December 1st: The stages of shaving and a thank you to all who donated

So yesterday I did shave and now I'm smooth faced again. During the process of shaving I took various pictures with various styles of facial hair.

I'd look like this if I fought in the Civil War

If I was the biker in the Village People

If I ever became a cop. I also think I
look like Mario. "It's aaaa meeee, Mario!"

There's a month of beard hair there.
Maybe I can put it on my head.

I also wanted to thank all of you that donated money to the Lymphoma Research Foundation. In total, I went well over my goal of $300 which is great. I raised a total of $505 and I have all of you to thank for it and I really appreciate it. I want to send a special thank you for donating to:

Jen Kopec                                                                        Greg and Allyson Dawson
Jennifer Kohut                                                                   Erin Hannigan
Terri and Hugh McGuire                                                     Colleen Lotz
Kristy Torbik                                                                     Ken and Kim Kraft
Amanda Moore                                                                 Jessica Drake-Simmons
Diane and Dave Neubauer                                                  Sean and Colleen McGuire
Todd Price

Here I am all clean shaven!

 

Day 30: end of the road

Well we've reached the end of the month, and No Shave November is officially over. The last time I shaved was Halloween night, and the beard looks pretty good I must say. As good as it looks however it is time to go. Like I said in a previous post, I would normally keep my beard over the winter (especially now that it seems the cold is here to stay for a while) but I feel that given the reason I decided to grow the beard, if I don't shave it, it somehow cheapens the reason and the cause. It may not really be a big deal, but that's just how I feel. So once I'm done writing this, I'll head to the bathroom and shave. Don't worry pictures will follow tomorrow!

I want to thank everyone that has followed this blog through the month and has seen the beard grow. Keep an eye out to see a smooth faced man in the next post, and a total update on my donations! Get your last minute donations in!

Day 27: 3 days left, $50 to go

Well "No Shave November" is nearing an end, so there's only a few more days before the beard goes away. Many people has said that I should keep it, and usually I would, but I grew my beard for a particular reason and to keep it, in my mind, kind of takes away the whole idea of growing it to raise money. As you can see, it's really getting long now! You can see the curls near my left ear, and also the patch of grey on my chin. The part that I really don't like are the whiskers going over my top lip and when I eat sometimes I chew on them.

When I shave in a few days, I'm trying to figure out the process of shaving that will look good in pictures for the blog. I'm thinking first shaving my chin and having a little Ambrose Burnside look (look him up for those of who don't know) then shaving the side burns for a fu man chu, and then ending with a moustache (look out Tom Selek). If any one has any other suggestions let me know.

The important point out of all of this beard craziness is that I'm only $50 away from my goal. I have $250 raised, and I'm really close. I'd really appreciate it if some of you would think about donating. I'm almost there, help me reach the $300 goal! Don't forget to let me know how much you've donated so I can tally up how much I've made.

Day 23: Beard look-alikes

The other day at work, my coworkers were listing the people that I look like now with my beard. This inspired me to post some side to side photos to see how I stack up in the world of famous red beards.

Conan O'Brien

Eric The Red

Zack Galifianakas

and my personal favorite, Yukon Cornelius

I left some out like the guys from ZZ Top, Santa Claus, or the dwarf guy from Lord of the Rings. Maybe if you, the readers, donate some money and I reach my goal I'll add more. Also, if anyone has any suggestions of other famous red beards to comapre to, let me know. Still $110 away from my $300 goal with a week left in the month. Think about donating people, and let me know when you donate and how much so I can keep track.

Day 21: with glasses

Now we're in the home stretch folks! With 3 weeks now, the beard has filled in and  it's a nice shade of red. It still gets itchy from time to time, especially on my chin. Little weird, but that's okay. The advantages is now that it's starting to get cold out it does keep my face warm. I was outside for a few hours today at work and it was pretty windy, and I didn't real feel it on my face so that's a plus. A disadvantage is that I have to be mindful when I do things like eat or brush my teeth. The other day around noon, I licked my lips and tasted the toothpaste that dried from the morning right under my lower lip. Also, I have found out that trying taffy apple with a beard is a whole different adventure.

