All good things come to an end... time to rest and refocus. School starts Monday.

400 dollars on books for 3 of my 6 classes. Seriously.

I am dreaming of a day where I can put my money to a better use. Professional haircuts! Massage therapy!

When I was still home in Richmond, my grandma pulled out some centuries old papers....family trees, ledgers, debates, etc. Of particular interest was to learn that the relatives I knew of as "Jennings" were actually "Jennens" in England. I haven't had enough time to do substantial research, but I do know that Charles Dickens used the chancery court battle over his massive fortune in his book Bleak House. There it is renamed Jarndyce v Jarndyce. Now I am going to have to read this book. It sounds like a tale of woe and deceit. That should make for good reading.

In real life, I think that the battle went on for some 117 years. Jennens died intestate, contributing to the 117 year record. His wealth would amount to something like half a billion today.

Common sense is not all that common anymore.

random thought

How many other people have noticed the tendency for others to think you did something to your hair when you have made other physical changes?

It is so wonderful to have seen friends at church this morning. I prefer early service, but usually most of my buddies go to the later one.

I remember attending a retreat where the idea of "meaningful touches" was presented. In general, the theory goes, humans need a number of meaningful touches in their lives on a regular basis. I can't remember the number, and don't try to because I think I'd be tempted to keep kicking it up. I think it was something like 8-10 a day. But, I am reminiscing about high school, and with raging hormones it may have been much less.

At home, with the blessing of time with friends and family, this was easily fulfilled. Here in Birmingham, it isn't unusual for me to go weeks or months without a hug or handshake. Quite a change from college and the lifestyle I enjoyed there. So, this morning's fellowship was particularly wonderful.

I'm off to a picnic for the first year students. The teaching assistants will all be there. It seems just yesterday I was attending the same event as an anxious 1L.