Day two was about as difficult to endure as day one, mostly because the things I did before being able to consume mass media were boring without being able to listen to any music. See, I planned to go over to my parents' house and watch the Florida-Alabama SEC championship game with them but that wasn't till 3PM, so I had several hours to take care of stuff back at my house... Without my music, of course!
I don't know about you but putting up Christmas lights and decorations is about as fun as watching paint dry except for, you know, the whole manual labor part! So having to do such a time-consuming, annoying task can only be exacerbated by not being able to listen to music. Like many of you, music helps me both pass the time and focus on the task at hand. Stripping that luxury away just makes me irritable and I don't think I'm as efficient or productive when I'm irritable. So yeah, the first part of my day sucked, and guess what? I have to redo some of the Christmas lights because I forgot to test one of the sets before I stapled them to the house. See, told you I'm no good to you when I'm irritable! But I only have myself to blame, right?
After that ordeal I hung out with my parents at their house and we watched the Florida-Alabama game. Wow, that game did not turn out the way I thought it would. But then again, Florida had looked vulnerable this season and Alabama had revenge on their minds all season. Props to the Crimson Tide and here's hoping my 'Horns can stop crapping the bed when it matters most and really challenge Alabama for the National Championship.
Speaking of the Texas Longhorns... WOW WHAT A FREAKIN' FINISH! I still can't believe that kick was good! It looked like it was gonna hook wide left but the ball stayed true and assured the 'Horns a shot at the National Title. A shot they should've had last year but whatever. I'm not bitter... YEAH RIGHT! Anyhoo, I planned to have the game at my house so a bunch of friends came over and we had a game-watching party. One of my best friends is a HUGE Texas hater so it was even more fun watching the game with him since all we did was talk trash during the game. Sadly, he had a lot to trash talk given how poorly Texas played on Saturday (especially Colt McCoy and the UT offense; say goodbye to that Heisman, Colt!).
So yeah, watching the UT game--NOT this whole Media Deprivation experience--robbed me of about five years of my life! Sometimes I think I invest too much time and passion into sports (Heck, I used to be much worse just a few years ago), so I always try to remind myself that it's just a game and that there are far more important things in life... Like you guys and your blogs! So after everyone left for the night I proceeded to read everyone's Day 1 blogs (and even some Day 2 blogs creeping in during the wee hours of the morning), which kept me occupied the rest of the night. In fact, I fell asleep on the couch reading everyone's blogs not because they weren't interesting or engaging (believe me, they always are!) but because I just couldn't stay up any longer.
After a stressful day of house stuff, and a stressful night of watching my alma mater ALMOST choke away a shot at the National Championship, I was just pooped!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Final day
Ah yes, last day of this media project, thank goodness it is finally over! I may say it has been a real challenge for me since I am basically still a hardcore gamer almost. Today I have done some touch up with the rear side of the civic. I had to use my bodywork tools to realign the back to its normal state, so I can install the parts I bought. After that, I have decided to take a break from it all and clean up the house before I hit the bed for a little one to two hour nap. I had urges to turn on my Xbox 360 to play some RPG games on it, but I held back and here I am typing out what I have done, I will turn in now so I can get back to my digital life as soon as possible. What I have learned is without any digital holds on my life I brings out the working side of me a want to finish things I’ve haven’t really wanted to start, but felt a bit lazy to even get to do the projects I wanted to do. I would say this project was both lame and good to my life.
Day 3-Easiest Day!
