Greetings and salutations from Grizzly Jason! I apologize for not being diligent in
updating the blog and I’m sure you were all waiting with baited breath…but to
be honest, the only free time that I’ve had is in the evenings and recently I've just been very busy.
So today’s topic: the beard – in particular my beard.
Beards in general are pretty fascinating. In today’s day and age, many people view the
beard as a fashion faux pas. I mean, in the West (and East now that I think about it) you don't see a lot of bearded men. Oh sure, some facial hair, but not a lot of the full beard.
Many psychologists say
that they are covering up a personality flaw are a “mask.” However, look at all the great bearded
figures in history and literature:…why there was...and you know..…..hmmm….yeah….ok, with the exception of
some religious figures and perhaps “Santa Claus,” I suppose that bearded heroes
are far and few. “So why grow the beard
then?” you ask. Well, there are couple
reasons
1) Many people have asked for photos…but
unfortunately this is a bit problematic as I shouldn’t post too many photos of
my location, so that means I have to take them of me blocking the sites that
you would actually rather see.
)
2) Some of you have commented on the beard in the
earlier stages. Some wanted “progress
photos” and another suggested that it go viral and people have their photos
taken with it. Once it became a topic at
dinner here (yeah, it was a slow day that day).
So there is an “interest” in trying to cover up my unshaven face.
3 3)
I’m lazy and hate to shave. I really do.
I think that when razors become dull, they are a pain to deal with.
But really, I knew I’d be going out into the regions and
thought that this would be a good way of “blending in.” And by “blending in,” I
mean not necessarily trying to look like an local Afghan, but really to look
less like a foreigner – which I’ve failed at miserably. In fact, I think it would be safe to say that
have done the complete opposite. Not
only do I just appear to be more “ethnic” looking (i.e. Rabbi Rosenburg from
the local yeshiva in Warsaw) or Slavic (kinda like a Tevye from “Fiddler on the
Roof”) and as you may remember from a
previous posting, I’ve been called a Russian by the locals on more than one
occasion. For references – neither of
these looks are particularly a good idea while in the regions of Afghanistan.
 |
| Tevye...or me on a mission |
I also thought that this would be a good way to look older,
more commanding, strong willed…you know, rather like a Viking…sort of a “Thor” look to add to my appearance. Something that would keep people wondering
and on their toes when talking to me. Of course, what I forgot was that the key or
the essence to the whole “Viking” thing is in the character of the
individual. I mean, not a lot Viking were caught whistling
show tunes as they crossed the channel coming to sack and pillage Europe. That and the fact that I gained an average of
10 pounds a month have not done much for this “Odin of Afghanistan” look that I
was hoping for. So instead this would be
the closest example to being a Viking as I can get.
 |
| Coincidentally, I wear a very similar outfit on base. You can only imagine how popular I am. |
So basically, while the whole beard thing is not panning out
the way I was hoping for…perhaps I will be able to run for President in the
next Afghan elections.
 |
| I wonder if they can put this on a postage stamp |
Well, that’s all for tonight…waiting for the next adventure
to begin…..
