Scruffy-looking Nerf Herder

Star Wars has never really explained what a "nerf" is, nor why you would herd one.  However, I do know what scruffy-looking is, as that is what I have become of late.

Allow me to explain.

It's been about three years since I even attempted to grow a beard, and at that time found that it looked just horrible.  This is why I shave about every two days.  But last week, two of the girls at work were talking about how they thought I would look good with a beard.  I tried to explain to them that this wasn't a good idea, but they wouldn't hear me.  I got thinking about it, and figured that I may actually be able to grow one properly now.  Perhaps one of the influencing factors is the fact that I really like one of them.

Anyway, I haven't shaved since Saturday night last week, and so far, it seems to be coming in satisfactorily.  From about Tuesday to yesterday it was in the "Looks-Like-Crap" stage.  But today, it seems to have progressed out of that and into the "Bloody-H*@&-This-Bugger's-Itchy" stage.  I have to not scratch.  If I develop such a habit now, then I won't ever stop!  Give me another week and it should actually start looking OK.

On another, hardly related topic:
Today, when the girl I rather like saw me for the first time since making her recommendation, it came up in conversation how much I hate Singles Awareness Day.  I expect any reader of mine would know what that day is.  She asked why I hate it so much.  I said it's because I'm chronically single.  She scoffed and said, "I'm chronically single, too, but I like that day."  I didn't have the heart (or perhaps lack thereof) to tell her that she could solve that problem... for both of us.  Or perhaps mention that there's someone who is really interested in her who would have no objections to a serious relationship (... um, ME!).  But I didn't want to make her feel guilty or anything (we went on one date and she put me in the Friend Zone).  It could be that this was wisdom in me, or it may just be another case of me being a little too nice.

Stuff About the New Year

I’ve been getting complaints outside the blogosphere that I haven’t posted since mid-December, so here you go, you whiners.

Call me cynical, but I’m not particularly thrilled about his coming year.  What with all the political/election bullcrap we’ll have to endure, the rough economy that shows now signs of healing, enemies of the US getting closer to having nuclear weapons, violent revolutions in the Middle East and northern Africa that will likely leave power in the hands of radical Islam, I find it difficult to celebrate the advent of 2012.  I don’t know, it could just be my winter mood talking, but it all seems a bit bleak.

In other news, my family had our traditional New Year’s celebration in which we watched a few movies while partaking of a smorgasbord of chips, crackers, various meats, and (I guess) veggies.  I had finished a shift at work that went from 7-4 having managed only 3 hours of useless, fever-ridden sleep.  But after a three hour nap, I felt well enough to drive to my parent's house in the country.  My brother and I headed out before the rain started (around 8 or so).  When we were done with everything around 12:30, he and I decided to leave, as it had only been raining for a few hours, and the temperature was still above freezing.  In case you don’t understand the significance of the weather descriptions, this is mid-winter in WISCONSIN!!!!!

Anyway, we made it back to town all right, but the temperature had dropped below freezing by morning.  My brother told me on the way that if I went off the road, to do it on the side with the natural wall, and not the fifteen foot drop side.  Despite the temperature, there was little ice on the roads in town the next morning, but in the country was something entirely different.  My parents tried to come in for church, but the road was sheer ice, as it’s on the northern side of the bluff, and thus receives no sunlight.  Even going no more than 5 mph, they went off the road.  Naturally, it was on the bad side.  They’re fine, but the car is a bit… less fine.  The radiator and AC condenser and hose have to be replaced (radiator moved ~2", main hose was broken), along with the front bumper and fog lights, making it just under $2100.  But it seems everything is covered under insurance except the deductible (obviously).  Not bad considering the drop!

On a lighter note, I have a plan for how to solve one of my personal problems.  Those readers who know me are aware of the fact that I have a chronic case of singleness.  My idea is to use my New Year’s resolution to greatest advantage.  Everybody seems to resolve to lose weight, or be nicer to people, or some such nonsense, but they never do.  What I have in mind is to make my resolution to remain single this year.  This way, one of two things will happen: 1) I will actually succeed in keeping a New Year’s resolution, or 2) I will have a girlfriend this year.  Let it be noted that this is a resolution that I would much rather fail, which is what everybody does anyway, so it’s pretty much a guaranteed win!  I'll let you know how it goes as the year progresses.