I am in a much better mood today. A lot of that has to do with you folks – I got buried in e-mails from people who understood my pain (and a couple who scolded me for thinking that you might not). I have said many times that you folks are why I like my job. Thanks . . .
Onward . . . to quote my childhood friend Rocket J. Squirrel, “And Now Here’s Something We Hope You’ll Really Like!”
When I travel, I am not much of a souvenir guy. I take a few pictures and bring home memories. So I brought home only two things from Florida. The first didn’t show up until the day after we got back – that was the cold I caught from Ryan sneezing in the truck cab all the way up I-75. Took almost a week, but I think I have finally disposed of it.
The second kind of grew on me – literally. I didn’t shave for a couple of days after the Clearwater show, and that is about as long as I have ever gone without shaving in my life. For many years, I have claimed that my brother Blake looks like Dad, and got his facial hair – I look like Mom, and got hers! But I decided to let it grow for a few days, mostly to see how long it would take Ryan to notice. I think it took five days, and when he made the discovery he urged me to let it grow for a while. My response was “Why – do you want to see how white it can get?”
But I played along and kept it all the way home. The next morning I started to shave it off, but just for fun I cleaned up the sides and left the moustache and goatee and then walked into the kitchen. Ryan’s look of delight and the shocked “You KEPT it!” convinced me to let him have his fun. Through the weekend and into this week, it got a lot scruffier – and a lot whiter. And I have to admit that it was fun to see the surprised looks from people who have known me forever.
I can’t tell you how many times I walked past a mirror and was surprised by the image looking back at me – or put my hand on my chin and felt like I had rubbed against a porcupine. But by Tuesday night, I wanted my baby face back – and even Ryan was ready to admit that the look just wasn’t me.
A few minutes before I went to face the shaver, I told Ryan to get a camera. You didn’t really think I would write all of this without at least giving you a peek, did you?
And just to ease your pain, here’s one last parting shot that you’ll probably enjoy more . . .
Glad you're feeling better today. You failed to mention your wife's opinion of the facial hair. :) My hubby has always worn a full beard, except for a few months on a job where he could only have a mustache. Our teen-aged daughter still hasn't recovered from seeing her dad sans beard. It's a pity, she had such a bright future.
ReplyDeleteI didn't get the chance to offer support from yesterday's post, but like most of your customers I totally understand it is THEIR fault and not yours...and I don't know how some companies can be so full of themselves...even if they "have" Tim!
ReplyDeleteI think the beard looks good...but I like you much better without! Cute either way!
You look fine without the beard, but I really, really liked it! Gives you a distinguished look. And I wish Ranger would realize how upset their fans get with their lack-a-dasical ways.
ReplyDeletePaula in GA