On Tuesday, I got my first haircut in six months. My ends were drying out and frizzy and with my post-natal hair loss, my hair just looked long and stringy. Most of the time, I was tying it in a bun or ponytail anyway....

So, I went to a nearby salon that's supposed to be pretty hip and posh. But I guess "hip and posh" in Portland means something else. I'm not that happy with my haircut. The good thing about the salon was that everyone was very nice -- no haughty attitude and no snooty once-over look at your purse/shoes/outfit (you know the one) that I used to get at salons I used to go to in New York or even San Francisco. The other good thing was the price -- only $35. That's less than half the price of my previous haircuts.

Unfortunately, I'm less than thrilled with my haircut. You get what you pay for? I was hoping that I would like it better after a few days (you know how that happens?), but two days out, I'm liking it even less. Mostly, I told my stylist that I wanted it shoulder length, hitting my collarbones. But it turned out more chin-length. I honestly think it's because she has little or no experience with Asian hair and underestimated that amount of natural curl I had. Did I mention Portland is a VERY white city?

Even out of the hair salon, my hair didn't look all that "put together". Usually, stylists make sure your hair is sleek and composed looking when you step out of the salon, even if you can't possibly recreate the look when you get home...

But maybe I'm being too harsh on her. Part of the reason my hair looks like crap right now is because a lot of my hair is still growing in. I have tiny baby hairs sticking out all over. Any of you mamas out there have any tips on how to tame these wisps of hair? They are so annoying! Maybe I'll pull a Britney and buzz it all off! Just kidding.

Diversity in Portland
So, speaking of diversity in Portland, there's very little of this in the Rose City. Asians are probably the largest minority here. Seeing an African-American or Latino/a is rare. I think they must all live in another part of town.

I do worry about raising ESK in such a white-washed city. Everyone here is very open and I have not heard even a hint of prejudice or racism yet. However, I've heard that the private schools here make it a point to have diverse student bodies. And diversity here in Portland means basically anyone who isn't WASP. I feel like on the East Coast and in California, anyone who is Jewish or Asian isn't really the target of diversity recruitment. But not here!

Also, I remember in college, there was a girl I lived with who grew up in Portland. She was very easy-going and friendly, but it was clear she wasn't used to other cultures. We had a communal telephone for the house we lived in and so we often took messages for one another. One evening, she told me my mom had called and when I asked her if she said anything else, she replied with scorn and a laugh, "I have NO idea! I couldn't understand a word she was saying!" I was pretty offended because 1) I was feeling homesick and looked forward to calls from home and 2) I'm pretty sure my mom's English is more than proficient.

Anyway, I hope ESK doesn't turn out this way or have friends like this. We're thinking of shipping her off to Korea or back to Philadelphia for a long period of time every summer to expose her to more ethnically diverse communities.