It Takes a Sty...

Today I missed school. That's something I rarely ever do. Even in sickness, I make an effort to make it to my classes. But today, I was in no condition to go. I couldn't see through one eye and pain was the prevalent feeling everytime I blinked. I knew that going to school would be pointless since I'd be more focused on my symptoms than the work. So I stayed home.

Lying in bed past 6:00 a.m. was awkward. With Leadership before school and extracurriculars after school, I'm used to being a busybody from the time I get up to the time I lay my head to sleep- that is, if I even decide to sleep that day.

At 10:00, my mom brought me to my pediatrician, Dr. Nguyen. She diagnosed the "thing" as a sty with an added infection and allergy.

Afterwards, I ate at McDonalds then went home. I laid in my bed, wondering what I could've been doing at that time. "11:34. Hmm, I'd probably be in Mr. Hopgood's class editing his gradebook or doing my Calculus homework."

Step back.

"Wait, why is it that I can never do my Calculus homework at home anyways?"

Reflect.

"Oh yeah, I have other homework that I do first."

Analyze.

"No, that's not right. If I spend so much time doing my homework to the point where I deprive myself of sleep, why is it that I can't get it all done regardless of the amount?"

Analyze some more.

"If anything, I should be able to be one step ahead of the class with all those extra hours that I put in."

Compare.

"I wonder if Earnest or Raymond are like this. They're always so chill at school and about school work. "

Realize.

"Yeah, I'm definitely working too hard. I care too much about the homework that I neglect the studying. I stay up late trying to catch up, and it results in me being more tired the next day, and the next day, until it all builds up and I crash."

Commit.

"I need to do something. Starting today, I'm on a clean slate. We're starting a new unit in Physics, so I need not worry about the past. I'll do it right this time. I'll make it a point not to sleep past 1:00 a.m. everyday. Errrr- wait no, that's too big a stretch. Hmmm, I'll make sure that I'll actually get some form of sleep everyday. Yeah, that's it."


It took a sty, a swollen eye, a painful cry. To keep me home. And realize. Without compromise.

Hmm, better late than never.