No Shave November

Final Post

2009-12-01T18:43:00.007Z

So sad, here is my last no shave blog post!

No Shave November was a great experience for me! And I love having a beard.

The votes are in and counted. And the full beard will be staying until January. Below is the groomed version. How it looks now, and how it will stay! Thank you for all those who voted for this.

The amount so far which I have raised is £150, If you have pledged you will be hearing from me soon. And if you would still like to give then please email me: abcyouthspecialist@googlemail.com

Be blessed. Until next November maybe!?!

Alex, signing off!

2009-11-30T15:58:00.004Z

This is the last ever Poll:

Today is the vote that really counts. You have until 6pm tomorrow evening to have your say on how my facial hair will be until the first of Jan 2010. Tomorrow I will reveal all in my last blog!

1) Full Beard

3) The Chin strip with mustasche

4) The Chin Curtain

5) Goatee with mustasche

6) The Fu-Man-Chu

7) Friendly Mutton Chops

8) An Extended Goatee

9) The Harley Bars

10) The Soul Patch

11) The Po-Stange

12) Mutton Chops

13) The Goatee

As Promised

2009-11-30T15:44:00.003Z

Today fund raising went over £100. And I said I would put this video up if it did.

So here it is, enjoy!

Day 27

2009-11-27T23:58:00.002Z

Isn't technology meant to male stuff easier? Today I washed 4 lots of washing and guess what the tumble dryer broke down. Wet washing everywhere! seeing no one is voting I have decided not to hold another vote until the last day of November. Where I will put all apart from the clean shaven up and you can vote then!

As you can see my Beard is still there and is still growing.

Be blessed. Until tomorrow.

Day 26

2009-11-26T23:04:00.003Z

Only four days to go! I am counting every second until I can trim these over hanging lip fungus's! Today has been a productive day. I made a SU group cry. Bunch of Girls! And I just finished watching Terminator Salvation! Not bad at all!!!!!!

As you can see beard is still growing, it is looking really scruffy now! I am starting to feel really scruffy now! No itch, no probs any more with shampooing it. I am just looking forward to being able to trim it.

There are only four days left of this sponsored no shave November! So please get in touch and give some money! abcyouthspecialist@googlemail.com

Until tomorrow. Be blessed

Poll 26/11/2009

2009-11-26T22:55:00.002Z

Today's choices are:

Number 1: The Full Beard
Looks like it is here to stay

Number 10: The Soul Patch Challenger

Day 25

2009-11-25T23:31:00.003Z

First day back in the office was cool. The prayer Breakfast this morning was awesome. Not many people turned up (I guess because of the weather) which meant there where lots of Bacon rolls just for a few to consume. Thank you Jesus! Mr Faddes is really hairy, say no more! And as you can see my facial fungus is still doing it's thing! Only 5 days now until I can trim the hair above my lips! I can not state just how annoying it can be! Eating peanut butter on your toast, you bite into it, pull the toast away to find not only did you bit into the toast but also the hair and now you are ripping it out! Arrrrghhgghhhhghhghgg!!!!!!!!

The Itch hasn't returned and nor do i wish it too!

Please sponsor me. Now is the right time to do it. Either speak to me or email me to pledge: abcyouthspecialist@googlemail.com

Until tomorrow. Be blessed

Poll 25/11/09

2009-11-25T23:19:00.003Z

Today's choices are:

Number 1: The Full Beard
Champion

Number 11: The Po-Stange (The Bottom Bar) Challenger

Day 24

2009-11-24T20:20:00.003Z

6 days to go! still haven't shaved, hair over my mouth still way to long and annoying me!

Will see Mr Faddes for the first time tomorrow in a bout a week and a half. Looking forward to seeing just how thick his face carpet really is!

Until tomorrow. Be blessed

Poll 24/11/09

2009-11-24T20:11:00.003Z

Todays choices are:

Number 1: The Full Beard
Champion

Number 5: The Goatee with Mustasche

Challenger

Day 23

2009-11-23T17:10:00.002Z

Hi, Slept long today which was well needed, as I have the long journey home this evening! There will not be a new vote this evening as I will be driving, but have extended yesterdays for another day. So carry on voting. As you can see beard is still growing and getting thicker! Not itching at all anymore which is a great thing. The hair on my top lip is still annoying me. But only 7 days to go and I can cut it which is awesome. I am also still getting used to the taste of having shampoo in my mouth, even more so that the over hanging hair is so long.

