The Salon

My sister offered to take me to her salon so I can have my hair colored and cut by a reliable hairdresser in time for the upcoming wedding. What a generous offer. She picked me up and we headed out to the east side of the city, stopping first to grab a bite of lunch at Wegmans and catch up on Mom's status and the ongoing emptying of Mom's house so that it can be sold to cover the cost of her upkeep.

Then we headed across the street to a strip mall where the salon is housed. The minute I walked in I knew I was out of my league. Everything was chrome and glass and very upscale. The hairdressers wore the latest couture including shoes with tall heels and fashionable designs. I gulped, realizing I had probably not dressed appropriately. After all, coloring one's hair can be messy so I didn't wear anything particularly good.

We are greeted by name and directed to our clinicians. First, I get a cut. There is not much to cut, really. My hair does not grow well after all the chemo and radiation damage. It is still pretty thin and fragile. But my stylist knows immediately how to address my messed up hair. First, she uses a shampoo and conditioner especially designed for "mature and damaged hair." I am surprised at the difference that makes. Then she snips away at my mop, taking very little off, but when she is done, the cut is extraordinary. I look much better already!

On to the color specialist. I show her my wig. I have received so many compliments when I wear it that I think the color is a good one for me. She sizes me up in the wig, then mixes up her magic and applies it to my head. She takes great care to ensure that the application is done well and even. And then I sit for a half hour while it takes effect. It does not smell anywhere as pungent as other colors I have had done, and it does not burn either. But it seems so black!

Another treatment with special shampoos including one that immediately cures any damage the color may have done. Interesting. This is the royal treatment for sure. Then I am whisked away for drying and styling. They use a special thickener spritz and (you didn't hear this from me) a spray powder that covers my bald spots and makes them the same color as my hair instead of the blinding skin white.

I look in the mirror, and I scarcely know who I am. Wow! What a lift to feel like you look good for a change. On the way out, my sister hands me two bags of products that they have used on me today. What a sweetheart! And we have an appointment for another round right before the wedding. Thanks, Jan, for being so considerate. I would not have known where to go even if I could have afforded such a wonderful treat.

Last Interview

This candidate used to be one of our student staff assistants. She was excellent then, and it is easy to see that she has only improved since she graduated and made her way into the wide world. She is back to do a graduate degree. She sits across the table from us, calm and confident.

We work through the job description, making sure to discuss all the various responsibilities and what that might indicate. It is a daunting list for a part time job. We are expecting miracles. She understands much since some of these are duties she undertook as a student worker.

Then we get to the "trying to figure out how your skills and gifts will match this position" questions. She must wonder why on earth we are doing such a thorough grilling for a relatively minor position. But we are a team here. We need someone on board who will work well with what is already in place, someone who understands our family and our insistence on excellence.

I wish I could hire everyone we have talked to and a few we did not interview. They are all deserving and capable. The job market is tight, which is only a blessing to those of us who will be able to hire such stellar employees as have applied for our position. I am so grateful I am on the hiring side and not the seeking side.

Another Excellent Interview

I am amazed. Today's candidate is even better than yesterday's if that is possible. Our give and take is natural and she is asking the kinds of questions and making the kinds of comments that a long time employee might ask and make. Our connection feels very natural. I could totally see myself working with this person.

I think about Kiel interviewing for jobs. I hope he finds himself in as good a position as we are in. I have been on both sides of the interviewing process. I know what an employer hopes for, and the nervousness that a candidate feels. I try to explain to Kiel what he might encounter, what the employer is looking for, what communicates best.

He is trying to do all the right things. Its difficult in this tight economy to get your start. There is nothing particularly fair about the process, and the best candidate sometimes doesn't get the gig when there are political currents or previous bad experiences to be dealt with. Somebody invariably has to take a chance and bring in those new to the job market, trusting that they will work out.

I pray for Kiel and put him in God's hands. There is a place for him, and between him and the good Lord, he will find his way and his place. I sure hope it happens soon!