This year has felt like one long plot twist. I was laid off, picked up side jobs, and somehow wrote books through the chaos. And because my bold ideas seem to arrive at the least practical moments, I also told my wife to leave her stable job and finally chase her dream of becoming an elementary school teacher. Yes, while I was unemployed. I knew how wild that sounded, but it was still the right call. She earned her master’s degree with a 4.0 GPA and pushed through student teaching with steady patience. That has been one of the bright spots in a difficult season. Every year her best friend and I go on a holiday shopping trip. It is our tradition. We visit a few stores, hunt for the right gifts, and finish with Blanco Tacos for dinner. It is an odd little ritual, but it works. This year my definition of extravagant stretched farther than usual, and the gift ended up firmly in the expensive category. Her best friend did nothing to protect my budget. We visited Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Nordstrom. I drifted toward the loud pieces my wife usually likes, the ones that practically call attention to themselves. Her best friend kept pulling me away. Then she pointed at the sweater I was wearing, a very nice Armani with no visible branding, and said to the salesperson, “See. He does not need to shout. Why would she.” After that she delivered the line that stuck with me. “You already proved you can afford it. Now I want her to enjoy it.” Moments later she realized I own cashmere and alpaca while my wife owns neither. She turned to me with a look that said only one word, and she said it out loud. “Robert.” No affection. No softness. Just pure judgment aimed directly at my soul. At Louis Vuitton we found the right piece. A soft, understated cashmere sweater with a small tag at the back of the neck. Nothing loud. Nothing trying to show off. Just quiet quality. The salesperson added, “Pieces like this never get counterfeited. There is nothing loud to copy. The value is in how it is made.”

One of my favorite services is when Lorelei Kaiser Barton brings her harp. She comes every second Sunday of Advent.- the sanctuary is all decorated, the advent music is in full swing, and her immense talent just makes it very special. Always a great Sunday. Todays’s OOTD was inspired by my wife (sorry no pic). She wore a green sweater and a green and navy tartan trouser so I thought I would get into the season spirit with a deep red Harold’s cotton V neck and a tartan silk tie. On this cold morning went with my grey flannel trousers again and my MTM lambswool houndstooth sportcoat. Green black and navy pocket square to harmonize with the tie. Acadia National Park Pendleton socks, 1982 Cole Haan Waxhide loafers and a Seiko model 5 watch. Happy 2nd week of Advent gentlemen.

Love spending time in the presence of the creator annd my our and Savior, and worshipping and serving in church.

Congratulations to @Jesse Alonzo on reaching Level 9 and becoming the newest General in the "Real Men, Real Style" Community! And a heartfelt 'Thank You!" to everyone who joined in the push to help Jesse reach the top! You guys rock!! 😀

Hey, all — Our friend @Jesse Alonzo is only about 1,100 points from reaching Level 9 and going over the top. Jesse has been a major push helper for so many, not only in this group but others as well. It's time to return the favor and push Jesse over the top to Level 9 this weekend! What do you say? We can do this! For newer members, it is very simple. Merely go to @Jesse Alonzo's bio page and begin "Liking" all of his posts and comments, as well as any other members' you wish. A rising tide raises all boats, you know? So, let's do this! Jesse Alonzo to Level 9 now!!