Looking forward to getting home, but even more so seeing Vanessa and the kids again at the weekend.

Be blessed. Until tomorrow.

Day 22

2009-11-22T17:56:00.003Z

Not a lot of change on the facial hair side. Still twisting, still growing. Today has been a good day, although I am really missing my family. But also it was weird not being in the ABC family today. And I really missed them all as well.

There are only 8 more days to go then I can finally trim the hair above my mouth. I never knew it would be so annoying! That's if I can find my mouth through the thick over hanging hair in 8 days!

Please remember it is not to late to sponsor me. You can do it by emailing me on: abcyouthspecialist@googlemail.com

Be blessed. Until tomorrow.

Poll 22/11/09

2009-11-22T17:49:00.002Z

Today's choices are:

Number 1: The Full Beard

Still Reigning Champion

Number 7: The Friendly Mutton Chops
Challenger

Day 21

2009-11-21T18:29:00.003Z

Come on Scotland!!!!! Sorry, I am watching the Scotland Australia game. And the Scots are doing great!

As you can see Beard still coming on! The hair over my mouth is starting to annoy me now! Wish I was allowed to trim it. It keeps getting in the way and keeps tickling my lips.. ARRRRGGGGHHHHH!!!!!!

Until Tomorrow. Be blessed

Poll 21/11/09

2009-11-21T18:21:00.004Z

Todays Choices are:

Number 1: The Full Beard

And Still Champion

Number 9: The Harley Bars Contender

Poll 20/11/09

2009-11-20T18:13:00.003Z

Today's choices are:

Number 4: The Chin Curtain
The Challenger

Number 1: The Full Beard
The Champion

Day 20

2009-11-20T18:05:00.003Z

Today has been a cool day. Enjoyed spending time with my family.

As you can see not still have the hair and it is starting to thicken out!

Was a little itchy again today, but I hardly noticed it as I guess I am getting used to it.

I am really looking forward to Children in need tonight, looks like a good line up!

Please remember the Ark in your prayers this evening! In Ayr we also have young people in need. Okay mainly their needs may be different, but one thing they do all have in common is that they all need Jesus. And the Ark is there to live Jesus in these young people lives. So please remember them.

Okay be blessed. Until tomorrow.

Day 19

2009-11-19T19:27:00.003Z

Hi, Today has been a long day and didn't quite go as I expected it too!

But as you can see ma facial fungus is still coming on well, although when you look at it everyday, doesn't seem to be doing that much! I am really missing Vanessa and the kids. They got to Germany okay and are having a good time!

I tried twisting ma beard into lots of little spikes today! Didn't quite know what to do with the free time I had. But it looked really bad and so I thought I wouldn't take a picture for you all to see. Maybe in a couple of days I will try again!

Please remember if you would like to sponsor me or pay a shaving fine please pledge via email: abcyouthspecialist@googlemail.com

So I am off now. Be blessed. Until tomorrow!

Poll 19/11/09

2009-11-19T19:19:00.003Z

Today's Choices are:

Number 13: The Goatee
Challenger

Number 1: The Full Beard

Champion

Day 18

2009-11-18T18:25:00.002Z

Only a really short blog from me today! Yeah, I can hear you all cry! I am so happy, that you the public have voted the Clean Shaven option of the polling sheet!

Not sure if you can see the hair properly in this photo but still growing and I haven't itched once yet. Twisted lots though!

Got up at stupid o'clock to drop Vanessa and the kids to the airport today, so now I am off to ma bed. Good night!

Poll 18/11/09

2009-11-18T18:11:00.003Z

I am so happy! Thank you all! The new year belongs to the Facial Hair! As the Clean Shaven has now been band for the rest of the competition!

Today's choice are:

Number 6: The Fu-Man-Chu
The Challenger!

Number 1: The Full Beard
The Champion!

Day 17

2009-11-17T19:11:00.003Z

Twisting ma beard, is officially my new favorite past time. Why play with facebook anymore, when I can just play with ma face!

Today was a good day! Chris H. made a comment below, Hi mate! Thanks! And again in Bible College we watched another DVD! This time it was the film "Amazing Grace". Which is a good film, all about the abolition of the slave trade in the UK! So it was quite challenging!

I am writing so early because I am just about to go to ma bed! As you can see ma face fungus is still spawning and getting shaggier by the day! I am really looking forward to seeing how it will look at the end of the month. And whether it will be staying or not! I am so not happy that everyone keeps voting for the Clean Shaven option! Why would you do such a thing? what have I done to you all?

