Goodness, what did Klaus Iohannis ever do to you? (very ninja'd) (Though I went with president rather than prime minister - in skimming wikipedia for a throw-away quip, I got the sense that presidents hold more power in that general area of the world)
I'm happy that I talked with a friend last night (sober, importantly). I was getting really weird again and I feel a lot better today.
It was also nice to spend Thursday morning with my mom and get new shoes for the first time in, by our estimates, 5-7 years. They weren't strictly necessary but they're comfortable and look really nice. I got really obsessed with the tactile sensation, but maybe that's not even weird after getting so used to my worn hybrid boots.
Funny thing: They were still selling nearly identical "boots"! For reference:
https://www.amazon.com/Merrell-Moab-Prime-Waterproof-10-5/dp/B07MY9D5DV/Practically a walking shoe, but with some of the heel support of a boot. The metal hooks at the top are the big difference, letting me secure my ankle.
So, I was able to "turn back the clock" and see how what the years of use had done! Remarkably little, sorta:
The water-resistant leather had contracted subtly from me taking full advantage of it to hike through mud and creeks
The front sole bends easily as if it's a full-blown running shoe, letting me walk on "tiptoes". it's not supposed to be like that, heh.
Finally, and perhaps related:
https://imgur.com/vSwS4wdDefinitely suboptimal for hopping around on wet mountain boulders (one of my favorite Appalachian activities) and a bit hard-wearing for a dance floor or social event, but still comfortable and useful.
So I got some cool-looking blue and silver sneakers instead! I'm sorta trying to justify the expenditure, but they really were a fine deal ($60) and my mom wanted to get me something nice. They *look* great, and they're significantly more comfy. I took them along 4 miles of sidewalk and the lack of heel support tired a muscle in my lower back, but that's something I can explore further. Maybe I'll get back into running, an activity which is very uncomfortable in even hybrid boots
All in all in was fun to do a retail thing I guess, it was a very normal human activity that helped me feel less weird.