Describe a time when you were very busy

I'd like to describe a week last spring when I was busier than I have ever been. Unfortunately, several things all happened at exactly the same time.

First of all, I had two university assignments due on the Friday, one a long essay and the other a group presentation. On top of that, I work part-time in a bookshop, and that same week two of my colleagues were off sick, so my manager asked me to do extra shifts. And to make things even more complicated, my cousin was getting married that weekend, and I had promised to help with the preparations.

For about five days, my routine was crazy. I'd get up at six, work on my essay for two hours, go to classes, then go straight to the shop until eight in the evening. After that, I'd go to my aunt's house to help pack gifts and organise decorations, and finally I'd do some more studying before bed, usually after midnight. I lived on sandwiches and coffee, and I barely spoke to my friends.

To survive, I made a very detailed to-do list every morning and ticked things off one by one, which gave me a sense of progress. I also asked my group for help with the presentation slides, which I found difficult, because I don't like asking for help.

In the end, I submitted everything on time and the wedding went well, but I was completely exhausted, and I caught a bad cold the following week.

The experience taught me that I need to say no sometimes. Since then, I've been much more careful about agreeing to things when my schedule is already full.