The distractions were legion.
Trip to Los Angeles last week. Missed two classes. Too distracted to study, and too distracted to watch Black Eyed Peas, Missy Elliott, and the Crystal Method (yes, them again) at the E3 Sony party at the top of Elysian Park in LA. Paid attention long enough to realize that I was in the infamous Chavez Ravine from James Ellroy fame. Not far from the Police Academy of, well ..., Police Academy fame. I was to be back 24 hours later at Dodger Stadium, watching a game against the Reds instead of studying either. Managed to study on the plane a bit, but not enough.
Back home very late Saturday night, I was planning to study the following day. Not! Spent some of the day at the house. Then off to a stereo joint where I got a new one for a steal, though I still can't afford the fucking thing. With the old one going downstairs, I needed to power up the family room. And so when I should have been studying Sunday night, I was instead putting my old one in the box and wiring up the new. And of course the new one has more cabling types, so I had to upgrade the video out and the audio for my XBox, among other things. (Jibs nicely with my plan to devote my life to playing Xbox games post–MBA). And then I had to appreciate the Dolby Digital emanating from Tony Hawk 4 (though I would have preferred Vice City.)
Monday was moderately better, though pretty exhausted. Studied a bit. But definitely not enough.
Tuesday, had class, so not much studying.
Last night, a bit better. Though not nearly enough. And had to take some time (8 minutes in the 3rd period) to watch my glorious Flames make it to the Finals. Knowing I was running out of gas and time, I had the foresight to ask for today off.
Today, after a quick visit to the House (garage floor poured; kitchen sink in place), a trip to the notary to sign the mortgage and lay the groundwork for my will, I headed off to the university library to study for a bit.
5 hours, one Ginkgo shit, and some cans of Pepsi later, the hour of reckoning was upon me.
This was it. All or nothing. No going back. Last course. 2nd last exam. If I shanked it, I would fail. I would have to wait another 6 months to finish the program. And a big part of me thought that was just what was going to happen.
Instead, I stared my academic career in the eye. And it blinked.
Yep, I snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. Don't ask me how. But something clicked in the last 5 minutes with a question worth 20%. And the rest is, as they say, history.
...
Those of you have been reading this column are probably sensing a theme here. Back to the wall, he comes up roses, snatching the trout from the stream.This was the time though when I didn't think I would make it. Such a pounding recently. Amazed I am still standing.
In 5 weeks, 2 major sources of stress will fall by the wayside. I can't wait. I wonder what it will be like. It has been so long. 'nuff said.