang out?

I’ve been going to a stylist named Kirsten for about a year now. She’s wonderful. I know I could try to find someone who’s slightly cheaper, but really, I wouldn’t dare. I don’t get manicures, pedicures, facials, massages or any other frilly services, so this is my time of pampering. The other parts of my body? Just deal with them.

It’s not even the cut that makes me so addicted to her (though OH MY GOD I’m cute). She’s just one of those people who you want to be around. You know what I mean? She’s warm and funny and just plain cool. Once you walk out the door, you’ll believe that the hour and twenty minutes you just spent in that adjustable chair was an hour and twenty minutes of happiness.

To me, that’s really, really big. Because I, for one, am the worst at chit chat. I can’t do it. I mean, I can talk nonstop with people I care about or like or at least feel comfortable with, but the majority of people on this planet don’t fall into that category. Take last night for example. I went to a fancy dinner with Matt and his co-workers in the industrial steam business. I did a fine job smiling pretty and not splattering marinara sauce on my dress (go me!), but all I muttered the entire night were some lame phrases like “that’s funny” and “wow” and “oh, how nice.” I was so bored of myself and later told Matt that I never wanted to go to a grown-up party again.

So yeah, I’m very impressed with people who seem to be able to talk to anyone. Kirsten is good at being inquisitive without being intrusive. She shares stories about herself but then listens when I share my own. As I find myself talking and talking, I’m somewhat surprised that I have so much to say.

As a journalist and a grown-up (I guess), I would like to learn more about the art of communication. I’m realizing more and more that it’s a pretty important skill.