I love patterned socks. My favorite pair are a green/white/yellow horizontal stripe from gap. Sounds strange, but i've gotten TONS of compliments from the female persuasion for adding a splash of color to an otherwise standard outfit.

I'll buy them 3 at a time on random whims for $4, $5 a pop on my rare shopping excursions and rotate. I have still yet to wear out a pair, although i have lost an odd sock or two in the abyss of my washing machine,

This sounds awesome, time to go get a webcam.

I have an alternative issue with stress. I've developed a habit of completely ignoring any remote trace of stress. I end up detaching myself from anything that could cause stress resulting in the underlying issues never getting dealt with and continually free-wheeling through life.

I've made a conscious decision this summer to strap down and identify the potential stress-causing issues and deal with them instead of ignoring them yet again.

Ass Pearls? Really?