Each morning, I look in the mirror and notice that my face is aging. My first reaction tends to be, "I need to moisturize more." But it really doesn't matter. The lines are beginning to form. I think about getting a higher-end moisturizer. But I have before and I still am beginning to look like my father. Some mornings, I open my eyes to my father staring back at me from the mirror. For a split second, I startle. Then, I realize it's just me. Older. The bags are more prominent under my eyes. I need more sleep. I shower. I moisturize. Nope. Still Merlin staring back.

I used to let my beard grow. Well, as much of a beard as a Filipino male can grow. I used to think it made me look more mature. I knew that when I shaved, people always thought I was much younger than I am. So, I held on to any growth. Somewhere, sometime, I started shaving to look younger. But my skin gives it away. It's not wrinkled but the signs are there. It's tired. It's shaved. It's moisturized. But it's tired. So, it gives away my age.

I'm getting older and it's beginning to show. My friend Lee said that age is just a number. It's just a number alright; a number of things that show more prominently on your face. Which you can't hide. No matter what moisturizer you use. I'm not exactly embracing it either. Why should I? I used to think I would be fine growing old. I am but I still have reservations about my face showing it. Moisturize. I'll give it another try. It probably won't matter. But what do I have to lose? Looking like my dad? Might not be so bad. Later.  ¶ 11:53 PM