As the end of my 30s gets closer I have accepted that there are some things I can’t do anymore.

Stuff like dunking a basketball (haven’t done that since 12th grade), eating whatever I want without consequences and drinking more nights than not during the week (Tammy takes up the slack in that department) are all things that I know have seen better days.

I’ve also given up on being in the “best shape of my life” by the time I hit 40 like I thought I would do at the end of 2011.

But when Becca over at 25ToFly threw out the Movember Challenge, which is to help raise awareness to men’s health issues like prostate and ball cancer, I knew it was something I could get excited about, especially since all I have to do is not shave… my upper lip.

Day 1 of The ’stache. Actually it’s like 2-3 days growth, but it counts as the first day (Nov. 9) for the challenge.

That may not seem like a big deal to some of you out there, but despite sporting a goatee the past 13+ years, I’ve never grown out my moustache (the “Mo” in Movemeber) for any length of time… until now.

My lack of the ’stache started back in high school when it wouldn’t “attach” with the goatee and I’ve had a smooth upper lip ever since. Plus it gets unbearably itchy, but I’m going to tough it out for Movember.

And because I know it’ll drive Tammy crazy.

Just last Sunday we were watching the Philadelphia-New Orleans game when Tammy told me what she thought about Andy Reid’s moustache.

Andy Reid gives free mustache rides during the off-season.

Tammy: That’s just so gross. Why would anyone want to have that?
Me: Maybe his wife likes it.
Tammy: (shaking her head) That wouldn’t do anything down there.
Me: How do you know? Have you ever been with anyone that had one like that?
Tammy: Ewwww, no.
Me: So you don’t know. Maybe I need to grow mine out like that.

Later in the week I read Becca’s post decided to let it grow to spite Tammy accept the challenge.

Besides pictures, Tammy’s only seen me without my goatee once in the 13+ years we’ve been together. The one time I did shave it neither her nor the kids liked seeing my exposed chin so I grew it back out. But shaving the ’stache has always been part of the process… until now.

My naked chin and my nephew who is now 18 years old.

Even Mickey’s down with The Mo.

I’ll post updates of how my Mo is growing and how much Tammy hates it for the rest of the month. (she’s already told me she hates it already).

Tammy: I hate it already.
Me: Why? Because you just now noticed it? (it’s only been two days)
Tammy: Yeah. Plus I knew you would always shave it. You’re gonna let it grow the entire month?
Me: Yeah. I may have to trim it up from time to time, but I’m gonna let it grow.
Tammy: That’s a long time to go without sex.

In the meantime, please stop by Becca’s Bloggers for Movember USA page, join our team (it only takes a second) and make a donation, no matter how small. Remember, one cent counts just as much as one hundred cents and ALL the funds raised in the U.S. support prostate cancer and testicular cancer initiatives.

Give to The Mo and become a Mo Bro or Mo Sista!! Do It!!

Overview of Movember
During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces, in the US and around the world. With their Mo’s, these men raise vital awareness and funds for men’s health issues, specifically prostate and testicular cancer initiatives.

Once registered at http://www.movember.com, men start Movember 1st clean-shaven. For the rest of the month, these selfless and generous men, known as Mo Bros, groom, trim and wax their way into the annals of fine moustachery. Supported by the women in their lives, Mo Sistas, Movember Mo Bros raise funds by seeking out sponsorship for their Mo-growing efforts.