Books, Family, Weapons

In the past week I've been in LA, DC, and Boston, read three books
(The Last Chinese Chef by Nicole Mones, The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton, Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie),
seen countless fantastic Holden-folk (let me take a moment to praise my glorious West Coast brethren. O holy kinfolk, whose blessed blood flows through my veins, thanks for being so hospitable, incredible, generous, and benevolent. Whew.)
and a few friends, and am now sitting on my porch eating day old sushi (vegetarian) and listening to lawnmowers. My what a turn my glamorous life has taken.

Things that must be purchased in the coming weeks: pocket knife, pepper spray, flash light. Does anyone else's study abroad packing list include weaponry?