I also realized with my glasses on I look about 20 years older than I actually am, but if my beard went white I'd make a good looking Santa Claus look a like. Maybe a future career, hmmm

More importantly, I'm making my final pushes for donations for the Lymphoma Research Foundation. I'm $110 away from my goal, and I now that with your help I'll reach my $300 goal. I know it's holiday season and money may be tight, but please consider donating for a really good cause.

Day 15: half way there

So we have reached the half way point in "No Shave November" and the beard is coming in nicely. It is no longer scratchy and is filling in quite nicely. I actually run a comb through it every once in a while so it doesn't get all scraggly.Most people would call my beard red, and I'd call it that too. However, I was looking at it closely in the mirror and I have all types of colors in there: red, blonde, black, brown, and yes grey. It's hard to see but I have a whole patch of grey hairs together on the side of my chin. Maybe when I get older I can grow out my beard and become a Santa Claus.

As far as donations go, with half the month to go, I've surpassed the half way point to my goal. With the goal of being $300, I'm already at $190! Only $110 to go, and I know there are plenty of you that still need to donate so I feel good about reaching the goal.

Maybe I'll throw out a little offer to sweeten the deal. Now I'm still thinking about this so don't get too excited. I'm thinking that who ever is the person that donates the most money can choose, when I shave off the beard, what kind of facial hair I'll have. I'll only do it for only one day, but you can choose. Will it be an amish chinstrap, fu manchu, goatee with waxed moustache, a snidely whiplash? you could decide. Get your donations in by clicking here and don't forget to tell me how much.

Day 12: filling in

Almost 2 weeks into this no shaving thing. The beard is starting to fill in and there are certain points were it gets really itchy. According to Carolyn, my beard is really soft which is good for her, so that's nice. Also, I'm starting to use shampoo in my beard when I shower, and, yes, I need more shampoo for my face than I do for my head. (insert bald jokes) If you've been following my blog you may notice my neck looks a little different. Well I did trim my neck, but it's okay; According to the "no shave November" rules it is okay to trim your beard. I had to, because I have a job interview coming up and I don't want to look like a vagabond.

As far as donations, we're still at $130. I thank all of those that have already donated, and I urge all of you that haven't to please think about donating and helping a really good cause. My goal is $300 and I know with the help of many of you I can raise the other $170 I need to reach my goal. Click here to donate to the Lymphoma Research Foundation. Don't forget to let me know how much you donate so I can keep track.

Day 7: is it officially a beard yet?

So now I'm a full week into this "No Shave November" adventure. I'm now in the inbetween part of beard growing where you look like a bum. Once the beard fills in it'll start to look good. Also, this is the part where it feels really scratchy, especially on my neck, but ehh all part of the journey I guess.

As far as donations go, I'm up to $130! I'm already over 1/3 of the way to my $300 goal. Thanks to all of those that have donated, I really appreciate it. I also wanted to thank all of you readers that came out this weeked for Mr. Nolan's wake. I know Carolyn's family was extremely thankful for everyone who came to pay there respects and give support to Mr. Nolan and the family. I myself was shocked by all the people; he was a good man and will surely be missed.

Day 4: a little stubbly

So after day 4, I've got some good stubble going. Usually today is the day that I would shave. In fact, when I woke up this morning I went for the razor, unconsciously, and then I remembered then I'm growing the beard. It's hard to see in this picture, but the red is starting to show up. The part I'm not too happy about, which you also can't see in this picture, are the patches of grey that are showing up on either side of my chin. 26 year old, and have grey in the beard, oh boy.

