I'm Thankful For My... Moustache?

You going for the moustache, John? Since about tenth grade, I've heard that question on a semi-weekly basis. I'm always quick to say no, but my response isn't worth much. Because even if the questioner means to ask if I was growing out a moustache on purpose, the question reminds me that -intended or not-there is sinus fur above my upper lip.

Let's get a couple of things straight. Five-o-clock shadows are not the problem here; full-blown facial hair isn't either. Heck, when I was eight, I wanted sideburns so badly that I grew them using the hairs on my head; they were my only available resources at the time.

It's not even the sub-set, the mustachioed community, that upsets me. I think moustache-growth is a wise choice for a lot of people, but just not for everybody. Pilots? They thrive at mustach-ing. Male flight attendants, too, even though we're talking a totally different style. I'm a 20-year-old sophomore who hasn't fully filled out yet; my facial hair grows in three shades darker than the stuff atop my head, and that's when the beard area grows in at all.

I wasn't necessarily looking for a holiday theme within this developmental dilemma, but one struck me the night before I flew home from college. I had been invited to a themed party, and the theme happened to be moustaches. By late afternoon that day, many of my friends were drawing, painting, and even transplanting hair to the space beneath their noses. Coincidentally, I hadn't the time to partake in my usual 8:00 A.M. electric razor session that morning, and had some thick material of my own to flaunt. For once, I was proud to show up at a party with the moustache-in-training that had been unwanted at all parties prior.

When people asked if I was going for the moustache that night, I proudly nodded in affirmation. Oftentimes, we are quick to take things for granted that don't always come in handy. Maybe it's because I only found reason to be thankful for my moustache this close to Thanksgiving-but it certainly exemplified a whole class of sometimes-useful things that we should keep in mind during the holiday season. Like the bedroom I only sleep in during vacations from school; or the steel envelope opener in my drawer, which I only bother to use when there are onlookers to impress as I open letters.

Even if the occasions when they're useful are far and few, appreciate the many great things in your life this Thanksgiving. But enough about me - and you have yourself a Happy Thanksgiving!

Peace, Love, and Personalized Media,
- John the Intern

http://DailyMe.com