Lots of fun being had, little internet being surfed

My week’s challenge of having fun every day and spending less than 2 hours on the Internet a day has been going splendidly.

It is much less sexy than doing 30 days of bikram yoga, and I suppose the word “challenge” to describe spending only 2 hours a day on the Internet is a bit sad, but nevertheless—I’m finding it to be another great way to focus (and unfocus) my energies.

Shall I list off the fun? The new Woody Allen movie at the Cobble Hill cinema (really great work from Woody and old school artsy theater that is like stepping back in time), pumpkin carving and eating and drinking too much with friends, and a day filled with enjoying local restaurants… (Okay, I am really having fun eating!) What bikram body?

I’ve told a couple friends I just finished the bikram challenge and they immediately look at my body. Yes! This is what 30 days of bikram looks like! (Not that much different than before!) And how do I feel? “Today… slightly tired and like I ate too much cheese last night.” Looks like I am going to have to keep up the practice if I want to continue to feel the side effects. Although I must say, I am thoroughly enjoying being able to indulge in some hot toddies.

I am sure some great writer has a term for this, but I think it is good for everyone to know what you immediately do when you are feeling the resistance. I generally resist having fun during my days off when I feel slightly bored. Even though I know going to a movie, or just watching one on Netflix would incredibly improve my situation, instead I reach for the Internet and get sucked in to hoping an email will magically appear that says “We want to hire you for this job that you really want!” or “Please please please be in my movie—here is money!” or “You are so amazing, have I told you that today?” Instead I get Borders Rewards emails or some other email I delete, so it’s back to facebook.

Just giving myself this goal of spending less than 2 hours on the Internet has taken away this option. I can’t just get bored and sucked in to someone else’s facebook photos of their amazing whatever, sending me down the rabbithole of how I should probably figure out how to get an amazing whatever ASAP… Instead I put the computer to sleep, walk to another room, or pick up a book, or find my way to a movie theater (even if it is cold and windy and I wear the wrong shoes for walking in Brooklyn)…

And suddenly there I am fully living MY life.

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