2:23 AM: Reflections

I did not post yesterday, having not gotten around to it. Hopefully I can make up for that by posting now, and some time later in the day.

Basically, I am addicted to my computer. That might be construed as a good thing if I was actually getting some work done, but really I was trying and failing to be entertained by the internet. One thing I know now is that I am thoroughly incompatible with forums of any kind, but that's another story. What matters is that I am finding my vow to use my computer only for work is really, really difficult. Not in a trivial way: in a scary way.

Let me post my "new rules" that I introduced in my last blog post again:

"I will no longer be using a computer for fun. I will spend as much time as possible outside. I will not shave. I will stop listening to my stereo, as it uses much electrical power. I will drink only water."

I have succeeded in not shaving and not listening to my stereo. Neither achievement is particularly transcendental. In drinking only water I have fared better. Usually when I am in a thirst I go right for the orange juice or milk, i.e. the expensive, packaged stuff. Water quenches my thirst quickly and without the packaging. By no means has my loyalty to water never wavered: I drank milk once, a coffee, and a root beer at a friends house. As for spending time outside, I do spend a good deal of time playing basketball in my driveway, but I am not exactly entering the hearts of massive forests here.

So much for the new rules. How about the old rules; how are they coming?

"I don't use lights when I don't have to. I don't use plastic bags or wrap, or tin or aluminum foil."

The answer is, pretty good. Before the low impact challenge I was already in the habit of turning lights off. Meanwhile, I have abruptly stopped wrapping my sandwiches in tin/aluminum foil. I have not noticed any difference in taste as a result. I don't use plastic bags or wrap either.

Before the challenge was announced I had planted an onion plant thing from nature class in my back yard. It is growing admirably.