Thread: Did you miss me?

I came back tonight to see what's up and was greeted with a PM about the recent Orangeville Meet-up. I have been away from this place for way too long, and I really appreciate that you guys thought of me despite that lengthy absence. Truth is, I just got untracked with my shaving routine, which led to my drifting off. Then, my Father's health began to deteriorate pretty drastically over the last couple months. He passed away on the 19th of this month and, combined with what we went through as a family over the last few months of his life, I have decided that some changes are in order in my own life. Most revolve around taking better care of myself in terms of health and fitness, but there is also taking care of the "inner" man, as well. One of those things for me was shaving and Straight Razors. I am still using my DE and brushes, along with good quality soaps (and Williams too). But my intention is to get back to using my Straights for my weekend shaves, and see how that goes. Eventually, I hope to get back to using them all the time.
I may pare back my collection somewhat, as I have learned that most of those purchases were more about my OCD than about wanting some better tools with which to shave, but that is something for another time.

In the meantime, and in between times, you folks are STUCK with me hanging around again.

Good to see you back....and sorry to hear about your Father.

Making your insides match your outsides, and vice-versa, takes a lot of work, from making sure you get some proper exercise and eating right, to the inner, which was one of the main reasons I started straight razor shaving also, to remind myself that life can't be looked at like a task list, and should be experienced, so taking the time, insisting on the time, to enjoy a shave helps set my mind for the rest of the day.

Welcome back, you were missed here and at Mike's....

Welcome back.

Hope things work out quickly and well.

Sometimes when loved ones get sick and suffer slowly to their death, the death is not the bad part. Participation in our own health care is paramount. It may not make us live longer but at least we can go into it with our eyes open. My father was shocked when he was told he only had a couple of months to live, although he had to have been sick for many years. Taking care of the inner man is super important. I have told my kids the same thing over and over for their lives thus far, there are only two things required to be successful. First you need to be self supporting and the other is you need to be happy. Nothing else in life is that important, and if these two things are taken care of the rest will simply fall into place.

Truly saddened by your loss Orv, but glad to see you online once more buddy.
Andrew and Shaun summed it up quite eloquently. So +1 to the above, and welcome back hombre..
Catch you at the next...

Thanks, guys. I went to an aqua-fit class with the Missus tonight. She is quite the gym rat these days, and I may end up getting roped into it, too. I will say that the hour spent in the pool was quite a strain, but in a good way. We'll have to see if I feel that way tomorrow, though.
You summed it up nicely about my Dad . . . Mom died almost a decade ago and, apart from certain life moments with the grandchildren, and his recent great grandchild, he was pretty much marking time emotionally, and not taking good care physically. He was at peace with his mortality, knowing it would reunite him with his beloved wife. And he hung around long enough to see all his grandchildren, if not settled into their lives, at least solidly on the path to a successful life.
I tell the friends who ask how I am doing that I am fine, and I am. I have my moments, like walking into his apartment this past weekend to get some paperwork for the funeral home and seeing the little electric candle that he always kept lit next to Mom's picture on the TV. But he was content with where his life had led him, and ready to meet his Maker. What more can you ask for in life? And, therefore, how can I be so selfish as to begrudge him his rest?
And, he made sure to leave my siblings and I with a parting gift before he started his descent . . . he gifted myself and my siblings with a nice sum sufficient that we will all be heading to the Netherlands in the Fall for a family reunion with our Dutch cousins.

So, are there any name brands I should look for in terms of a vintage Dutch Straight razor?

Condolences for the loss of your father. Welcome back.

Welcome home Orville. I am sorry to hear of your Pop's passing, but it sounds to me he did it on his terms, may he rest in eternal peace. I am sure he loved you all dearly.

The natural progression of life on earth and the pain it may bring ones self and those who love us is an endless chain stretching back many millennia.

Enjoy all the good things in your Pop's life with your family.

Welcome back Orville very sorry to hear of your Dad's passing.

Welcome back to SRP... So sorry to hear of your Father's passing.

Shawn
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