More Fear and Loathing --- R.I.P. Hunter S. Thompson.
" Exams came in a flurry. One day I was floating, enjoying my time in Montreal. I was seeing friends, reading books, writing… then, FLASH. I was cramming, behind in work, struggling to keep my head above water. If only I had studied more during the semester. I lamented again and again over my laziness all term. It was the same story, one I had repeated dozens of times, doomed to repeat forever. Procrastination. Why do today what you can put off until tomorrow? The problem with that strategy —that battle plan— is the inevitable arrival of tomorrow, with its evil specter seen fuming in the distance, for miles and miles, over hills and mountains. I could see the she-beast approaching on my calendar for months. Now it was rearing its vile head, mouth open, venom dripping from sharp fangs: yellowing, bilious, pus-like venom biting and tearing at the flesh of your dreams. Back, evil monster— lurking behemoth! Back to the depths of hell that spawned you! And in a flash my image: My dreams. In a flurry of motivation and whirlwind of study I could move at the last moment, dodging fang and venom, to strike down my rampaging foe with a flaming, mordant vengeance. Indeed, this was the plan—My knighthood hanging in the balance.
An exam in April, however, neglects to instill motivation—fear—during January. Alas, midterms were upon me, and like a fool I had again left everything until the last minute. “No drugs for a week. No booze. No intoxicants.” I repeated the sentiment in my head, hoping that it would stick. Sean looked at me over his book on American Government and smiled. He let out a half-laugh that showed me what he was thinking: Good luck, buddy. You’re going to need it. "
