Tangerines- succulent fruit vs. horrid haircolor

Recently, I needed some change and was hoping that, unlike President Obama's change, this would not put me in debt. I decided to change my naturally blonde hair to chocolate brown. Beautiful as it may have been, after a few months, it was time to go back to my roots..literally. However, my hairdresser disregarded the fact that my hair soaks up any red in hair dye, causing my hair to be permanently dyed orange, rather than blonde. (Enter "gasp" here). As I now sit at my laptop (orange locks in a bun on top of my head), my biggest fear is that I will get into a rut. That I will never be able to achieve my natural haircolor again and will end up in debt because of my impulsive change.

"Rut" is such an unappealing word. Take a minute to say it. Don't worry- I will wait! Even if that was the name of some delicious cheesecake, wouldn't it still be completely unappealing? Nevertheless, we allow ourselves into ruts often. We don't give any thought to growth of a person. For example, my siblings are all coming in for christmas and this couldn't be more true. Yet, I can only speak for myself and offer myself as an example, lest I be wrong. Each of my siblings seems to still think of me as the "emily" that existed when they left home for college. Most of the time, this happens to be the "boy-crazy, middle school Emily." She's not here anymore (thank the Lord!!), but how do you get out of that rut? Or will I always be "the little sister you don't want around"?

As you are around family for the Christmas (dare I say "Christmas", rather than "holiday") Season, be aware of ruts and try to get out of them by factoring in a person's ability to grow. Afterall, growth may be the only way I can get out of my current rut- tangerine hair!

Merry Christmas!

"Fire and Ice" by Robert Frost

Some say the world will end in fire,
Some say in ice.
From what I've tasted of desire
I hold with those who favor fire.
But if I had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.