It has been a while since I visited the MLHH, and it is good to see that lots of the fellows are still around from over a year or two ago. I haven't been posting or reading here for over a year, but it is not because I have cut my hair or anything like that. On the contrary, it is still about the same length, a little past the shoulders, which I have decided I like best. I find that when my hair gets longer than that, it looks sparse around the ends.
That said, I've been working a lot and not necessarily paying attention to or perseverating on my hair length. I was thinking this morning how our perspectives shift over time. I remember about seven years ago when I was trying to grow my hair and going through the trials associated therewith, I was more or less preoccupied with growing and dealing with my hair. Finally, when I got my life straightened out to where I could be a little happier and serene in life and could grow my hair without any repercussions, it got long, I kept it longer, and it just became a part of the everyday. I suppose I worry less about it because I know what to do with it without thinking almost. It is as if one has to become experienced to not worry about various conditions that might be supposed to be damaging to one's hair. For instance, I know how to get any sort of tangle out now, how to make my hair look good in about two minutes after jumping out of the bed in the morning, what to do when doing yard work, etc.
That brings me to my next point, about working a lot. I'm teaching English now as an assistant professor at a two-year college here where I've always lived. Yes, it is possible to have a professional career and long hair at the same time. Cross my fingers, so far, I've never had any flak, concern, or even comments, other than positive, about the length of my hair since I have been teaching. I do remember, though, that when I first started, I always kept it tied back, and then the day I went in with it loose and wild, I did get a few double takes. Although lots of the guys here have similar, positive situations, there are those who have various problems, and it never hurts to reinforce the fact that having longer hair does not deter one's career path, provided that the path chosen is affable to long hair.
Besides teaching six classes a semester, I've been studying Spanish and attempting to learn to play the guitar. I've listened to Portuguese fado music for a while now, so I decided that I would try and learn the guitarra portuguesa de Lisboa (There are two types of Portuguese guitars, the Coimbra style and the Lisboa style)which has twelve strings and is tuned altogether differently than the classical or Spanish guitar. The Lisbon guitar's tuning, on the open strings, one to six, is BAEBAD. Studying music is something brand new for me as I didn't even know how to read music at all a few months ago, and I still really don't, but I know more than I did!
Maybe I need to make the time to visit here more often, and may everyone's hair length goals be met!
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Ya practice your scales and arpeggios with a mentrome and you will get there as will your hair..I have been playing music forever and still practice my scales etc..It is better to play every day for 10 minutes than once a week for 4 hrs..true
Matt, it's great to hear that things are going well for you, your career and your hair. Best of luck with your musical activities.
Frodo
Hi Matt,
Hello stranger and good to see you posting.
Glad the job is going well and the hair is still growing. Hope to hear more from you soon.
Cheers,
John.B
Hi Matt!
Hey, it's great to see you on the board again from what has been a very long absence.That is very cool you are still maintaining your mane and that you are doing well in your profession.I'm sure you have noticed a lot of new faces here as well as a bunch of the old guard:)Anyway I certainly hope to see more of you again, if time permits,as your contributions are always enjoyable to read.Have a great weekend my friend!Cheers
Mark
Hi Matt,
It is great to see you again, and in fact, I was wondering where you have been lately. Thank you for updating us, and it is cool that you still have long hair as well.
Take care,
David
My brothers wife is from lisbon, she is a great cook, i love portuguess food. take care bud, James / Tampa,Fl
Hi Matt
Good to hear from you, and an interesting post indeed. I'm pleased to hear you are busy in work and at the same time 'mane'taining your hair length.
Hope to see you around a little more often,
Cheers Dave
Wow! You sure have been busy! It's nice seeing the missing old-timers drop in to let everybody know how they're doing. As for reading music; I learned how to read (and write) music as a child, when I took piano lessons. I no longer play, but after all these years, I can _still_ read music. It's really not that hard to master, and considering your other skills and interests, I think you will pick up the ability easily. I think reading music is a skill they should teach in schools, but the money isn't there for music education anymore. Our schools can't even teach kids to read English, let alone music! I believe there are software programs for learning to read and write music, some might be free. Have fun with the music hobby.
Welcome back Matt!
Great to hear from you and catch up with you latest adventure.
- Oren