So no silly poems or interesting facts from me today, I am now off to ma bed!

Good night!

Please remember the Ark in your prayers. And if you would like to sponsor me or pledge some money, please email me on: abcyouthspecialist@googlemail.com

Until tomorrow. Be blessed

Poll 17/11/09

2009-11-17T18:09:00.004Z

Today's choices are:

Number 2: Smelly Clean Shaven
The smelly Champion

Number 1: The full beard
A very worthy Challenger

Day 16

2009-11-16T22:14:00.002Z

Today was very constructive. I got lots done, which is a really good thing seeing that in just one and a half more sleeps I am off on holiday! As you can see the hair on ma chin is really starting to join with the hair an ma heed now! And also my neck hairline finishes just before ma toenails! Bet you all wanted to know that! I have to read about a million pages tonight for Bible college tomorrow, so tonight's post will only be a wee one. I haven't itched at all today! but have played and twisted the big hairy bit stuck to the front of ma face a lot!

Vanessa has been a true servant through all of this, and I would really like to thank her for always being willing to take photos everyday. But the only other one (apart from the one above)that she took this evening is the one below. After seeing it and laughing at my stupid face so much, she refused to take another one. So here it is for you all to break your ribs on!

So I thought I would take this opportunity to make it a captions competition.

So in the comment section below post a comment. They will not appear straight away, I will have to make sure they are okay. Then when they are I will okay them.

So post you caption to this photo! It could be what I am thinking, What I am looking at, or just something really random!

You have 2 days!

I leave you with this random fact:

"The only guy in the band ZZTop not to have a beard, was really called Mr ...Beard!"

Until tomorrow. Be blessed.

Poll 16/11/09

2009-11-16T17:41:00.006Z

Thank you for voting in the very last seconds. It was a draw again so the poll will carry on with 1 added style! Today's choices are:

Number 2: Clean Shaven
The Champion (So not happy!)

Number 12: Mutton Chops
Still a Challenger!

Number 13: The Goatee (Orginal)
The Challenger!

Day 15

2009-11-15T22:35:00.004Z

Two and a half more sleeps and then it is holiday time! Yeah Baby! Can't come quick enough, I am really needing a proper holiday.

Today was awesome, Church this morning was cool, hanging out with the breathe guys was not only cool but really challenging. At the beginning of the morning service I was handed an envelope, and written on it was: My "fine" for shaving... Some more sponsorship money which was a really cool way of getting it to me. Thank you if you are reading, again you know who you are! Then this evening we had a baptism, and the dunked ones story was just amazing. YF was just as cool as Breathe. The dudes and the dudettes prepared some pretty cool Bible studies, and for many of them it was their first time. I really do love working with you guys! And yes you can quote me on it!

Today I didn't really have time to think about the itch as I was busy quite a bit of the day, but as you can see from the photo above, it is starting to thicken out on the sides! I wonder how Mr Faddes is doing?

So just a short one from me tonight as I have had a long day, but make sure you vote and visit again tomorrow, to find out what is new on the ginger beard front!

Oh yeah, I nearly forgot! As I was taking pictures for today, I decided to try a few out with ma torch. So the pictures below where the ones that kinda made me chuckle in a very bearded childish kinda way. Enjoy!

Until tomorrow.

Be blessed

(Yes the torch really is in my mouth!)

Poll 15/11/2009

2009-11-15T16:49:00.003Z

I am not impressed! Todays choices are:

Number 2: Clean Shaven
The new Champion

Number 12: Mutton Chops
The Challenger

Day 14

2009-11-14T22:25:00.003Z

Hi, as you can see from the above photo I haven't bowed to the itch and shaved yet. To tell you the truth I think I might be over it! I haven't been feeling too good today, my back kept me up quite a bit last night, and I woke to find that I don't have any more of 1 of my medicines. So have to go 2 days without it. Not such a good thing, specially when my blood is so thin as well.

Went to the Ayr game today with the lads, which was good, but standing around in the cold didn't do my back any good, still ma beard kept ma face nice and warm! And plus I still have ma 100% record. 100% being, every Ayr game I have been at they haven't lost!

Found some more really interesting beard facts to share with you all today.

Did you know that an "average man" spends 3350 hours shaving in his lifetime?

And that if the "average man" wasn't ever to shave, when he died his beard would be 27.5 feet long, that is nearly 8.4 meters? That means you could lay his chin on 1 side, then lay his beard stretched out over the whole width of a full sized tennis court, and still have some left over!

