I'm not exactly sure how it happened, but I do know that it started in a very boring lecture. Like most college students during classes that somehow drag on for forever, I was beginning to become agitated. Lecture hall desks are tiny and cramped, my professor was discussing the same point for 45 minutes, and I was trying my hardest to avoid the sweet release of sleep. With nowhere left to turn, I began doodling. It started out with a poorly drawn flower and ended in an ink-smeared creation that took over my notebook.

Little by little, these random drawings went beyond my notebook for that one class. It spread from one page to the next in notebooks for other classes. I found myself taking notes on one side and drawing on the other, coming up with different designs as each class period passed. My pens were running low on ink and the semester had only just begun. I am writing this with black ball-point hands.

So yes, I am sick. I have "ink" eye, A"pen"dicitis and He"art" Disease. I also have an incredibly bad pun problem, but that's a completely different article.

I admit to letting this all get out of hand, but there is actually some good that has come from this.

It's incredibly therapeutic. It is similar to the adult coloring books but not as expensive. It has caused me to be more creative, and appreciate the little things. It has even encouraged people to talk to me.

A random person on the bus asked me if I was an artist. I laughed because I thought they were making fun of my drawing because let's face it, I'm no Picasso. The conversation that stemmed off of their question was very intriguing, though. It made me feel good about myself.

Another person in my English class asked if I was an Art major. I'm not, but the fact that they felt that I could be was a compliment in itself. We started talking about what they like to draw, and I ended up making a friend.

All in all, it is just meaningless doodles that I have allowed to take over my life. I definitely should cut back for the sake of my pens, but I am glad that I got the opportunity to de-stress and interact with other people because of it. Take this as a lesson that sometimes the simplest things can affect you in a complex way, and allow yourself time to appreciate the small things. No matter if that means doodling in your boring lecture or bird watching if that's what you're into.