Welcome back, friends. It's been a while. I've returned to the working world and am actually really enjoying my new job. However, I've suffered an unfortunate demise since last we met. I've been officially (self) diagnosed with Shopper's Shoulder. Not Tennis Elbow, not Golfer's Wrist, not Runner's Knee (or Runner's High, unfortunately). Shopper's Shoulder. It is a repetitive stress injury incurred from the cumulative impact of overhead motion required for trying on clothes. If I were lifting weights or doing anything else that required substantial arm motion, it might be a more difficult diagnosis. I might actually consider consulting a professional. But this is a total gimme:
1) I have shoulder pain
2) when I lift my arm
3) and the major post-Christmas sales just ended
You see what I mean? Who needs an MD -- it's just plan logic. The truly perplexing thing is this: What's been keeping me injury free through so many previous shopping seasons? How did I survive so many years of Last Call without needing rehab in the off season (also known as the period of time after a major purchase when I let the smoke from my credit card cool off)? I'm trying to pinpoint the moment when things really went south, but these things tend to be cumulative. It's been building over time. And now here I sit. Just getting used to being 30. Getting in the swing of the new job. Preparing for Mardi Gras. And just when you think things are perfect -- bam! Layed up with Shopper's Shoulder.