Just imagine how we could all use all of that extra time everyday?

Anyway, I am a little fuzzier than yesterday, my hair is starting to look like hair now, and not just like mouldy fungus and I am over the itch, for the time being anyway! All is great today, I am really looking forward to church tomorrow. To hanging out with the Breathe crowd, and to YF in the evening! Bring it on!

I have stuck this picture here as an incentive! Not sure how many of you knew, but I can turn my tongue 360 degrees! I have raised so far £65 pounds, if we can reach £100 before midnight on the 30th of November. When it happens I will publish a short video to prove that I can! Ohhhh! If you have already sponsored me, I am not talking too you! But you could help by getting other people interested in pledging. Just give them the site address, and tell them to get their wallets out! Or they can just email me on: abcyouthspecialist@googlemail.com

Be blessed. Until tomorrow

Poll 14/11/2009

2009-11-14T17:51:00.006Z

Seeing that the last Vote did not bring forth a winner. Infact, again it was a draw, we will have to take another vote, and just like the last time a new contender will be added into the mix.

Your choices are:

Number 9: the Harley Bars
(Still) Reigning Champion

Number 2: Clean Shaven
This is it's very last chance to shine!

Number 11: The Po-Stange (said: Po-Stanga)
A German contender, which translated really does mean The Bottom Bar!

Day 13

2009-11-13T21:24:00.002Z

Today was my day off! And it was wonderful to spend all day with my wife and kids! It was the last chance we were going to have before they go away to Germany on holiday.

So what happened today is going to stay between my family and me, because it was so special.

Now on the shaving front, I didn't shampoo and condition the rats nest today (part of the beard at the front), I call it that because when you touch it, that is how it feels. But of course only when I haven't washed it! As you can see from the photo, the sidle facial fuzz is really coming on! Vanessa finds it hilariously funny that my full beard could grow right up to my eyes and maybe even join with my mono brow! I didn't even know I had one!?! But you know what they say, "If God didn't want it to grow up there, He wouldn't have placed the hair follicles up there in the first place!" No one else really says that, I just made it up! Sorry!

Someone else, another dear brother pledged some more sponsorship money today, again you know who you are, thank you very much! So the running total so far is £65 which is great, but I would really like to raise some more. So if you would like to pledge, please email me: abcyouthspecialist@googlemail.com

I will leave you with this short poem by Edward Lear

"There was an old man with a beard,

who said, 'It is just as I feared!

- Two owls and a hen, four larks and a wren,

Have all built their nests in my beard!"

Until tomorrow, be blessed!

Poll 13/11/2009

2009-11-13T20:28:00.008Z

So after many hours of Vanessa's asking, I have decided to let you the public decide if you would like me to shave everything of at the end of November. If the clean shaven wins, it will pop up again to be voted on, but if it doesn't it will be bannished forever (well until January maybe!?!). The choice is yours!

Number 9: The Harley Bars
The Champion

Number 2: Clean Shaven
The repeat Challenger

Day 12

2009-11-12T22:25:00.006Z

Hi, today has been another productive day. Spent a lot of time working in the office today, but also had to go to the Ark for the Ayr Academy SU, which may I say was cool. Also at the Ark I got to see just how much carpet Mr Faddes had stuck to his face. I am impressed. We will come back to that later. Then straight after that I had to go and let the NHS vampires have their way with me. Not only did the doctor laugh at me with my back. But he also prescribed me with totally the wrong pain killers, and my blood is totally messed up again. It is way to thin. It is a really good thing that I am not shaving for the next few weeks, because if I was to cut myself I would run the risk of bleeding to death. Got to see the blessing in it somewhere! The Vampire was not impressed when I said I wasn't going to go and have my blood taken everyday next week! As she thought I was just being rude. But when I told her I would be away on holiday, see seemed to take it a little bit easier on me! Also at the clinic I was told by a rather rude lady that I should have a shave and get a job. I guess looks can be misleading!

As you can see from the photo, I am a little bit hairy'er than yesterday but not a lot! I struggled again this morning to wash and condition my beard with out wanting to upchuck, because of the evil taste that the 2 emit. And the itch is meant to have gone away by now... But it hasn't. I am praying that it will soon!

Now back to Mr James Faddes. Here is a current Photo of him. All I can do is pay my respect to the Faddes Facial Fungus. Are you sure you are not Italian, or have the ware wolf syndrome?

