Even as I pack the papers into my bag at 4:30, I know. A little voice in the back of my head says, “You aren’t going to do that at home, silly. You’ve been up for almost 12 hours already. It’s May, you’re exhausted.”

But I pack them in there anyway, fooling myself into believing that I’ll have energy later. It’s May, there’s so much to do!

I drive home, walk the dog, do the dishes, feed the animals, exercise, sit on the couch, take a deep breath, think about writing, take the dog out again, watch a show with my daughter, talk to my son… BAM! It’s 9:00.

2 hours ago I was yawning. I said out loud, “Tonight I need to go to bed earlier!” In my head I added, “and not wake up at 3:30 or 4:00!”

I’m now running out of time to go to bed “earlier.”

The papers will travel back to school tomorrow, where I will laugh with my friends about how I thought if I brought them home, I’d magically do the work.

Honestly, it’s May, I could use some magic!