Damn those contact lenses. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t have to leave the library prematurely. I was struggling to read through the hazy veil that clung to my contacts upon hours of close-up with my lecture slides. So I decided to come home to give my poor peepers a rest. But guess where’s the first place I head to? Right in front of my computer, that’s right! Eyes are stinging a little but as long as I’m not facing my books, I’ll make allowances.

Sigh, it’s only the beginning of the study marathon and already I’m developing myopia. I really can’t see an end to this, not now. I don’t even know if the finishing line will be there to see me through victoriously. It feels like the starter gun has gone off long before I’m ready to begin the race.

That is why I opted to do things a little differently this time. Like, going to the library in hopes of scoring more productive studying hours. It has miraculously worked. I’m not as dependent on my “mugging essentials” as I thought I was: comfy outfit, water within reach, snacks to nibble on, all my stationeries. Nowadays I get by by secretly smuggling a cookie or two or if I’m lucky, I’d make it pass the information desk with a cup of coffee without having that anal library staff scream “no food and drinks in the library!!!!” at me. What is with that stinking rule, really?! Though I still get distracted by the sound of shuffling papers at the next table and by the moving shadows of a passer-by, I try.

Martin Place, Sydney, September 2009.

This is my favourite picture from the hoard of pictures that I took when I was there during spring break – something which I’ve been meaning to blog about too. I will, if I can find that little ounce of residual energy in between exam prep season.