In a crunch

I sat down and mapped out a study and writing schedule to get me through my current paper and exam deadlines. Staring at the paper, I see that it can be done, but it's going to require a relentless pace and a level of dedication I've had real trouble mustering over the summer. But then, that's the way this always seems to go, whatever it is that I'm doing. I hit crunch time, put it into high gear, and come through just fine. (Feel free to add other inane cliches.)

The funny thing is that most of the people around me--the ones at work or school, not at home--often tell me that they admire how organized I am, how together I seem. Somehow I manage to hide the flustered mess and project calm, cool, and in control.

If they only knew.