I shaved. It was weird to see my facial hair without the aid of a mirror. And I felt that for the holiday, wherever I end up, I should look presentable.

I think it may have been good for my acne to not shave for so long. The stubble prevented me from picking at my face as constantly as usual.

three weeks without shaving. sort of gross and pitiful.

I took a bad phone photo of my two weeks of no shaving. Forgot to take a good one, and forgot to post this Monday.

I feel entitled to these sparse hairs sprouting from my chin. They are an affirmation, a confirmation of transformation. I realize that no-shave November is more of a college thing, but I was unable to fully participate back then. And last year it was unbearably pitiful, having only been on testosterone for six months prior. It is still a bit comical, to be sure, and I don't know that I'll last the whole month, but I do have dark hairs in every place a beard and mustache should be. But they are sparse and I previously mentioned, showing mostly just a shadow and not full Aragorn-stubble which is my goal.