Newbie Graduation day!

After 9 months and 100 posts, I feel I'm ready to graduate from newbie status to a regular str8 user. I joined in October of 2007 and was lost in the big crash of January '08. Signed back up, and never looked back. In my nine months I have learned :

learned to use a STR8 razor for not only the tool that it is, but for personal satisfaction that not all men of my generation have learned to enjoy the luxury it has to offer
learned to maintain a razor that comes from a reputable source as "shave ready"
learned to take old "junk/collectable" razors and turn them into usable products
learned that a Mach 3 blade can last for 6 months :roflmao
learned that there are honest vendors out there making money while also making sure that the customer is satisfied. No matter the cost or effort. The list is easy to make - go to the vendors tab of the forum and everyone listed is here for you, and hope to make a profit on the way.
learned that there are honest people out there as well. Every post, advice given or sale presented is from someone who has integrity. There have been very few exceptions and those were dealt with in a very polite and civil way. True Gentlemen (and Ladies). All of you.

I have also, in the last 9 months done:

My own restorstions of razors, with the education given from many members of this site. Nothing worthy of posting in my opinion, but hopefully that will soon change.
I have shaved my 17 year old son with a STR8 on prom night. He was in the early stages of tearing himself up with a disposable when I stopped him. 10 seconds with a stypic pencil, and I was on my way. He said it was the best shave he has had thus far in his in life, and more training is to come his way. His choice. With a little help from his girlfriend. She liked it as well.
3 weeks of 90% BBS shaves, hence my graduation celebration.
I have also met in the past nine months:

Cannonfodder - a local guy to me that I traveled to the Ohio meet and greet with. I dabbled with some scales early on and showed him my technique. He took it to a whole new level and now I ask him questions. Thanks Dave!
Topher - Traveled all the way from Florida to go to the Ohio event. He went to meet the big dogs, but showed us little dogs a thing or two about polishing and honing
Everyone at the Ohio meet and greet - Cool stuff - Vendors like Jim from Vintage, the guys from Classic and Tim Z. Members like Papasmurf, Junkinduck, RalphS, Bill, Don and so many more
Josh Earl - Thanks Josh for your honing advice. Also a pleasure to watch your razors progress.

I have to add Heavyduty (Dave) for his newbie hone experiment on setting a bevel. This was lost in the crash, but great info was put out. Might be a need for another round of this. I have not met him but his info was a defining moment in my honing.
I have also met with Mr Lynn Abrams. Very cool guy and exactly the guy you would expect to meet after reading stuff on this forum about him. Extremely knowledgable and talented, very personable and a true gentlemen. An honor for me I must say.
I am sure I could have added so much more to this post, but I will leave it as it is. It has been a personal journey, with success only achieved with the help of others on the same journey. With a sharp blade and a steady hand, may all you newbies reach this same moment. With a new level of patience and a respect for the finer things in life, it is certainly an attainable and rewarding goal.

Thanks SRP,
Kiowattkid (Jerry)