From: cbertsch	Date: December 23rd, 2010 12:09 am (UTC)		(LINK TO SPECIFIC ENTRY)

Thanks! I haven't taken one of these hold-the-camera-at-arm's-length shots in a while, but the setting and light seemed to call for the attempt.

	From: cbertsch	Date: December 23rd, 2010 12:38 am (UTC)		(LINK TO SPECIFIC ENTRY)

I think it's mostly the angle. I've lost a little weight, both due to stress and the fact that I took a break from the steroids for asthma and allergies. And I've redistributed some of what I still have, I like to think, from getting in slightly better shape. But I'm still wearing the same size pants, so it can't have been much.

Anyway, I'm flattered that you thought I might have lost a lot of weight and that you liked the photo. I've been self-conscious about the attempt to grow a beard, so I was reluctant to post a photo. Oh, and if you ever want to get coffee, let me know.

	From: cbertsch	Date: December 23rd, 2010 12:39 am (UTC)		(LINK TO SPECIFIC ENTRY)

I'm trying. It's a work in progress. Slow progress. I'm not the sort that grow a beard in a week, it turns out.

	From: cbertsch	Date: December 25th, 2010 08:27 pm (UTC)		(LINK TO SPECIFIC ENTRY)

A nameless one in Pineville, Mississippi. I left the interstate to look for Katrina damage but figured I might as well dip my toes in the sand while I was there.

	From: cbertsch	Date: December 25th, 2010 08:28 pm (UTC)		(LINK TO SPECIFIC ENTRY)

Thank you. I'm actually not that much thinner, unfortunately. But I am a little more lean, particularly from a psychological standpoint.

	From: cbertsch	Date: December 25th, 2010 08:26 pm (UTC)		(LINK TO SPECIFIC ENTRY)

You're so good! I wanted this entry to play off its predecessor.

	From: cbertsch	Date: December 27th, 2010 03:45 am (UTC)		(LINK TO SPECIFIC ENTRY)

Hey, thanks! I'm not used to the facial hair, myself, but it seemed important to signal the huge upheaval in my life by finding a way not to look the way I've looked for the past twenty years.