Anyway, we reached 1000 hits today. that is £10 for the sponsorship fund! Thanks and lets keep on going! If you would also like to sponsor me please email me on: abcyouthspecialist@googlemail.com
and pledge some money to help the Italian Ware wolf man and the rest of the team at the Ark reach out to young people.

Also, not sure if you have noticed, but right at the bottom of the page there is a link to the best beard page ever. it is beards.org, Click on it and have a look. It might just inspire you to let it grow as well. And that is just the girls! lol.

Until tomorrow. Be blessed

Poll 12/11/2009

2009-11-12T18:00:00.005Z

Seeing that yesterday's poll would have been a draw if I hadn't manipulated the results. I have decided to hold the vote again, but add another beard, so that you have three to choose from.

your choices are:

Number 7: The Friendly Mutton Chops
(still) Reigning Champion

Number 9: The Harley Bars
Challenger 1

Number 10: The Soul Patch
The Newbie Challenger

1000 Hits

2009-11-12T16:17:00.001Z

At 16:17 today (12th Nov 2009) Ayrisher time we were hit for the 1000th time! Thanks guys and keep on visiting and voting!

Day 11

2009-11-11T22:35:00.007Z

As you can see having a beard isn't as easy as it looks! remember kids just like a puppy they are not just for Christmas. You have to care for them, stroke them, brush them, and sometimes even shampoo and condition them. And on that subject, doesn't shampoo and conditioner taste so so so evil? Try rubbing white foamy foam around your mouth without getting any of it in your mouth! I am convinced that it is near by impossible! (Not sure how many of you will have tried this, especially those who are female). I want to start a political party who will campaign solely for all shampoos to taste of Bacon and all conditioners like a nice cold can of Irn-Bru! Would you vote for me?

Today has been a really productive and good day. I spoke to the wonderful Mr Colin Piper for the first time in ages. If you have never had the chance to meet this guy, or know nothing about him... You have so missed out! It was great chatting with him and to hear what God is doing in and through his life, as always it is just so inspiring.

Spent most of my day in the office, itching roughly every 3 minutes as those pesky imaginary biting ants started attacking me again. As you can see from this picture I really am starting to get hairy now! I am still very thankful that God blessed me with ginger facial hair, because if this was dark Italian hair, I would look like I have stuck a small carpet to either side of my face! Am really looking forward to seeing James Faddes tomorrow. Just to see how thick his facial carpet will be!

I am really glad that the challenger today is The Harley Bars. This is my favorite facial hair style of all time, and I would be well chuffed if this was voted as your favorite at the end of November. I think it has everything to keep each side of that facial hair debate happy (Paul and Edith). It looks cool, I have facial hair that sticks out in a crowd, but not a lot, so Vanessa doesn't mind that much either. I have worn this style with pride on may occasions, and judging from the picture below I think I wear it well. But I will let you all be the judge's of that! Man I was so good looking, what ever happened! NO, YOU ARE NOT TO PUT ANSWERS ON A POSTCARD!!!!!!

Be blessed. Until tomorrow!

Poll 11/11/2009

2009-11-11T18:25:00.005Z

Number 7: The Friendly Mutton Chops

Champion 2 days in a row!

Number 9: The Harley Bars

The Really Cool Challenger!

Day 10

2009-11-10T17:05:00.006Z

Just the one photo today, sorry. I have had a long day, and haven't really had time to think about taking any proper photo's. I was at Bible college today which was interesting. Spent lots of money on the train to get there and back to sit down, drink coffee and to talk about a film! But I did learn a lot from my fellow students and that is what counts. Also I have the churches business meeting tonight. Where I am to give a brief account of what is going on in the youth, which I am well excited about. Also at the meeting I am planning to plug No Shave November and this blog... So hopefully lots of people will get on board and give me "Loadsa Money!"
It is Daniel S' 20 birthday today, so after the meeting, it is straight over to the Scene of the Bean (beanscene, a local coffee shop) for a wee caffeinated celebration! Please join with me in singing, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthd... That's enough!

The itch is still about, and is still itching, I am starting really to feel like I have scabies, and as people witness me randomly scratching I would love to know what some of them are thinking, as their faces are real pictures sometimes.

I am very surprised that The Friendly Mutton Chops wiped the floor with The Fu-Man-Chu, who would have thought that would happen. I think maybe some of you remember my Fu-Man-Chu from the 80's party and that might have put you off a bit? I am really looking forward to tomorrows poll. It will be a good one!

anyway that is enough of my babble, and if you are in the church meeting later, I will see you soon. And if your not, then I wont! Be blessed. Until tomorrow.

