4. October 2026

• Brush: AP Shave Co. 30 mm Tuxedo Fan w/ Black & Clear handle
• Razor: Leaf Thorn
• Blade: Derby Premium half-DE
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Tobacconist
• Post Shave: Bali Gents - Skin Revival Spray
• Post Shave: HAGS - Barberwood AS tonic

1 pass on the dome, 2 on the face. All things considered, a great shave.

Haven't posted in a while because I actually built up some social connections and genuine friendships in RL! So, the colleague who I went to the gym with is going through some harsh shit. Actually, we grew closer and befriended over our shared misery and yesterday, she hosted a small party at her apartment with another colleague, her sister and a close male friend. Haven't gone out in so long, haven't had this much fun and interaction in quite a while... But of course it also involved drinking and as a lightweight, I was still a bit intoxicated today. Nevertheless, it was great and made our bond stronger - not only as colleagues, but as friends. As it was rather spontaneous, I only had time for a dry shave yesterday. So I wanted some self-care today before my home workout (which I actually finished, but I went easier today to account for my status). This was perfect to wind down.

Tobacconist is one of my earliest artisan soaps and I really love the scent of it. As a former smoker who converted to e-cigs, I often miss the smell of good Tobacco. This and FMoM deliver that really well. Of course, the Mammoth base is also really cushioning for my skin. Earlier today I trimmed my goatee down to stubble length, so I really needed a good clean shave around it to define the edges. The Thorn delivered that.

As for my fitness progress: I got myself a hangable pull-up bar two weeks ago and actually managed to do one. Just one, but still a start! Currently I'm training them with band assistance. My mother was worried yesterday that I look rather thin to her, usually an indicator that I am unwell - so I stepped on the scale today, once before eating and after. Both weights were in the 88 kilo range, so I am definitely below 90 kgs at the moment. I wouldn't have guessed from looking at the mirror except that I see some progress in my arms. Suddenly, there are thick blue veins in my biceps that I've never seen before. It's crazy, but at 32 I now have a better form than at 23! This motivates me to continue, but I don't necessarily want to lose more weight. I still need to eat more quality food. Still, small successes on my way 😌