Finals Week

It's amazing how finals week throws everyone out of whack. It's the one time, that happens three times a year if you're on the quarter, two if the semester, where people become the polar opposite of their normal self. The calm turn restless. The party-ers turn hermit.

In these times I often push aside my own studies to observe the habits of others. The following are some of the observations I have made on the species Homo Studious:
1. Species' niche appears to be chair and desk, which is the primary occupied site most of the day and night. Such niches seem to occupy bedrooms, living rooms, and libraries.
2. Occasionally species will transfer by slumbered movement to a long cushioned object--either bed or couch--for which a couple hours of rest are spent. Often species is awakened by abnormal and constant beeping. A deep groaning protrudes, followed by a slapping motion towards the source of the beeping upon which the noise subsides for five minutes before beginning again. The same ritual may be repeated for up to half an hour, and in unusual cases even longer. Overall, diurnal and nocturnal behaviors are exhibited.
3. Species' diet diverges into two groups. Half appear to withhold from eating entirely, relying on merely a couple snacks for the entire day. On the other hand, some eat profusely, relying on high-calorie, low-nutritional meals. Common prey include cereal, Flaming Hot Cheetos, M&Ms, Trail Mix--virtually anything prepackaged or microwavable. One commonality between both feeding groups is the consumption of caffeinated liquids, which include coffee and its derivatives, Coke and other sodas, as well as tea.
4. Interactions between individual members is limited. While one individual is surrounded by many others of the same kind, little direct contact actually takes place. It appears that in this period mating ceases. The little contact that does occur is often restricted to questions and scribblings, accompanied by looks of panic, increased heart rate, and small beads of sweat.
5. Species appear to reach maturity at different rates--as denoted by elation, cheering, and return to normal behavior. It can take anywhere from three to ten days for maturation to be reached.

I, on the other hand could be found under the title Homo Distractous. I have managed to do everything BUT study, including
1. Getting caught up on all the episodes of my favorite television series--Gossip Girl, 90210, Grey's Anatomy, and Desperate Housewives. I've also decided that this week is far better than the other 51 out of the year to start on new series.
2. Emailing all the relatives with updates on my life.
3. Refreshing my gmail every minute.
4. Gchatting with anyone and everyone online.
5. Checking my facebook.
6. Checking my twitter.
7. Starting this blog.
8. Balancing my checkbook.
9. Sleeping at least nine hours at night, and two hour naps everday.
10. Internet stalking people I've met once--both through facebook and Google searches.
11. Looking through ultimate photo albums that date back more than five years.
12. Harassing/wrestling my roommate.

You name it and I've probably done it! Well, everything except study that is.