Dear Nature and Nurture,

I'm not sure which one of you is responsible for the conversation below that certifies I am indisputably my mother's daughter, but either way, thanks. And, for the record, the blender has been washed and is drying in the drying rack even as I type.

Me, 10:44 a.m.

Even when I buy all the ingredients for smoothies, I still don't make them because I hate cleaning the blender so much. That's truly dumb. So today while I was waiting for my tea to steep, I made two blenderfuls of smoothie and poured them into jars and now I have like 6 smoothies and only have to wash the blender once. Not that I've actually washed the blender. I left it soaking in the sink before running far away and trying to pretend it won't be waiting for me when I go back to the kitchen.

Mom, 12:01 p.m.

So funny!!!  Right now I have the smoothie ingredients sitting in my blender waiting for the strawberries to soften a bit.  And the only reason I'm making one is because all the yogurts I got to make them are getting old and I need to use them.  Because, I too, hate washing the blender!  And yogurt is so hard to get off.  I wonder if they use yogurt to build houses with in Greece.  

Hugs & kisses,

B

Dear Mom,

You are fantastic. I try to explain why, but when I see my description in words, it looks insincere and gooey. Let it suffice to say I love you. Have a great day.

Hugs & kisses,
B

Dear Hairdresser I'm Leaving Behind Me When I Move on Saturday,

When my mom, sick of hearing me complain about my hair, made me an appointment with you, I confess, I wasn't sure I'd like you. Sure, my mom's hair looked great ... on her. But were you going to be one of those people who makes everyone's hair look the same? Was I going to walk out of your studio looking middle-aged? Could anyone possibly save my hair from the Short Cut Fiasco of '09?

The past two years of beautiful hairdos have proven not only that my hair could be saved, but also that my mom often knows what she's talking about. Thank you for showing me that I could have long hair that doesn't look like the Ugly Girl In a Bad Teen Movie, for teaching me how to make my uncooperative hair curl, and for supporting me when I came in with boxed dye instead of having it done in your studio. On top of that, I always enjoyed our conversations, too, and will miss the tales of camping, hiking, and your granddaughter when I get my hair cut by someone in Wisconsin who had BETTER not ruin what your magical shears began.

Hugs & kisses,
B