RANT: The Great Penny Debate

These past three weeks I've been noticing a new trend that has really started to tick me off. Cashiers keeping my change. Granted, I'm not talking about quarters or dimes, but still.....since when did the penny stop being considered money??

Twice a week I'm pressed for time and starving, so I find myself sitting in a drive through line grabbing something quick to eat. Every time, I order the same thing. Every time, my total is $4.97. Every time, I pass the cashier (whomever they may be) a $5 bill. Every time, they pass me my receipt WITHOUT my 3 cents in change! (As I type this, I know that I sound like a crazy woman, ranting over 3 cents.....I'm actually debating whether I should even post this rant at all because the more I write, the dumber it sounds........nope......I'm still pissed.....I'm posting it! On with the rant.....)

I know there are far bigger issues for me to take a stand over. I know that my time would be more useful if I channeled it into studying for my finals, or if I reminded my neighbors to fill out their census forms, or if I taught my new puppy how to come when I call his name. However, this penny thing has me pissed.

And this hasn't just happened to me at my favorite burger joint either. It happened at a discount store last Tuesday. My total was $9.98, I passed the cashier a $10 bill, and he passed me my receipt. The End. What the hell??

My friends and family are sick of hearing about me and my stolen pennies. They've all told me to leave it alone and start paying with my debit card to eliminate confusion. They say nobody uses cash anymore, and after all, its just a few pennies, and what am I gonna do with a purse full of pennies anyway? I say, that's not the damn point. My point is, money is money. If we start letting cashiers keep our pennies, what's next? Quarters? Dollars? Letting them write checks to themselves? ( I know....too far.)

So, my few dedicated readers, what should I do? Take a stand, and demand my pennies from now on? Or, should I just shut up and take my receipt....after all, it's just a penny.

Time for a New Style!

Well, I realized today that I will NOT be able to make it through the rest of the Spring and the coming Summer, wearing a wig! Nope, not gonna happen! Louisiana is far too hot and humid, and I am far too hot-natured, to wear my natural hair braided underneath a stocking cap, underneath a wig! Talk about sweltering! I got a taste of the heat today, it was about 80 degrees, and I was MISERABLE! So, I realized that I need a new protective style for the upcoming heat, as I continue my transition. So, I am considering getting micro-braids.

The hair that I have chosen is the same hair that SongBirdDiva4Life did a review on a few weeks ago. (Click the link to see the hair in all its big, curly, GLORY!! It is BEAUTIFUL!) This is how the hair looks straight out of the pack, freshly installed.

It will curl up more after it's spritzed with some H2O. I'm still unsure though, so it's time for a Pro's and Con's List!

***Pro's for Micro-Braids***

• Somewhat low maintenance.
• I will still be able to shampoo my scalp without disturbing the style too much.
• Instead of having to get my whole head re-braided, I'll just have to get my edges touched-up when they start looking frizzy.
• They are LONG lasting! I am planning to wear this protective style from May-September(Labor Day), so around 4 months. I'd probably get them touched up once a month to keep them looking fresh.
• Most importantly, my scalp will be able to breath!!

***Con's for Micro-Braids***

• The install time could be extensive! I have a big head, and a lot of thick hair. The last time I got micro's it took 24 hours! Granted, a non-professional installed them,and we had to keep stopping because of........... various interruptions (*side-eye*) but still......when I think about getting those micro's installed, my butt starts to hurt all over again! If it weren't for my best-friend keeping me company (thanks, Carlos!), I would have left with half my head braided and NEVER come back!
• I will have to find a Professional braider.....in my neck of the woods this will be a mission! ( I refuse to sit in someone's kitchen getting my hair braided!.....Been there, done that!)
• Since I have been transitioning for a year, I have 6+ inches of new growth, in addition to the rest of my hair, which is relaxed, and is now Bra Strap Length. So, I'm not sure how well my hair will blend with the "wet & wavy" hair.......I'd have to ask a professional. But 3 different textures of hair may pose a problem.
• Since not all of my hair will be braided, a substantial amount will be free within the braids.......therefore, it is really a "protective style?"

Decisions, Decisions........I'll have to make my mind up within the next two weeks so I can order the hair, locate a braider, and schedule an appointment for the first weekend in May. So.....what do you think? What are your experiences with micro's? And what are your plans for your hair this spring and summer?

BTW- The hair is "Janet Collection: Remy Legacy Super French Bulk" in 18 inches. I'm still shopping around for prices. The lowest I've found is $85 a pack. And I'd need 3 packs just to be safe.