I've bought more puzzle books from Japan this morning. Along with the five books of Eugene Peterson that arrived today (to be picked up tomorrow), this basically covers two months of my frivolous spending budget. It's all for the good of the world, I say to myself...

Got a surprise phone call from Samuel this morning telling me that Laura is treating people to ice cream this afternoon. Of course I couldn't pass that up, so I went (despite being behind in my research work). Anything other than spending time alone would be good for me. I had a huge sundae, and that pretty much ruined my stomach, I think. I had a good time, I think. The three of them are all very aggresive talkers, so a lot of times I just stare at my sundae and eat it slowly... I don't know, I'm really not a social person, and I really have no people skills. In any case, it appears that we may do this three more times...

After knowing that my depressive state comes from a mandatory testing from the Lord, I think I'm feeling slightly better now. I hope I will come out of it a better person.