"That is Beardy"

Am I this guy?

This year, as a winter break activity, I've decided to grow a beard. In the past I've managed to make it about one week before shaving it off due to general discomfort (both physical and emotional) and itchiness. This time, however, I'm going to power through and just do it. I'm a grown-ass man and I've never actually grown facial hair for any length of time in my life. Perhaps it's because I look so painfully awkward in the initial stages. For instance, I like to refer to four days growth as my "axe murderer" look. Check out my mug shot in your local paper!

Or am I this guy?

Luckily for us novices there are plenty of resources like beards.org or this website that give plenty of tips on growing and caring for your beard. However, I've found that spending too much time researching this can be troubling. For instance, the photos section on beards.org tends to make me rethink my decision about growing facial hair entirely. Check out "Tony" or "J.J." for example. Why are they not wearing a shirt in their photos? Another favorite is this image found in the "sideburn styles" section of the second website:

Friendly indeed. Yes, I will have another beer - thanks for offering friend!

It's been about a week so far and I've reached the interminably itchy phase. I'm told that this will pass once it grows out - this is where I typically say "to hell with this"and shave - but my resolve is steadfast. It's coming in rather light but it's beginning to fill out somewhat. As additional support for my cause I've decided to consult our in house expert on beards: Chomsky our Gnome.

Now, I know it's hard to tell, but if you zoom in on this photo you can actually see my facial hair.

Who knows, maybe someday people might call me "beardy."