August 29, 2005 - 8:01 a.m. I just recently learned that Spencer stayed up until 4:30 this morning in order to finish (only not quite) his circuits homework, not--mind you--because of any irresponsibility on his part but simply because it took that long. I thought to myself that he was a much more dedicated student than I, who would have (and has) given up when the studying stretched too long. Great sympathy and pity for him rose within me that he should have to sacrifice his sanity (for that adrenaline feeling is hardly comfortable) for his studies. But then the other side came in and I realized that I am not wrong to give up eventually in favor of sleep. Indeed I must guard my body and my mind for they are my most valuable tools in this world. Perhaps the circumstances are different; perhaps there really was value in his being awake until the darkest hours, but I don't see it. And I don't choose that adrenaline-coated half-life for myself. ...before & after...