BE4, Shin Splints, Wal-Mart, No Poker

Increased itchiness today. It was worth it though, as I received a compliment and was allowed to engage in beard talk. A little old lady that comes in regularly (this one doesn't suck, despite mild annoyingness at times) told me that my beard looked very nice. This prompted a conversation between myself, a gentleman at the next window, and a guy waiting in line. What I learned: beards come in at different paces, the area that I think looks totally naked is not noticeable, and facial hair never turns gray at the same time that head hair does. I need to borrow Jeff's camera and get a picture of this thing up so I have a photo journal.

I've been exercising every day, but it has been quite difficult. I've had immense pain in my shins and figured it was just because I haven't done any physical activity in so long. I described the pain as what I imagine shin splints feel like. It turns out that I have a good imagination because I DO have shin splints. They suck. I consulted several future doctors tonight, and they all agreed that I do, in fact, have shin splints. To share the experience, put your index finger in the middle of the joint between your foot and shin. Stretch your thumb up your leg as far as you can while keeping your index finger planted. Now, bring your index finger to your thumb and move it to the outside of your leg about an inch. Now, light that spot on fire. That's what a shin splint feels like. I'm not stopping running, although I'm not sure how much benefit I'm getting as I can't stand much more than 10-12 minutes of running, but I've been sticking with it and I'm stubborn. I'm not stopping. My medical harem has advised me to warm-up by walking for a few minutes, and then gave me some stretches to loosen those muscles. I hope they work, but this hurts like the bejeebus.

Jeff and I went to Wal-Mart tonight. I fucking hate Wal-Mart. I hate it because I feel like I'm inconveniencing the employees by shopping there. We always go at night, and the stock crew is constantly dragging out pallets to the various departments. If you are in their way in an aisle, they do not slow down to let you pass. They give you the "get out of my way or I will hit you, jackass," glare. I've decided to make a scene the next time I go because I sort of want to be banned from Wal-Mart. I don't mind employees that are not helpful, because I was one for a very long time, however, when I'm actively discouraged from shopping and actively not-helped, I'm done dealing. Hopefully my tirade won't get me arrested, but if the staff is equally as uncooperative in participating in my little tantrum as they are in helping me find a tire gauge, then I intend on tackling a display. Or at least severely undermining it's structural integrity. I might even create little booby-traps. Pile boxes of shoes precariously and then create a solid facade for the unsuspecting shopper or stocker. Hide perishables in clothes racks. Fight Club type stuff. Fuck Wal-Mart.