5 minute read

Statistically, life expectancy changes from year to year. Like most of you, I expect to live a lot longer than seventy-six, but as of today, that’s how long the average American male will live. Statistically. I do everything the doctors tell me I should be doing and have an active, healthy lifestyle but in reality, life carries no guarantee. Fact: We all die. So I ask myself, if I only had nineteen more years, how best to use them?

what is worse, being poor or alone?

Been on OK Cupid for about a month. Have enjoyed a few dates and chats but mostly meh. There doesn’t seem to be a great deal of engagement. A lack of honest-to-god flirting. I’ve asked around and I am told that this is on par. With no trace of snark I’ve got to say that it’s no wonder why so many guys are single. If you are not good at flirting, how about throwing out a question or two? Or perhaps texting a fun fact? Fun Fact: Vanilla ice cream is my favorite flavor. It’s kind of dumb.. yeah, but you have to begin with something. The apps are not magic. Magic needs to be created and nurtured and valued. I also don’t mind my beliefs being challenged in a fun and thoughtful manner. If intelligence is such a turn on why are more guys not upping their EQ? There are worse things than dying alone.

embracing failure and all it’s wonderful lessons

This space is not where I usually champion our business. That said, 2019 was a great year. All things considered (business closings, debt loads, taxes, headaches..) Sarah and I can be both proud and grateful. We learned a great deal to put into practice for the year ahead.

Most people dream of retiring. Some talk about what they will do after. I do it now. The recent push in minimal packaging and thoughtfulness toward the environment (finally) electrifies us and keeps our moral compass pointed directly toward our goals as a company. Though Sarah is the north star that guides us toward greater sustainability/responsibility, this year we struggled mightily to stay the course. We have been emotionally, mentally, physically and creatively drained by the four years of salon upheaval. And that is what it was. Upheaval. We embraced as much as we could but at some point, you get buried by a mound of shit. Sarah and I do what we have always done since childhood, brush off as much as you can, keep moving forward and allow yourself to cry silently when no one is looking. It works for us. So judge if you must as you down another cocktail or smoke up that bowl. We all judge.

As the new year gets under way, we are sorting through all we have learned from the past four. As our workshop gets decluttered from the rush, it’s time to focus on why we got into this business in the first place. Recipes. Formulations. Pushing the boundaries of what we can offer. Not colors or scents or cute packaging. New good things that replace old good things. For the better. For the environment as much as anything else. Some day our store will become a green refilling depot of all good things bath, spa and body care. As we lobby to change the rules of the FDA, we can at least begin in the simplest of ways. If statistically I am on my way out (laugh), what a lovely endeavor to embrace for all the time that is still left.

selfishness must always be forgiven you know, because there is no hope of a cure. It isn't what we say or think that defines us, but what we do. There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends.

Jane Austin knew about what she wrote. Being a selfish adult, I’ve learned to embrace the reality. It’s like being gay.. or vain. It’s what I am, but it’s not all I am. There is so much more that defines me as a person. I think at a certain point we have to embrace our flaws but not allow them to control our behavior. I still strive in all things.

When the new national statistics on life expectancy dropped last week, I took notice but was not alarmed. It was a good reminder that time is fleeting. To make sure we are living the lives we envision. Because one never knows. You might not wake up tomorrow. Which is why I believe that how we live is far more worthwhile than how long we live. Be it alone or in a pair, I plan on living long enough to have another go at love. That is if he’s fun in the sack and doesn’t drone on about politics.