Are you familiar with Confessions, Obsessions & Observations? Of course not! I just made it up. Consider it a cross between the truth of Truth or Dare and the tell of Show and Tell.

Confession
I colored my hair. Of course I did. It’s so easy that “first” time.
Obsession
Two weeks in and roots are showing… what was I thinking? It was the gray. All those shiny silvery streaks–  of which I do not want!
Observation
I selected Medium Chestnut Brown. I had no idea Chestnuts were orange! I learned long ago to avoid ‘warms,’ ‘goldens,’ and anything even remotely inkling of red. They do unfavorable things to the natural color of my hair. I can now add Chestnut to that list. Funny, when I said 46 was the new 35 I didn’t realize it was because I’d still be learning the same stuff.

Confession
That snow we got Saturday? The swirl of thick flakes as seen through the window of Maggiano’s in Schaumburg?  (all ten minutes of it) Yeah, just a little bit I was hoping it would stick. Stick and accumulate. Once I returned home safely, of course.
Obsession
I seem to think that I can’t commit the time necessary to the projects I have. But a snow day? A day where I absolutely can’t leave and must stay in to focus on my work? That’s exactly what I need.
Observation
I am full of bologna. I don’t want a blizzard. I will get my stuff done the old fashioned way—with tons of distractions.

Confession
I don’t like red velvet cake (in any of its trendy incarnations).
Obsession
I have tried it, several times (hard not to, it’s everywhere) and I don’t get the appeal.
Observation
Is this how some people feel about Doritos?!

Confession
Every year as I unpack my holiday decorations, I think, “This year after the holiday I’ll organize my stuff!” Once again, I did not.
Obsession
I want these boxes organized! I do. Wouldn’t it be nice to have all of the ornaments in one (instead of spread throughout three, four, five boxes!), the dishes in another, the mantle stuff all together in the same box? And especially the decorations that I can’t seem to part with but refuse to put out. They should be in a box that doesn’t get unloaded or unpacked or take up space on the floor. Why don’t I consolidate those? Really, wouldn’t that be nice?
Observation
Yes, yes it would. Next year.

Confession
I still don’t like weddings.
Obsession
I think about it a lot. My daughter’s wedding. I’m trying to like it. I like her. I like her fiancé. I like that they want to commit to each other.
Observation
But I love that she has taken on the responsibility of making this happen despite of, or perhaps because of, my attitude. This will be her wedding– the wedding she wanted, the wedding she planned, and for a lot of it, the wedding she paid for. Responsibility is one of the more solid building blocks of a relationship, they’re off to a good start and I am proud of them.

There you have it, the first round of Confession, Obsession & Observation, COO for short.
It’s a new year, and what better time to confess, obsess, and observe?
COO? COO! Could you?
(sorry, couldn’t resist)