Week eight.

I hate to be the one to deliver such distressing news, but the arrival of the awful truth is inevitable. Kids, it's the eighth week of the quarter. There are two-and-a-half more excruciating weeks left to endure before winter break. After a row of midterms and daylight-saving time ending, I've reached a severe fall quarter slump.

It happens every year. After trying to learn through osmosis and having failed miserably on the latest midterm, hitting the snooze button seems ever more tempting. I value academics almost more than my complete special edition DVD collection of Star Wars, but even so, I think most can say that being academically motivated can come as a challenge this time of year.

Rain-soaked jeans and SAD-affected people also contribute to my slump. It's a little too cold to enjoy those rare sunny days.

People are cranky, and whether it's because I'm cranky which results in other people's crankiness toward me or vice versa, the eighth week of the quarter is a cranky business.

Between now and the glorious day of completing my last final, there are still term papers, quizzes, possible exams and awkward group projects to be completed. But instead of falling victim to the wrath of two-and-a-half painful weeks, I've decided to treat myself royally every day. And for those counting with me, it's 15 days not counting today and excluding holidays and weekends.

Maybe it's a slice of pumpkin pie tomorrow or spending an extra 20 minutes to color-code my closet. When I'm well-fed and have satisfied my OCD tendencies, I feel accomplished and thus, dignified. It might be spending a good hour debating the ethicality of House, M.D., with my nephrologist, building a Cribs-inspired gingerbread house or going to a Sonics game with a best friend. Finding an activity that tickles my fancy might be a distraction from studying, but that's the thing about distractions.

Being distracted stops even the most diligent student from the immediate crucial concern and gives an excuse to engage in something silly and trivial. Sometimes it's a friendly reminder that outside of memorizing outrageous vocabulary words, we're allowed to laugh at ourselves. Whatever the distraction is, I think I've found a healthy solution to getting through this quarter's slump and passing my classes.

Sure, I may snooze the alarm a few more times than my roommate would prefer, but I recommend for those feeling unmotivated to soar through the remaining weeks, make a toast to yourself and treat yourself to what makes you feel royal. You deserve it.