As far as money raising, I'm up to $40 so far. Thanks to those of you that have donated. If you haven't yet, go on and donate to the Lymphoma Research Foundation and let me know so I can track my progress. $40 down, $260 to go to reach my goal!

for John

Hey everyone, as many of you know I started this blog not just because I could grow a beard. I'm doing this to raise money for a good cause. I picked this cause for my girlfriend, her family, and most importantly, Carolyn's father, who was suffering from Lymphoma. Well unfortunately, Mr. Nolan lost his fight with cancer and he's in a better place now away from all the pain and discomfort. For the past few days I got to see the effects that Lymphoma and cancer can have on a person and family. I'm glad that Carolyn, her mom and her sisters were able to get that time with there father and that they knew how much there father cared for them. Some people don't get that, and I know they're all thankful for that.

By his passing, I think that this blog has taken on a different meaning, at least for me it has. I'm dedicating the blog to Mr. Nolan and his wife, and his daughters. He did a great job with all of them and his memory lives on through them. I knew when I started this blog that I may have not been able to help Mr. Nolan, but hopefully with the money I'm going to raise I'll be able to help some one else with Lymphoma so they and there family doesn't have to go through what Carolyn and her family has gone through over the past few days. I really look forward to the day when Lymphoma and all cancer's are curable. Please donate to the Lymphoma Research Foundation in memory of Mr. John Nolan.

I want to thank everyone for all the love and support that they've given the Carolyn and her family over the past few days. Seeing all that assures me of how special she and her family are, and I know how great of friends she has. I really appreciate everything all of you have done.

getting the last shave in

All right folks, here we go. The last day in Ocotober so I though that I'd get my last shave in before "no shave November." I'm starting off with a nice shaving cream beard, and by the end of the month I'll have a real one. So now that I'm nicely clean shaven we wait for the bushy red beard to appear. I know its hard to tell from this picture put I also got my haircut as well. It also might be hard to tell I got my haircut from my lack of hair to begin with. Hope you all will follow on this great adventure.

Here is the link where you can donate to Lymphoma Reseach Foundation, and don't forget to e-mail me or send me a message and tell me how much you've donated so I can keep track of how much I've raised.

Getting Ready to Retire the Razor

Hey everyone, welcome to my new blog! I've dedicated this blog to chronicling my journey through "No Shave November." I've decided to write a blog so you can follow the growth of my beard from peach fuzz to full on viking beard. Don't worry pictures will be included. The official rules for "No Shave November" is that you shave on last day of October, and let your beard grow the whole month. You are allowed to trim your beard, but I don't plan to unless there are special circumstances.

The main reason I'm writing the blog is much bigger and much more important than sharing the growth of my beard. I'm not that vain to think people really want to read about me growing a beard. I'm growing my beard, and writing this blog mainly to raise money for a good cause and hopefully, you, my faithful readers will help. I'm trying to raise money for the Lymphoma Research Foundation. I'm sure many of you have known someone with cancer. My uncle died from cancer while I was in high school, my sister survived thyroid cancer, and the reason I've chosen the Lymphoma Research Foundation is because currently my girl friend's father is battling Lymphoma. I feel this is a way I can raise money, raise awareness, and help peoples and families coping with this illness. So other than just writing about my beard I'm also going to give you information about Lymphoma to educate people about what charity I've chosen to give money to.

My goal is to raise $300 for this charity. What I was thinking is the with "No Shave November" lasting 30 days it would be cool if people could donate $30 for each day I don't shave. I'd be grateful if people donate anything, but if only 10 people donate $30 than I will reach my goal! What you can do is click here go to their donation page and fill out the information to make a donation. When you make a donation comment on my blog or e-mail me on how much you've donated so I can keep track of how close I am to my goal. If you want to be acknowledged let me know, but you can remain anonymous as well. Hopefully I can raise money to help people in need.

I just want to thank those of you that read this and also those of you that donate, I want to say how much I truly appreciate it before you do donate. T Minus 4 days until the beard is coming back!