Stacey’s Slice of Life Story: WAKE UP!

I thought I was dreaming as I heard the sound of the familiar tone that wakes me every morning. I looked at the clock, 5:12 a.m. I searched for my phone. Not on the night table. I looked to my left and to my right and then jumped out of bed. As I plodded through my apartment towards the sound of my phone it occurred to me: I never turned-off my alarm today and I don’t have to go to work! It’s Veterans’ Day!

My phone was inside my purse next to my desk. I flipped it open, moved the highlighted bar from “snooze” to “dismiss” and then said, “HMPH!” I was standing there, next to my computer, and decided to check my e-mail. However, after three minutes, I decided to try to go back to sleep. I walked back to my bed, put myself under the covers and tried to will myself to sleep. It didn’t work – at all. In fact, fifteen minutes later, I was still wide-awake. So, I peeled back the covers and reluctantly got out of bed – again.

As I walked back to my study – again – I remembered why I wasn’t at work today. It’s Veterans’ Day. I suddenly felt selfish. Here I was, worrying that I didn’t get enough sleep on my “day off” from school, without thinking about the sacrifices (including sacrificing sleep) thousands of veterans have given to this country.

Instead of complaining, I got to work – on tackling some of the piles of paper on and around my desk. I felt more productive and better about myself since I now believe today shouldn’t be thought of as just another day off from work.