Poll 10/11/2009

2009-11-10T16:51:00.008Z

Number 7: The Friendly Mutton Chops

The Hippy Champion

Number 8:The Extended Goatee

The Challenger

Day 9

2009-11-09T22:26:00.007Z

Not a lot to comment on today, just that I am getting hairy'er by the minute, my back is still really sore, and that I have had a really busy day!

The itch is driving me crazy, I don't think I have ever been tempted to shave before, but today for the first time I was! not sure if it is the itch, or if it is just knowing that I am not allowed too. Which ever I really wanted to shave myself stupid today!

The up side of having a beard is that I have really grown found of twisting it and playing with it! Drives Vanessa crazy, but as you can see below I just can't keep my finger away from my facial hair. Either I am twisting or I am scratching!

I still need people to sponsor me. Just as a reminder I am doing this whole jazz to raise money for the Ark, which is a local charity here in Ayr. For more info on what the Ark does please visit it's website, which you can find in the links bar. The Ark makes a difference to many young peoples lives, and recently it has lost quite a bit of its funding. So if you are in the position to be able to help and would like to help, please pledge to sponsor me via email: abcyouthspecialist@googlemail.com

Thanks!

As I was looking through some old photo's I found this one. It made me laugh so hard, that I knew I had to share it will you all. Just to set the scene, this was taken in a German hospital just after I had had 4 wisdom teeth and 1 other tooth taken out. I had been constantly bleeding from the mouth for a couple of days and was not so amused when Vanessa took this photo. If any of you have seen any of the Austin Powers movies, I kinda think I look like the rather large unpleasant man with the Scottish accent... "get in ma Bellllly!!!!". I also have to share this bearded moment in my life with you! Enjoy and be blessed. Until tomorrow.

Poll 09/11/2009

2009-11-09T15:36:00.007Z

Todays Choices are:

Number 6: The Fu-Man-Chu
The Newly Crowned Champion!

Number 7: The Friendly Mutton Chops
The Hippy Challenger!

Just to remind you all why you are voting. You vote everyday, and your favorite gets to stay in contention. The overall winner at the end of November, will be the style which I will wear until the end of the year! You get to say how stupid I will look seeing the end of the year out!

Day 8

2009-11-08T22:59:00.009Z

The facial expression says it all! My back is killing me! Today was Remembrance Sunday, which is a little different for me seeing I am married to a German! "Do not Menchon zee Var!" and all that jazz. But it was good today to reflect on all those people who gave their lives, on both sides for the freedoms which we have, like growing a ginger beard if I want too!

I also really enjoyed our trip to KFC, where I was able to make Sara C. a little nauseous by rubbing the finger lickin chicken into my beard and then eating it! Yum, Yum, hairy chicken just what the doctor ordered! Also stored a chip or two for ma breakfast tomorrow! I think I am having way to much fun with this whole collecting food in ma beard lark!

As you can see, face is starting to become more than just fuzzy! Hair is starting to form which is nearly as long as the hair which is growing in my ears! Thought I would put that one in for all those people who commented that I was getting old this evening. Iian B, even suggested that I was 42! My bowling ball has changed, all you would need to do is tattoo a 9 on ma foreheed, shake me a little and ask me a question, and I would look and most probably sound like one of those balls which you shake, ask questions and have 9's on them! Either that or you would want to pot me after the 8 spots or the 8 stripes! I am guessing only half of you actually got that? The itch is still itchy, and the flesh is weak, I just have to give in and scratch all those little ant biting again!

How happy am I that everyone is voting for the Fu-Man-Chu, that is Vanessa's least favorite!Hardy, Hardy, Hardy, Har, Har, Har!

Was really surprised to see Mr Mike M. today. Not because he wasn't meant to be there. But because his beard growth is astonishing weak. After 8 days of growth this is how it looks!
For some this may seem like a blessing, but either way guys I think we really need to pray for this man. Willing to look so silly on so many occasions for Jesus. Gotta love him!

Please remember to vote and to sponsor me! Be blessed, until tomorrow!

