Cabin Fever
We are heading into the fifth week of the lockdown. That is more than a month spent almost exclusively within the four-member family unit. I would say we have coped surprisingly well given the circumstances. There have been fleeting moments when we got on each other's nerves, but, overall, we have been able to avert major meltdowns and confrontations. All that changed today when members of my family were seized by a sudden spell of recklessness that I can only attribute to cabin fever.
Over lunch, we were discussing recent news articles on the increased demand for hair color, beard trimmers, hair clippers, and other beauty products. During the first weeks of the lockdown, people stocked up on essentials like food, cleaning products, and medications. However, after going several weeks without trimming or touching up colored hair, many are finding the need for supplies that would let them get the job done at home. My daughter informed us that these items were not just in demand among older people (I think in her book, that is anyone over the age of 25.). Some of her friends are cutting and dying their hair at home out of sheer boredom. This morning, my husband was the only member of the family whose hair badly needed a trim. He had also stopped shaving since the lockdown started. So, he was beginning to look rather unkempt. During the lunchtime discussion, he happened to mention that may be he could finally put the hair clippers that he owned to use and give himself a trim. This suggestion was enough to incite his daughters who, having discovered a new adventure, egged him on and even offered to help. I ignored them initially, hoping that this was a passing whim that would soon be replaced by some other distraction. However, the usual sources of amusement appeared to have been exhausted, and a couple of amateurs cutting a full head of hair promised to be the most exciting prospect for the afternoon.
Before I could raise any alarm about the possibly disastrous results of this adventure, the hair clippers were retrieved from the bathroom cupboard, towels gathered from the linen closet, and a station set up in the backyard for the entire operation. Several "before" pictures were taken to document the transformation about to unfold. Our first-born wielded the clippers with her father willingly sticking his head of hair out for her. Though tentative in the beginning, she soon found confidence thanks to her father and sister goading her on. Clumps of hair came off as she worked her way from the back of the head to the crown. Halfway through the job, the realization dawned on everyone that may be the hair should have been trimmed with scissors first before using the clippers. The younger one was dispatched and she returned with kitchen shears. My husband, refused to have those anywhere near his head. So, the mayhem with the clippers continued. There was no turning back now.
I have to give kudos to my husband for his trust in his offspring. At no point during this whole debacle did he question their ability, lose his temper or patience with them. Even though he clearly could not see how badly it was going, he urged them to keep cutting and ignoring my protests. After about fifteen minutes, most of the hair was off his head. He looked like he had a buzz cut that had gone horribly wrong, with uneven patches all over. He remained upbeat about the whole thing till he saw the "after" pictures which finally made him realize the extent of the damage. However, the deed was done and all he could do now was wait for it all to grow back. The only saving grace of the entire
situation: given how long the lockdown is anticipated to last, I think he will be in a presentable state by the time he needs to go back to work.
After the afternoon's exertions, I needed to calm my nerves with a soothing drink. And since it was almost summery today, we made one of our favorite summer drink -- Moscow Mule with some snacks on the side.
Over lunch, we were discussing recent news articles on the increased demand for hair color, beard trimmers, hair clippers, and other beauty products. During the first weeks of the lockdown, people stocked up on essentials like food, cleaning products, and medications. However, after going several weeks without trimming or touching up colored hair, many are finding the need for supplies that would let them get the job done at home. My daughter informed us that these items were not just in demand among older people (I think in her book, that is anyone over the age of 25.). Some of her friends are cutting and dying their hair at home out of sheer boredom. This morning, my husband was the only member of the family whose hair badly needed a trim. He had also stopped shaving since the lockdown started. So, he was beginning to look rather unkempt. During the lunchtime discussion, he happened to mention that may be he could finally put the hair clippers that he owned to use and give himself a trim. This suggestion was enough to incite his daughters who, having discovered a new adventure, egged him on and even offered to help. I ignored them initially, hoping that this was a passing whim that would soon be replaced by some other distraction. However, the usual sources of amusement appeared to have been exhausted, and a couple of amateurs cutting a full head of hair promised to be the most exciting prospect for the afternoon.
Before I could raise any alarm about the possibly disastrous results of this adventure, the hair clippers were retrieved from the bathroom cupboard, towels gathered from the linen closet, and a station set up in the backyard for the entire operation. Several "before" pictures were taken to document the transformation about to unfold. Our first-born wielded the clippers with her father willingly sticking his head of hair out for her. Though tentative in the beginning, she soon found confidence thanks to her father and sister goading her on. Clumps of hair came off as she worked her way from the back of the head to the crown. Halfway through the job, the realization dawned on everyone that may be the hair should have been trimmed with scissors first before using the clippers. The younger one was dispatched and she returned with kitchen shears. My husband, refused to have those anywhere near his head. So, the mayhem with the clippers continued. There was no turning back now.
I have to give kudos to my husband for his trust in his offspring. At no point during this whole debacle did he question their ability, lose his temper or patience with them. Even though he clearly could not see how badly it was going, he urged them to keep cutting and ignoring my protests. After about fifteen minutes, most of the hair was off his head. He looked like he had a buzz cut that had gone horribly wrong, with uneven patches all over. He remained upbeat about the whole thing till he saw the "after" pictures which finally made him realize the extent of the damage. However, the deed was done and all he could do now was wait for it all to grow back. The only saving grace of the entire
situation: given how long the lockdown is anticipated to last, I think he will be in a presentable state by the time he needs to go back to work.
After the afternoon's exertions, I needed to calm my nerves with a soothing drink. And since it was almost summery today, we made one of our favorite summer drink -- Moscow Mule with some snacks on the side.
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