But I must admit that I've become a bit nervous

School technically starts today, however my first class isn't until tomorrow. The best, or most awkward conversations I've had over the past few days have most often taken place with bank clerks and bookstore attendees.

They'll say something akin to "Oh, so you're starting school soon, right?" and I'll say "Yes." Then they'll say , "did you just graduate?" and I'll say "No."And then they'll give me this funny look and ask, "how old are you?" "Nineteen," I'll say, to which they counter, "So you're a freshman." And I simply say "No." And that's usually the end of the conversation.

Technically, and I thought the world was all for technicalities, I am supposed to be Junior. This just throws people for a loop. What really confounds people is the fact that I never skipped a grade. Now, I'm no genius, clearly. And I'm really only a year and a half ahead, but for some reason I always feel so isolated and, well, freakishly young in school. Especially in the fall, prior to my birthday.

Now, I feel the need to mention how outlandishly expensive my textbooks were. I don't know if I'll feel comfortable carrying them around. I almost want to wrap them in bubble wrap, foam, and six layers of plastic, before I put them in the lead backpack inside the armored car, followed by an escort of 64 ex-navy seals.

Switch of topics: I keep trying to type a specific set of words in the British spelling: labour, colour, armour, etc.