I just realized that my last salon visit was over a year ago and while my hair isn't as soft, even, or shaky as I would like it is thehealthiest and longest it's ever been. I feel embarrassed though when I admit that I haven't had professional care in over a year. Am I the only "homemaid" person here?

don't be, you've done a FaBuLoUs job with your hair this year! Kudos! 
I have found, through conversations with cosmetologists (after joining LHCF), that they don't know what the hell they are doing and they are still functioning off of major misconceptions that are horrible for our hair.
, it's cheaper, easier as far as time is concern and you don't have to spend half your life waiting to get shampooed or risk being left under the drier like you never existed,
.