Kings and queens, philosophers have tried so hard to find...

Another birthday has passed, and all is well.

My first summer classes ever are finished; I wish I'd realized that I enjoy these short terms earlier. I feel like I've retained a lot more than I usually do. I think my grades will be pretty okay.

This has been one of the best birthdays I've ever had (and it has lasted a good five days!). Thursday was the actual day, as well as my last day of regular classes. Thank you for all of my birthday calls and messages and text messages!!! That night I went to DPs with Graham, Moonie; Mom and Dad came after a while, then Jeff and (what a suprise!) Jessica. We had a really nice/loud time, ending with a round of kamikazes before Jeff, Jessica, and I went to the apartment for some Mario Kart and cherry-cheesecake ice cream (and joined there Mr. Gunn). Friday after exams Jessica and I went to Huntsville with Mom, Moonie, and Meagan to visit Rosemary and Anne Marie (and their kids and such, Samantha and Alex and Katie and Joey). We all went to shoot pool at The Creek, a bar owned by one of Rosie's friends. We took a late night dip in the pool, goofing off with the kids and having a pretty fantastic time. We left in the morning to prepare for a lake party! Britni, Mark, Lance, and Odin got in that morning and met us at Grandmomma's. Jessica and O'Brian were there, and later Jennifer and Jennifer came by. Jonathan made it towards the end, and of course Graham, Moonie, and Meagan were there. Scott, Mike, and Uncle Keith also spent the day on the lake, which was great. Oh, in case you were wondering, future self, there were also a lot of dogs: Sunny, Bosco, Bella, Odin, and Abby, all present.

We spent most of the day basking in the sun and taking the occasional dip in the Tennessee. Towards the end of the day, after burgers and hot dogs, lots of beer and a no-hands cupcake eating contest (which Mark totally dominated), the family and adults went home and me, Jonathan, Lance, Mark, and Britni cleaned up and decided to have a long intense conversation on the porch (where we were joined by Jeff, too). After that we went back to my apartment and played cards and the 64 (sans Jonathan, plus O'Brian again) before heading to bed.

Sunday morning was lovely; we the traditional French toast breakfast and fresh canteloupe. I actually woke up around 7 and came over here to have a cup of coffee with my mother, which was really nice and peaceful. The days was lazy and nice; the Birmingham crew left, Jeff went to work, Jeff came back, we finished the Death Note series and went to bed.

Today I lunched at Applebees with my grandmother, took a long nap, sorted some laundry, and ended up at my parents house. I'll be leaving in a few minutes to have dinner with Nick and one of our clients.

Tomorrow I leave for Special Session, and I couldn't be less prepared or more excited.