Hair:short problems

I discovered how dreadful it is to have short hair again... After the haircut (that I gave myself) I'm developing this feeling of awkwardness .. ( I'll manage ,I hope) but in the event, where I gaze at my phone and see so many people with beautiful long hair (I reminisce ) . Then again I did this to myself for over processing it .the good this is that it grows so that's something to look forward too. As for my current dilemma ,it's so hard to style..( super drag ) .its just so boring!! So I considered buying extensions (face in shock)yes that awful phony stuff you put in the hair to look fabulous ( beauty miracles , I tell you) .This is how it went. I go up to the booth gaze and touch the samples they have hanging and I'm thinking to myself " this feels way to soft and thin to add to my hair .." I laugh at myself and turn away , as I'm walking away the hair consultant comes after me and convinces me to try it on . By the way her name is so beautiful (sage) . We walk over and she puts on this hair piece called "halo "...
She flips it that way , this way and even curls it and blends into my short thick hair. I'm so in awe, because it honestly looks so so pretty . but I wondered why am I about to spend money on hair?? When I can wait and let mines grow .. ( seems reasonable thinking ) I go on and ask the girl how much for it , and she drops it on me 265.00 dollars and up with no warranty ... ( my jaw drops) ..I take it off , say thank you and walk away ( I couldn't believe it) . Wow! Beauty cost a lot ,but that was too much for me .. And as much as I'll nag on here , my hair will grow and I would have saved that money .. ( for sure) . As for dying my hair , I made a 300 dollar bet that I wouldn't dye my hair this whole year ..(easy money right ?)the thought of no change kills me , but I'll just have to wait and see .... FYI short hair is ok for those who love it , but for this gal , I had to do it to remove all the damaged parts.. It's a renewing project , so to speak , searching for that inner optimism so I won't drive myself crazy !!
P.s.s. hair ticking clock!! Please hurry , this picture was taken I think on dec 2012 the beginning!!