Pajama Party

Flabbergasted doesn't even come close to describing my reaction to Kiel's last night home before heading back to college. He was no where near ready to depart - clothes were flung everywhere, stacks to sort through lined the living room floor, he wanted to make a grocery run, spend some Christmas cash, see a few friends, go to the bank - the list seemed endless. I was tired just listening to his ambitious plans!



What amused me most was his interest in helping one of Drew's friends dye his hair. Apparently they had been working on getting his Mom's permission for some time, and they were down to the wire in getting it done. Permission had been granted, money had been earned, and it was a go. Zach wanted to be a blond (am I sure I am hearing this right? from a guy?). But wait. This involved not just Zach, but a whole group of kids interested in watching, seeing for themselves how to do it, learning from the pro - the kid with the blue, uh, red, uh green hair.



Yup. It was a regular pajama party. Kids hanging around, deep in conversation about what color to purchase, how hard it was to lighten dark hair, what was the best technique, how long it would take, how many times he would have to do it, what shampoo to use afterwards. From guys! I had a tremendous flashback to junior high and girls hanging out painting toenails and teasing hair. Yikes! All that was missing was the pajama gear.



I sat quietly in the living room watching the drama unfold. The conversation buzzed louder and louder as excitement grew. First the trip to the store to get the dye. Then animated conferences about the particulars. Suddenly, off came the glasses, the whole crew descended on the tiny bathroom, head under the tub faucet, on went the dye, timing began. Everyone retired to Drew's room to play video games until the timer buzzed.



I finally gave up and went to bed. I don't know what time the friends left, but Kiel took Zach home for the final steps in the process. He must have returned around midnight to start his packing. Trains do run late, but he would still have to get up in a few short hours to catch the ten o'clock run to Albany.



I wonder if it was worth it? Zach's hair didn't look too different after all the hoopla. Just slightly lighter. They spent a lot of time and energy on it. They plan to do it again soon. At least they didn't giggle at guys through the bedroom window or have a pillow fight!