Wow, I logged on and read this thread and you guys are all awesome! Thanks soooo much everyone for all the compliments, you've made me feel better about my hair, and better about myself!
I got up this morning and went to the bathroom and startled myself when I first looked in the mirror...
I'm still not liking the darkness of it...but I am liking the cut. Even that part was hard for me, I"m used to having really long hair and it doesn't feel long anymore since she layered it, but that's just me 'cause John said I'm nuts, it's still long as ever.
I"m going to do like mflsqueen and others suggested, and wait a few days and see if it grows on me. I didn't think permanent hair colour lightened, but I'm glad to read here that it will fade a little. So I'll leave it and see.
Thanks for the support everyone!!!