Sometimes change comes whether you’re ready for it or not, but when you’re really ready, change is the only thing you can live with. Today, I sat in his chair and told my cousin and hairdresser Carmello, “I’ve firmed up, lost weight and taken on a very exciting new project at work.” Carmello brightened.

Carmello: What are you doing?
Tata: I remembered I can handle big projects with large staffs and multiple moving parts and someone offered me the project I wanted. Also: I’m ready for fresh hair.
Carmello: Fresh hair cuts off the old energy, too.
Tata: Exactly. Can you give me a haircut that says I kick ass?
Carmello: How did you lose weight?
Tata: I quit drinking.
Carmello: GET OUT!
Tata: It’s just temporary. Once I’ve lost a couple of Schnauzers, I might start drinking martinis again.
Carmello: Most people would eat a Beagle if they lost a Chihuahua.
Tata: I also started wearing makeup to work whenever I felt like it.
Carmello: Why would you quit wearing makeup?
Tata: Air gets gritty in my eyes and there’s nothing like rubbing inflamed eyes and smearing makeup across the bridge of the red nose, but I’ve decided not to have that problem anymore.
Carmello: Does that incantation work on in-laws?
Tata: Not without nail clippings. I love the cut, Carmello. I’ll make an appointment in December, and another in February, and by springtime, I’ll be a vision of capable loveliness.
Carmello: Right. How was Pee Wee Herman?

Obviously, change is in the air.