The Irish is Coming Out . . .
I have always loved Ireland. I’ve never been there. However, I have been fascinated by its long history, rich culture, deep folklore, and its beautiful landscapes, which I have a life goal of setting foot on. I also love its music (especially the Celtic artist, Loreena McKennit). I’m not sure what it is, but there is just something epic and at the same time mysterious about that small country. Its been through alot, but its still there. In the end, I have always wanted to be Irish. Not that I don’t have pride in my own roots, Japan itself is an amazing place to be connected to, but I have always admired Ireland.
Cut to present day. I haven’t gotten a haircut in months. This is not a fashion statement, just a matter of not prioritizing a trip to the barber, and the reluctance to spend money on such a service. As a result, my hair has gotten ginormous, poofy, and extremely thick. I saw one of my friends over iChat and he thought I was wearing a hat, but no, it was my hair. My sideburns have grown over the sides of my face like wild shrubbery. It rivals the chops of Wolverine. I kid you not.
It was this past Sunday that Tina observed something that sent a shock through my system. She was sitting by me at church and said, “You have red hair in your sideburns!” What? I’m Japanese, I’ve had dark brown hair (that looks like black) for my entire life, and it has been no different. To have anything else would be going against nature. She gave me a mirror so I could see for myself, because I certainly didn’t believe her. Sure enough, tangled among the scraggles in my sideburns, were a few strands of auburn reddish hair. How could this be? In all my 23 years my hair has been consistent in color. This really did fascinate me. It fascinated me so much that I had to show another friend, Dan Jones, for confirmation. I then showed two of my home-teachies, just for a third and fourth witness. It is decided that I, in fact, have red hair. I have always wanted to be Irish, and I think this is a sign to me that the Irish is coming out . . .
