because of a variety of factors, i was unable to sleep last night. there is nothing like sleeplessness and restlessness to make you empathetic to everyone suffering from insomnia. i would probably need to be heavily medicated to make it through.

instead of sleeping, i listened to the traffic outside of my opened window. one of my neighbors is a truck driver and he travels weekly leaving early in the morning to drive to exotic locations like california and kansas. the window is open in the hope that the still air will somehow come through the screen and cool my apartment so i can finally sleep. if only it was that easy.

instead of sleeping, i finish a book. conveniently, this book is due the next day. i guess it's a little blessing. i start another book. one that i've read hundreds of times before. i try to stop my mind from wandering.

instead of sleeping, i watch the food network. unfortunately, my contacts are out and i have to squint to see the screen. screw it.

instead of sleeping, i watch my cat grow restless as the hours pass. she trudges her way back and forth from the side window to the one right over my head. her nose touches mine and it makes me jump. it's a sign of affection, i suppose. i heard once that pets are good for people- makes people live longer. my nerves are tested daily by sadie. she means well, though. maybe she'll keep me young.

instead of sleeping, i think about everything. i imagine the next day. i imagine the next week. i imagine the next year. i imagine the next century. i have a good imagination.

instead of sleeping, i listen to the muffled voices of my neighbors. they are out until 2am skateboarding. i didn't know anyone owned a skateboard in this town. it doesn't seem logical.

i eventually stop feeling sorry for myself and accept the fact that this is just how it is going to be. all the aromatherapy in the world couldn't beckon me to sleep.

and then it happened.

my alarm went off like it does everyday. i can hear my pre-programed coffee maker kick on.

morning.