Poll 08/11/2009

2009-11-08T16:32:00.005Z

Todays choices are:

Number 5: The Goatee with Mustasche

The New Champion

Number 6: The Fu-Man-Chu

The Challenger

Day 7

2009-11-07T19:12:00.014Z

Today has been really weird! who knew that coughing could be so dangerous? I was struck down with a coughing fit this morning, and as I doubled over to clear the gunk out of my lungs (left overs from the flu), as I coughed something went pang in my back! instantly the beard itch disappeared! From that cough on I have not been able to stand, sit, lie or move without being in immense pain. Vanessa being a nurse, tried all her German nursing remedies, and as the day went on it just got worse and worse! So I ended up at Ayr Hospital A&E, where 2 things happened which were really surprising! firstly, the doctor wouldn't believe that I hurt myself by coughing, and secondly, one of the cleaners recognised me as one of those weird guys not shaving to raise money for the Ark! After a long wait, and a few weird looks from the doctor, he patted me on the back, gave me some mega pain killing pain killers and sent me home.

As you can see from the Photos, I am a little hairy'er than yesterday both facially and bowling bally! This is the stage I am most uncomfortable with, with my bowling ball, because this is what Cromwell would call "Warts un all". But in my case it is "Bald Spots un all". The receding hairline is unmissable.

Am really surprised how many people have voted for the full beard to stay at the end of November, but I think today's challenger (the Goatee with Mustasche) may have something to say about that! Don't forget to have your say by voting at the top of this page on the right, entitled "Which beard do you prefer?" I have also received a few more pledges for sponsorship over the last 24 hours which is great. Thanks to all those who have pledged so far. If you would like to count yourself among them, please pledge via email on: abcyouthspecialist@googlemail.com

Our son is so excited by the prospects of No Shave November, he has decided to join in! As you can see the picture below proves it, I really do have the coolest Son in the world!

Until tomorrow, be Blessed!

Poll 07/11/2009

2009-11-07T17:41:00.003Z

Todays Choices are:

Number 1) The Full Beard
Heat winner 3 days in a row!

Number 5) The Goatee with Mustasche
The Challenger

Day 6

2009-11-06T22:40:00.009Z

Thought this picture looks a little funny so that is why it is here!

Had a very eventful day today! Our Daughter turned one, and because she didn't sleep at all, as she now has my Manflu! The whole day was pretty much spent nursing our sick birthday girl, and because I am so stubbly was really hard as she doesn't really like snuggling up to a rough unshaven yob! Please Lord let it stay that way in the future?

As you can see the beard is getting fuller, and am not sure if you can pick it up on this photo, but am starting to get even more fuzzier!

I spent the evening at Ayr Racecourse today with our Son and many other from the church. we were there for the spectacular fireworks display. And spectacular they were. It was the first time our Son had really experienced fireworks and he loved them. After that it was off to the Staffords for a nice warm cup of coffee with what felt like have of the ABC YF and some of their parents. Thanks guys! Now I am not one to name names, but Paul Creasey, seems to think my beard growth is not quick enough? I think we should pray for him!

My bowling ball is startng to resemble an orange which has been sat moulding for weeks. Not sure if you can tell from the picture that ma heed is starting to lose its shine! Also the itch has just started. Man it is itchy, icthy, itchy! I feel like I have thousands of tiny little ants running around, biting away at my jawline. And the more I scratch they more they bite! What am I doing? Whose idea was it to do this in the frist place? The picture below highlights where I am feeling the itch most!

Please remeber to vote and to also pledge to sponsor me via email: abcyouthspecialist@googlemail.com
be blessed
Please also remeber the great work of the Ark in your prayers?

Poll 06/11/2009

2009-11-06T15:17:00.003Z

Todays choices are:

Heat Winner, 2 days in a row

Number 1: The full Bread

The Challenger

Number 4: The Chin Curtain

Please don' forget to vote and leave comments? Thanks!

Day 5

2009-11-05T22:11:00.004Z

As you can see I am starting to get a wee bit hairy! but hey, that is the whole point of this wee exercise. I was truly thankful that God made me ginger for the first in my life today. All it took was as I walked into the Ark I took a good look at Mr James Faddes. Man his Italian beard growth made him look like like he had slept rough for a day or so! how is he gonna look after a month. Like a very young father Christmas I can here you all say!

Not sure if you will be able to see it in these pictures properly, but that is only because I polished my bowling ball today to a great standard (very shiny), that the fungus is growing and starting to spread! Funny thing is my head is itching more than my neck! Maybe I have nits or something! Come on be honest, who just started itching?

Did you know that an average beard grows 5 1/2 inches every year. Think about it that is 13.97 Cm's every year. That is over a centimeter a month! If I was to carry my Nazarite vow on for another 11 years, I would be able to walk on my own beard! how odd would that be?

