My life as a semi-cripple...

First I would like to start off with a link that is pertinent and most descriptive of my birthday at the beach. To answer a few of your initial questions, yes I wore sunblock and yes I apparently failed at staying adequately hydrated.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperthermia

Now that we have gotten that out of the way, I should say that I have excellent traveling companions who promptly helped rectify this situation. One of which, claimed multiple times that he was a lifeguard and that he knew what he was doing. The other was not in the best shape due to the swelling in her feet that had already began and would later inflict me. I'm not so sure I remember much more about the order of the events that followed except that it was very difficult to take my hand out from under the blankets to drink the gatorade that I was being forced to drink every five minutes. (wow that sounded dramatic).

I am sorry friends that I was unable to eat the $30 seafood plate that was quite the birthday surprise. I am glad, Austin, that you were able to have the best tuna that you have ever had. It proved to be quite expensive in the end. I'm not bitter, haha.

Now I am home. The remainder of my vacation has revolved around coordinating taking my steroids (six today) and atarax with food, attempting to walk despite the spasms and the increasing swelling in both feet, and frequent moisturizing of my skin that is shedding at alarming rates. All in all, it was an awesome birthday and a great vacation. I do regret that I was unable to make it to Hard Rock to get that T-shirt.

It is important to note in times like these that I have a strong family history of skin cancer. I am now officially scared of the sun.

Things I have learned while attempting to be an almost-cripple:

* Random conversations are interesting and abundant

* For people who slow down to let struggling people go first, you are not helping. This causes lots of pain and stress because I am trying to hurry since you are waiting on me. It really isn't rude to just walk on by.

* Aloe with lidocaine is useful.

* There is something bothersome about being passed by the old man on the scooter at the grocery store.

* While I am temporarily unable to walk without pain and must settle for restless sleep with my legs propped up, this is only short-term for me. These people live like this everyday and are able to maintain a normal level of productivity. I know that sometime soon I will resume my non-cripple existence and will then be able to go back to the gym, wear undergarments again, and be able to properly shave my legs.

I brought home enough sunshine for the whole state of Tennessee. Your welcome.

Have a wonderful week and be safe in the sun.

E