Dear Sleep,
What happened to you? I guess I should rephrase that. I don't want to blame you for all of this. I definitely have my fair share in the blame here.
So, then, what happened to us? We used to be so good together. I mean, I've known you literally since birth. Sure, when we first met, in our infantile relationship, I barely knew you. It was a miracle for everyone else around if you and I were together for any longer than an hour at a time. Our schedules never matched up, so I had to make time to see you during naptime at school or after "Arthur" was on.
But as our relationship progressed, we began to settle into a more relaxed and comfortable routine. I got to see you on a more regular basis, and that was awesome. I relied on you to get me through my tough elementary school day, and you rarely let me down. I don't think I ever went 12 hours without seeing you. Does that constitute us being "inseparable?" I don't think that's taking it too far. People knew if I hadn't had enough of you.
"Watch out, we've got a cranky Adrian on our hands. Somebody needs more sleep …"
People would rarely say that to me though, because at the time, our relationship was pretty blissful.
Sometimes, though, Sleep, I wonder if that was just our "honeymoon stage," because not long after that was when our troubles began.
If I'm to look at this objectively and fairly, I will admit that this next part is essentially my fault. But what was I supposed to do? My mom had just started allowing me to have sleepovers with my friends! Somehow in my childhood mind, you become less and less important and playing with American Girl Dolls with my best friend until the wee hours of the morning took your place. It's not that I didn't value you or what we had, it's just that I started to value other things too.
And I guess that's where some of the fundamental problems of our relationship began. I hate myself for saying this to you, Sleep, but as I got older, I started to realize that you took up a lot of time I could have been spending doing other things.
So we started seeing each other less and less. However, I always want to be honest with you, so I can't say that I regret this break we took in our relationship.
It was definitely good to get some space, and I'll never regret the fun, late nights teenage-me had without you. I was never afraid to lose you completely, because I felt as though no matter what, you'd always be there waiting for me when I got back from a long night.
Was I wrong about this, Sleep? I don't want to admit to myself that I could have been. I guess I assumed you were a constant force in my life, and I'd just be able to summon you at will whenever I started to get tired.
How stupid is that? Looking back at the early days of our relationship, it saddens me to think of how much I used you.
And now look at us. Two months into college and our relationship is in almost complete disrepair.
I see you less than I ever have, and I'm lucky if I get three or four hours in over the course of a 24-hour period.
Now I see why they say you shouldn't try to continue a relationship through college. I'm too stressed to see you, but not seeing you stresses me out even more!
I guess I'll just come out and say it _ I miss you, Sleep! And I know you miss me, too! I can tell by the way I struggle to stay awake during class as you pull me back from the brink of awareness and into a sleepy classroom-coma. This letter has opened my eyes, even as they are fighting to stay open to finish typing. We need to fix our relationship, Sleep, I can't continue on without you!
See you in my dreams,
Adrian
Adrian Adamo, a 2011 graduate of Oneonta High School, will be a freshman at Emerson College in Boston, Mass. 'Teen Talk' columns can be found at www.thedailystar.com/teentalk.
Teen Talk
On the Go: Sleep, where have you gone?
- Teen Talk
-
-
On the Go: We can't let age define us
I hate the concept of age. I understand wanting to quantify your existence, but age is blown way out of proportion.
-
Weekend Reviews: British TV show works in the U.S.
Up until this year, my first year at college, the only time I'd heard the words "Doctor Who" mentioned were in passing by my friends who had a passion for science fiction. I, for the most part, do not.
-
Teenhood Today: Bob, the Houdini hamster
My family is not pet-oriented, but that doesn't mean we haven't had pets.
-
A Word of Advice: How to become an 'alpha' male
This one’s for the lads and gents, maybe the ladies, too, if they’d care to eavesdrop on this man-to-man I’m about to lay down on the male readership.
-
On the Go: Patriotism doesn't mean keeping status quo
I've been labeled many things, but when anti-American and unpatriotic came into the picture recently I was surprised. I know I have some controversial opinions, but since when does that equate to not loving America? I'm a born and raised American kid, and I love America.
-
Luhrmann brings Gatsby new life
Sure, you would think that being a college student and having finals rapidly approaching would equate to my growing anticipation for the summer and being done with my first year of college.
-
Teenhood Today: Only you can determine your impact
The question I am most often asked is, "What do you want to do with your life?"
-
A Word of Advice: Just do something
If you're not going upward, the only direction you can go is down. To stagnate is to surrender; to do nothing for yourself; to give up on a better day completely. If we sit around feeling good enough in all aspects of life, or just too lazy to fix them, well, as Albert Einstein put it, "Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."
-
On the Go: Life is like the Cliff Walk
Over spring break, my family and I spent time in Newport, R.I. While we were there, we walked a path known as the Cliff Walk. This walk is nestled between some Newport mansions and some cliffs overlooking the ocean. While we were walking, my sister and I noticed how this path was a perfect metaphor for life and the journey it is.
-
Weekend Reviews: 'Host' plot offers no surprise
Just when we all thought we would be safe to turn on our televisions and re-enter the movie theaters after the last "Twilight" film was released on DVD and Blu-Ray, the cinema gods decided to toy with our emotions once more.
-
Teenhood Today: Responsibility is at heart of gun debate
I'm a hunter. That means that I know exactly where my meat came from, and I know that the animal died in a humane way. Plus venison is my favorite meat.
-
A Word of Advice: Make your building blocks positive ones
One block, two block, three block, the world around you building you up.
-
On the Go: Embrace changes in life
Life is evolving, progressing and changing.
-
Weekend Reviews: Thrifting makes you look incredible
-
Teenhood Today: Finding a happy medium when packing
Packing suitcases should be a sport.
-
A Word of Advice: Don't let power of envy rule your life
Envy is a very powerful thing. Whether on the receiving end of it, or dealing it out yourself, making people want something can be more powerful than any insult you can put on them. It's like waving a steak in a dog's face and putting that dog behind a glass barrier. He sees something in front of him that he wants, something someone else has that he just can't get.
-
On the Go: Don't let happiness hibernate
When was the last time you did something for the first time? When did you last smile? When did you last laugh out loud? When did you lose track of time just chatting with someone? When did you last learn something new?
-
Weekend Reviews: Oscar frontrunners hold relevance
Once again, it is that time of the year: either you’re complaining about the weather or your lack of a valentine, or attempting to view all of the films nominated for this year’s Academy Awards.
-
Teenhood Today: Follow through on good intentions
Most of the time, people have good intentions.
-
A Word of Advice: Change is a brilliant thing
From the beginning of human history, we have come to be through adapting to our environment. So why do we all fear change when it hits our own personal lives?
-
On the Go: We can't let age define us
