Sleep, Sleep

I find it funny that every single Facebook friend update is currently involving sleep -- or a lack thereof. And in my camp, it's no different.

Funnily, I might be wondering how certain others are doing, but I'm getting the same type of inquiries as to my own state. So here I am at 5:30 am, writing a quick update before I finish studying for a chemistry exam.

I remember thinking on Monday that this was going to be one of the most challenging. And then, I discovered I had a French test yesterday. This turn of events does feel somewhat indicative.

I had a concept at the beginning of this semester about the workload I should expect. I've thus far kept my promises to myself, about going to class when Google Calendar tells me to. I've been staying in on weeknights. Personally, I'm better than I've been in an immensely long time. Sure, often the weekend commutes are a bit boorish, but I do start most Mondays with that light, happy feeling.

But yes, consistently behind. And sleeping too little, eating too much and spending too many of my idle hours sur l'internet.

I will actually promise to post about real things. One day, really. But right now, it's 6am and I have to study for the chem exam in 4 hours.

Push and Pull

I actually came out of my chemistry exam this morning happy.  Not just because it was over, but because I felt like I actually had a good grasp on the material.  There were maybe only 2 questions out of 25 that I wasn't quite sure how to do.  And the math that I did tended to yield an answer that was part of the multiple choice options.

I take these as characteristics of success.

Which makes me feel celebratory.  I ALMOST decided to go out tonight! First, there was theorized jazz with rosefox.  Then potentially drinks/concert-ing with infd and/or Micah.  But honestly, the thought of going all the way downtown when I knew, in my heart, that there was still more work to be done....  inappropriate.

(though in retrospect, DAMN do I wish that I could go and see JV again!  I just can't justify the time/expense. Plus, Tom didn't want to go, and Micah only told me he was going last minute)

There was also a belly-dancing session I really wanted to attend with Sara, but bah, I should really go home.

Especially considering the work I need to get done in the next two days!  I'm heading back to Maryland this Friday to see Adam and attend pattiejoe's birthday party.  I think a maize-maze is in order too [MD people are of course welcome to join in].

There might also be bridge with bkleber!  Who knows!  But the main take-home point here is that there will NOT be much time to do things like Swahili exercises, Chemistry Labs, and Disease Ecology reading.

I am VERY excited however about a paper/presentation I'm writing for Disease Ecology -- I spent most of the afternoon today in the computer lab accruing and reviewing articles for it.  Wow, I have a LOT.  But the basic premise is Cleve's field site in Bili, DRCongo, home to some very naïve chimpanzees, is being invaded by a gold-mining outfit.  I want to explore what the possible ecological and epidemiological impacts will be to that population of chimps.  And, if all goes as I'm hoping, Cleve and I will be able to use the paper and presentation to try and sway the proper authorities into shutting down the gold mining camp.  *crossing fingers*  I can only hope that it'll make a difference.

I do happen to try to self-medicate  balance things by having happy things in addition to my big stressbomb semester.  So, in super-exciting-news, my trip to Tampa is all planned.  I'll be seeing Rachel, Evan, Adam is flying down with me and we're ALL going to Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scare.    I'm SO jazzed. 

I've also realized that I have no patience and sympathy for a variety of conditions.  Whether they be pushover-itis, whippedus maximus, chronic lack of personal-responsibility or constant irrational worrying.

It doesn't wane my affection for the people in question at all, but I should realize that sometimes my "tough love" is a little too mean.

And with that, I run. Why am I always running?

For my amusement (Facebook Graffiti I made):