Different way to celebrate my birthday
Most people on their birthday, await gifts and appreciate lots of presents.
On my birthday this week, I took something away. My wife Judy has been after me for some time to shave off my moustache that I have had adorn my Norwegian sculpture for more than 37 years. Actually, I shaved it off when my son was born. Yes, he’s 37. Check out the hairy history of the moustache at Wikipedia.
Judy has continued to coax me recently to shave it off, saying it’s nothing more than a “soup strainer” and a “booger catcher.” She’s maybe right but it’s also been a part of me so long, that I actually got sick to my stomach when I smeared on shave cream and began the process of removal. Pretty silly, huh?
I told her it was like cutting off an ear. “You can grow it back, but not your ear,” she fired back.
I decided to go ahead with it, because I didn’t really know what I would look like either. Many people said I would look younger so that was enough of incentive to give it a try. As I stroked off the grey hairs beneath my nose, I did see a different character emerging.
Judy and I were curious how many would even notice. The first person I saw at work, Colleen, busted me right away. Several accounting department women also asked me to turn around and show off the new look. “You look naked,” joked Linda Lindahl.
As the day went on, more and more people noticed but there were others that I was sure would notice, actually did not. That reaction caused me to think that the “stache” was not that significant a part of my persona.
I sent a photo of my new look to some of my family members and my sister quickly e-mailed me, saying I should start growing it back “right now.” I am but it may take me a few weeks. I grew a beard for Forest Lake’s Centennial observance in 1993 and it took me three months to get a decent growth.
Anyone who has tried to grow a moustache or beard, knows that it is easier for some and more difficult for others. I know I will never compete in any beard and moustache championship contests.
No, my hairstyle is not expected to change in the near future. I have a heavy crop of hair, it’s very grey but it’s not coming off. Understand?
It’s strange how a few hairs can change one’s personality.