I have come to the conclusion...

... that for some reason people really like beards. I have never quite understood people's obsession with them.  It has basically become a fact, that in general most people really do seem to enjoy a good beard.

I have never wanted a beard.

I have never really cared about beards or thought they were cool.

I know I now have a beard, but it was an accident.

Many people had told me they think I would look good with a beard, and should have one.  I didn't mean too, but eventually at some point I just forgot how to plan time and effort to shave and a beard was the result.

It was actually really uncomfortable at first, and I don't mean just the itchiness.  It gained me a lot of new attention, usually people saying, "nice beard" or "you're growing a beard now?"  Which is just weird, that you grow it.  Anyways, that attention made me uncomfortable.  I can be quite shy and have always felt awkward talking to anyone about shaving or facial hair.  Probably because it is seen as a symbol for being a "man" and it makes me think of the stereotypical male, which I have issues with.  I suppose that talking about beards or shaving made me feel like I was a part of that group, which thinking about this I realize there are probably bigger issues at hand that maybe I would rather not think about.  I guess I just don't want to drink beer, watch football and hide from my wife.  So because of this I felt uncomfortable talking about shaving or growing a beard.  Even though it doesn't really connect, it makes sense to me for some reason.

But I have finally come to terms with it.  It's been with me for over a year now and I guess I just have to accept that it is a part of who I am, and a part of humanity.  Although it does still make me uncomfortable when creepy men I don't know walk up to me from behind and gently run their fingers over my beard, I just might always feeling uneasy about that.  I mean, at least approach from the front and ask first.  Other than that, I no longer feel the need to hide from my beard or who I am (with a beard).  Because of this and the fact that people just love beards, I have decided to start on a new project.  It is a relatively new idea so I don't want to give anything away until it's in the works, but I think everyone will like it.  It will venture into new territory and hopefully maximize the love and joy that people have and get from beards.

Also, I really like the forward delete key.