On becoming superhuman

As part of my DIY hair journey I have taken a keen interest in how what I put in my body affects what comes out of my body. Unfortunately I have have a plethora of food allergies that result in unsightly skin reactions such as hives, eczema and the occasional welts. This keeps me keenly aware of the ingredients in the foods in my diet. I know what not to eat, but I was not in the habit of researching TO eat. I know fruits and vegetables are part of a balanced diet, and a daily multivitamin helps to fill in the the gaps, but I hadn't bothered to learn about the vitamins and minerals that can improve your skin, nails and hair.

A few years ago, I went to Iquitos, Peru and spent several days in the Amazon. One of those days included a healing ritual with Cesare, a well known local shaman. At the time I didn't realize it, but my life was about to change. I returned to my job in finance a week or so later. Nothing much had changed at the office. What had changed was how I felt about my body. I wanted to make it better.

I began taking Trader Joe's hair, nail and skin vitamins. I didn't pay much attention to the ingredients, but my mom encouraged me because one of the primary ingredients was biotin. She lives by the biotin code. I did no observe any difference other than hair sprouting on my toes after a few weeks, so I stopped taking them.

Fast forward to a few weeks ago. Because I have not honed my DIY hair regimen, I decided that it is necessary to grow more hair than I lose as I experiment with new products and solidify my regimen. Last month I learned about an important mineral called silica. My preliminary research revealed it helps to maintain connective tissue within the body. Further research revealed it also has powerful effects on hair, nails and skin. Ryan already had a multivitamin which contains trace amounts of silica, but silica is most potent when consumed in gel form.

A health obsessed-colleague has joined me on my quest for radiant skin and luscious hair. She placed an order with Vitacost for silica gel. It arrived last week. Within a few days the quality of my complexion improved dramatically. My body felt different in a way that is difficult to describe. I felt spungy/cushioned, more sturdy inside. It feels as if I am infused with moisture inside my bones, and the increase makes me feel stronger. I feel better obviously, and I was not at all sick when I started taking the silica. If these are the effects after a week, I am certainly on my way to becoming superhuman in a month.

We did my hair all day

The weekend was kind of a big deal. There was the dinner party for my friend Ellen at Osteria i Monelli, and there was my hair. Some of us have hobbies. Ryan prefers building model planes and helicopters. Once upon a time a time I was an avid runner, pounding 30 miles a week at the gym but, mostly on the Williamsburg Bridge. I still enjoy running, but the passion for it has diminished since I arrived in Vicenza.

Over the past three months I have taken up a new hobby: my hair. I have always been interested in my hair. I was a weekly blow out girl in New York, entrusting my haircare needs to professionals most of my adult life. That changed drastically when I moved to Italy last year. Getting a Dominican blowout is impossible here. The Italian blowouts leave my strands vibrant, silky and full of body and bounce, but the heat damage and the price tag are deterrents. I was forced to take matters into my own hands, well Ryan's too. I am developing a healthy DIY haircare regimen that is teaching me many things about my health and self sufficiency. I'm not completely self sufficient yet, I still rely on Ryan quite a bit.

Ryan is a meticulous man. He demonstrates this in his work ethic and in his hobbies. This made him an ideal companion for my healthy hair journey. I just just wasn't ready for everyone at Ellen's dinner party to know about it.

We sat across from Becky and her husband James at Osteria i Monelli. There were 13 of us and the the Romanian waitress was overwhelmed just looking at our table. James, originally from Guatemala, tried his Italian. He hoped this would make things easier for her, but she responded to him in English despite all his efforts. Once all of our orders were taken, we settled into getting to know each other better. Becky and James told us about the volksmarch they were going to the next morning. After awhile they asked what we did all day. Ryan said Mickie's hair. I was proud of him, but also a little embarrassed to admit we spent the enitre day doing my hair.