Things to do this week: Study for finals.

Things I've accomplished: Not that.

No, instead of studying for my final examinations, arguably one of the most important parts of any given semester, I have spent this weekend doing the following things

-Went ice skating

-Went on a four-hour drive with no destination in mind, only to arrive at a Waffle House, drink three cups of black coffee, then make my way back to campus

-Enjoyed Secret Santa with friends at 1 am

-Jumped at a trampoline park

among other activities.

I have managed to completely ignore the impending doom of exams by giving in to any and all distractions. I spent perhaps three hours studying the subject I had this morning at 9 am. After leaving the exam room confidently, for this feeling I had no reason, I jumped in my car and bought a bicycle. Yes, again, instead of studying, I used one mode of transportation to buy another. Journeying back to campus, I joined two of my other friends at lunch, ready to discuss how each of our days were going. While they studied for their upcoming test in two hours, I mentioned how I'd rather be doing anything else besides study, like give blood.

I'll give you three chances to guess what I did next.

Yes, I went to the local blood donation center with one of my lunch time pals and in less than thirty minutes I was pumping the iron through a needle in my arm. The minutes ticked away while I sat in the chair and I had to contemplate what I was doing. Shouldn't I at least be trying to study while I had this time to kill?

Nah.

Back on campus, my friend and I toted our free sweatshirt and snack foods up to our rooms before he sprinted off to his exam with only ten minutes to spare. Now I finally had the time to crack open a textbook, sit at my desk, and focus.

Alas...

I've had a pain in my finger since I went camping a few weekends back. The tip of my third left digit is swollen and painful, and while it may not keep me up at night, it's definitely a concern. I assumed there was just a splinter one of the nursing staff could help me with so I made my appointment and headed over to the Wellness Center on campus. To skip a few steps, next thing I knew I was siting in a waiting office at an imaging center, waiting for my x-ray. I wish I was joking.

A few pictures of the inside of my hand and a trip to CVS for antibiotics later, I made it back into my room just as the sun began its descent behind the trees.

As you may be able to tell, I am not a model student when it comes to studying. Instead of cramming I do just the opposite: complete avoidance. Luckily, I manage to retain enough information from the semester to get through testing without too many tears.

If nothing else, I hope my tale of procrastination and woe has encouraged you to lock your phone and open a book yourself. Maybe get that 'A' you were aiming for. Definitely remember to take breaks from studying to relax, but don't be like me, taking breaks from relaxing to study.

The best of luck, may the odds be ever in your favor, other random encouraging quote here.

I'm rooting for you, kid.