On the sponsorship thing, I was explaining to my son today why I wasn't going to shave my beard off for the next month, when he ran out of the room, to return with his little savings wallet. As I asked him what he was doing, he said he wanted to give the Ark some money, so that the young people could hear about Jesus and that it was really important! makes you think doesn't it? If you would like to sponsor me, please pledge by email on: abcyouthspecialist@googlemail.com
be blessed

Today's poll

2009-11-05T13:59:00.005Z

Here are the photos for todays poll. Please remember to vote!

Number 1: The Full Beard
(the winner of thw first day of voting)

Number 3: The Chin Strip and Mustasche

(the challenger)

Day 4

2009-11-04T14:28:00.004Z

As you can see the Manflu has taken over. Apart from a brief trip to the doctors for some antibiotics, I have spent much of today working from my bed. (lots of sympathy please?)

Today also included launching the poll below. Where you get to say what I should do with my facial hair when I am done with this month. But be aware to have a proper say you will have to visit and vote everyday!

My bowling ball has a very thin fungus like layer of hair on it now. It is at that stage where it would be possible to light a match with it. And before I get any emails asking, no you can not come round and test it out! Also my bulky beard is at the point where I can twist it. Vanessa keeps telling me off for combing it all the time! Like I would do something like that? And if I did, all the photographic evidence will be burned!

Still no itch, apart from the ninja star shaped saw in my throat (more sympathy please!) Chops are a little fuzzier than yesterday and I guess the next few days pictures will start to show this!

Have raised some more money, which is great. Would like to thank the family who pledged via email yesterday. You know who you are! Thank you.

The Ark has lost quite a bit of its funding this year, so it is vitally important that we raise as much money as possible. To find out what the Ark does please visit http://www.ayrark.co.uk/.

Be blessed and don't forget to vote.

Poll

2009-11-04T12:19:00.008Z

Hey everyone,

Starting today I am going to be posting another two pictures of me. The same picture everytime the only difference being that each time I will be wearing a different style of Facial hair.

Each I day I will hold a poll, which has alraedy started if you look over to the right you will see this! The style which wins will stay and take on another style the next day! again for you to vote on!

So why do this?

Well which ever style wins out right at the end of November. I will wear the style you have voted for, for the remainder of 2009. And that is a promise! so come back each day and vote!

Here are the first two styles:

Heat winner!

Number 1: The Full Beard

Number 2: Clean Shaven

Day 3

2009-11-03T16:19:00.000Z

As you can see the night and the man flu

has not been so kind!!!
Only joking! This is just a prediction to how Vanessa (my wife) thinks I will look at the end of the month!

But here is the real picture.

Again not a lot of change, although a dark shadow is starting to appear on my bowling ball!

Also my chops are starting to get a wee bit fuzzy, but still no itch to be reported!

Last night the opening at the Ark was amazing, even had our photos taken by the local paper. So if you can get a copy of the Ayrshire Post tomorrow (Wed 4th Nov 09) you should find us in there. Also fund raising has started well, I have already collected £15. But as you can guess I want to raise a lot more. So if you are interested in donating please email me on abcyouthspecialist@googlemail.com.

Be blessed, and please pray for Chris Hill, who tried to convince me today that God doesn't really exist! Praying for you mate!

Day 2

2009-11-02T09:22:00.000Z

Day 2 has started with the man flu. I am feeling rough as! But I am really looking forward to the official NO SHAVE NOVEMBER opening ceremony this evening at the Ark. It starts at 7:30pm and will last about an hour, for all those who can make it! As you can see not much has changed in the first day, but that was to be expected! No itch as of yet, but it is called the 1 week itch, so I have another 6 days till it kicks in (in theory).

I will leave you today with this quote:

“the male beard communicates an heroic image of the independent, sturdy, and resourceful pioneer, ready, willing and able to do manly things” (Robert J Pellegrini, Psychologist)

Day 1

2009-11-01T15:25:00.000Z

This is not just about the beard.

For the month of November I will not be shaving or cutting any bodily hair, i will be taking the Nazarite vow for one month. You maybe be asking why I didn't shave my beard off already? well, the answer to that is easy! I am doing this to raise as much money as possible! If at the end of November I look like a tramp, I reackon more people will give me money to shave it all off! How am I feeling? Excited and really looking forward to seeing how the rest of the month shapes up!