Your points are acknowledged and well-taken.Grue, Brad @BradWorld said it very well and eloquently. This is a restraint challenge not abstinence. We all understand the cravings and wants. Otherwise we wouldn’t be in this challenge! I have failed twice now and numerous tones in GRUME before so I can totally understand. I do not have the RV mindset necessary for Brad, but I do want to first see myself to the finish line before thinking about buying new stuff. And don’t forget that there feelings surface during this challenge. That’s the whole point.
The only perspective I can give you is that to me from where I am sitting you had the same feeling about your lathering bowl (I could quote you from GRUMEs in 2024 and earlier this year, but I won’t
). Suppose you do get the TiBird, what’s next? A new brush? You know you have to with that new bowl and razor don’t you?
At the end of the day it is a gentlemanly decision and if you decide to do it, so be it. Noting held against you, you are still more than welcome to visit the thread and go for 364/365 which would still be a success in my book.
My failures were willingly and knowingly and I could have said no to them. I didn’t because I just had to have them. What I have learned though from previous years is that the short burst of dopamine quickly goes away leaving me with some satisfaction and some remorse about my decisions. I can only shave with one at a time, right? At this point in time I have plenty to enjoy and no need for extra’s. Wants yes, but no need.
As for the Blackbird. That was my exception last year. Shaves really well, but it wasn’t that Blackbird epiphany I was hoping for when reading from others. I have other razors that are equal or better at that. For me of course and my face.
Guido
The reason I joined the GRUMEs and GRUYERE is not to be an ascetic depriving myself of all material goods, but to be more intentional and not impulsive.
This particular situation is a tough one, since I believe that (if I don't fall off the wagon this year) I will likely purchase the razor next year, and by acting now I would be saving a bit of money. On the other hand, I don't really need another razor. The Winning I have is very good for me.
So, it comes down to whether I feel I'm taking advantage of a very nice opportunity, or if this is an expense of spirit in a waste of shame.
I will say that I post because I really do appreciate those who take the time and give me their views, as it is not something that most of my non-virtual colleagues would understand, and it makes this hobby more engaging and interesting. In particular I appreciate your well-thought-out observations and conclusions. I also find it helpful hearing from those who have tried the Ti-bird who have not found it to be the optimus ominum in razors. I thank you.
I hope that my struggles with this very 1st-world-problem are at least entertaining for the rest of the forum!
