After all

All includes quite a lot.

I got 2 B minus's in my exam results.
Which is a pretty poor grade.

And I got 3 As, pure straight As, not plus or minus.
Which I'm only slightly embarrassed to say I was thrilled with.

In Intellectual Property Law, the one I was least surprised about. For a paper:
"Protecting the Readable Machine" - is software protected by copyright law?

In Criminal Law, the one that was a great slog that paid off, thanks to my study partner, Stewart. Only not fair, Stew got an A-, whilst probably being more deserving of the A than I was.

And in International Economic Regulation, the one that amazed me. For a paper:
"Is the Doha Round resumable?" - and if not, why not, what are the alternatives, what should we do now, if so why so?

All of which resulted in an invitation to transfer to an Honours degree. Which I have done. Even minimally, it gets me a very interesting (I expect) seminar / discussion class next year. Which I hope to do in international law.

A happy result, at last ... I'm not sure it's sustainable.

And I had a major operation. Really.
2 days no food, being turned every 2 hours by 2 nurses, with a spinal block only partly working.
Eventually the nurse rang the anesthestist. He upped the morpheine dose, and came and injected me with ? which gave me a lovely break.

And 5 more days in hospital, pretty sick up till the last one, where suddenly I improved, ready to go home. Nice.

I've been home 6 days.
Yesterday my family came and organised a Christmas meal around me.
I lay on a sofa, had a sleep in my bed in the middle of the proceedings, and got a little bit happy on my pills (by accident, I was extra sore) for the evening. It all worked very well; I think I have given my thanks to all; and I'm in hock for next year. My turn, for sure, all things being equal.

I wouldn't like to predict the outcome of this op. If it isn't good, well ... I'll know what I have to work with.
If it is, well ... there is a range of "good" outomes.
The best outcome? Strong, healthy, not prevented from activity, bending, even vigourous activity, even some running.
I don't expect this - but I know it isn't out of the question. Ask Shane Bond.

Alex has continued to grow. He remains wary. Perhaps a little more trusting? Delivering pizza for Hell (Royal Oak) is a source of income and work experience that hopefully will continue after this holiday period. He got the job through his own strenuous efforts, walking round with a CV asking for work. Congratulations, Alex.

Sophie is spiky and soft, complex and direct, brilliant and sulky, all by turns.

I don't understand the "my children are my achievement" line. I can never claim to have made my children what they are.
I work every day, I think, to do the best by them. Sometimes that means putting my own oxygen mask on first.