The Internet Personified: Sweet dreams are made of these

Sunday mornings are made for hair washing, which in my case is a long chore that requires lots of pre-planning. I have inherited from my father's side of the family, my hair, which is very thick and tangles if you so much as look at it. I used to wear it in a bob, but decided to grow it out last year, to reach my Alanis Morrisette (Morisette? Morrisete?) goal, from that video where she walks around topless with her hair covering her breasts. I'm almost there, if I dip my head a little bit.

Hair goals

"Head baths" also remind me of boarding school, where I was for two years of my seemingly neverending education. We had Bath Lists, with the understanding that whoever was at the bottom would rotate back to the top by the next week. Baths three times a week, because of limited hot water, BUT the problem was that the seniors (class XI and XII) could cut in line whenever they wanted and they DID want and they used up all the hot water when it was your turn to go third or fourth and I stood in line burning in resentment. So, never underestimate the pleasure I get out of a hot shower--ALL MINE--after all that trauma.

This week in books: Went to my mother's house for lunch the other day, and found my old copy of The Peppermint Pig by Nina Bawden. One of my favourite kids books, because it reads so well even today as an adult. Poll and Theo (and their older brother and sister George and Lily) have to move to Norfolk after their father quits his job because he's been wrongfully accused of stealing. The narrator (Poll) is unreliable, because she is a child, but it's a brilliant book set in pre-war England about how the world can seem so dangerous when it's you against the adults. Plus there's a pet pig. (Here's what I've started doing when I rediscover an old author I love: go to Amazon, search for the author, then check the "used" filter on the side. Great deals on out of print books here in India.) (So I've added all of Bawden's backlist to my cart.)

This week in stuff I wrote: As Aunty Feminist, I answered a reader's question about mansplaining and how to stop doing it.

This week in TV: I've been watching Big Little Lies on Hotstar, based on the Lianne Moriarty novel of the same name. It's quite fantastic. Five episodes so far? It's about a small town, yummy mummies in beautiful wealthy homes and the stuff that lies beneath. Also, the soundtrack is really good too. I discovered White Rabbit by Jefferson Airplane on it and have been listening to it obsessively. Here, have an earworm. (Here's a playlist of all the songs so far.)

This week in online shopping: A little retail therapy over at my new favourite website (because of their "fusion wear" section; lovely Indian fabrics in Western wear). I'm still waiting for my clothes, but I've bought off Ajio before, and recommend it.

Also because spring brings with it all sorts of allergies, I got myself a vapouriser and steamed the fuck out of my lungs. And, you guys, it worked like a charm. I added a little eucalyptus essential oil and I feel all steamed out. Plus it's great for your skin. I'm mostly recovered now, but, BUT, have not had a cigarette in about a month, so I guess coughs are good for something.

Sunday link list: Women being funny and feminist, a Buzzfeed listicle. ** The dangers of being a female cop in India. ** On The Ladies Finger: shit that happens when you go through IVF. Important read because so many people I know look upon this as an option. ** Their daughters were taken away and put in a home. Now the families want them back. ** Being Indian in Trump's America. ** Poetry! The first day of school. ** Remember Thinx, those period chaddis? They don't have great benefits for their own employees. ** Great new website about sexuality and disability in India. ** What happens when the Queen dies. **

Have a great week!
xx
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