Good Evening my fellow Bloggers,
Well, today is the last day of our project!! I am relieved for the conclusion to have arrived! This morning, I got an email from my friend adjacent to Phoenix. What a wonderful way to start of your day! Get invited out on vacation!! Yea!! Well, I held myself to my words last night. My friend Jim and I went up to Walmart, earlier this evening. In all honesty, I had forgot about not listening to music. On the way to our homes, it dawned on me-what I wrote last night. I must say, the company of a good, life long friend and your best friend on the phone line, you forget about music. We were laughing and making plans for this next week. I wasn't sure how I would re-act without music, but, it went surprisingly well! I am not sure I could've lasted the whole 3 days..but glad I attempted and put forth effort. I didn't watch the news today and can't remember when I listened to the I-Pod. I still have my addiction problem to Facebook..sorry Mr. Lopez! Without logging on, it feels like you are out of touch or sync with your friends/family. My dad's curiosity for Facebook has expanded. Now, he's wanting to know how to look at people's pictures and locate them. I am hoping to have him converted, soon! However, I do apologize, I haven't been faithful in putting all of the restrictions together at once-but-have followed each of the rule(s) at different times!
This afternoon went well! I got to see my God son, Ryan, for a little bit!! My friend, Felicia, and I spent most of our time watching football. We are self-admitted football junkies. (I LOVE Texas Longhorns and New Orleans Saints). Our time was filled with laughter, anxiety and much anticipation about the ranking/scores of our beloved teams.
On a positive note, Texas one second win against Nebraska and my best friend driving from Louisiana, will make this week great! Hope everyone has a blessed week and best wishes on your finals!
Blessings,
Kelly
Well, today is the last day of our project!! I am relieved for the conclusion to have arrived! This morning, I got an email from my friend adjacent to Phoenix. What a wonderful way to start of your day! Get invited out on vacation!! Yea!! Well, I held myself to my words last night. My friend Jim and I went up to Walmart, earlier this evening. In all honesty, I had forgot about not listening to music. On the way to our homes, it dawned on me-what I wrote last night. I must say, the company of a good, life long friend and your best friend on the phone line, you forget about music. We were laughing and making plans for this next week. I wasn't sure how I would re-act without music, but, it went surprisingly well! I am not sure I could've lasted the whole 3 days..but glad I attempted and put forth effort. I didn't watch the news today and can't remember when I listened to the I-Pod. I still have my addiction problem to Facebook..sorry Mr. Lopez! Without logging on, it feels like you are out of touch or sync with your friends/family. My dad's curiosity for Facebook has expanded. Now, he's wanting to know how to look at people's pictures and locate them. I am hoping to have him converted, soon! However, I do apologize, I haven't been faithful in putting all of the restrictions together at once-but-have followed each of the rule(s) at different times!
This afternoon went well! I got to see my God son, Ryan, for a little bit!! My friend, Felicia, and I spent most of our time watching football. We are self-admitted football junkies. (I LOVE Texas Longhorns and New Orleans Saints). Our time was filled with laughter, anxiety and much anticipation about the ranking/scores of our beloved teams.
On a positive note, Texas one second win against Nebraska and my best friend driving from Louisiana, will make this week great! Hope everyone has a blessed week and best wishes on your finals!
Blessings,
Kelly
Well, that didn't take long. (day 3)
Of course, once I passed out this morning, I slept until 1:00.
the past nine hours have been filled with research, research, and more research. I've been procrastinating all weekend on my English final, but I need to at least finish half tonight, lazy muse or no lazy muse.
Between lunch, research, and driving to peiwei for a little practice (and dinner) I haven't had much time to worry about recreation anyway. despite that, I still managed to get sidetracked in my research, reading three articles on 'mind reading' games before forcing myself back to my own, boring topic. (quantum physics and nanotechnology isn't nearly as interesting as it sounds.)
Today was definately the easiest day, despite desperately wanting to log onto my game sites to see if there's any news, there wasn't too much time for temptations. There was however, time for pie. German Chocolate pie.
Maybe fudge.
I haven't decided yet.
Anyone want me to bring fudge tomorrow?
the past nine hours have been filled with research, research, and more research. I've been procrastinating all weekend on my English final, but I need to at least finish half tonight, lazy muse or no lazy muse.
Between lunch, research, and driving to peiwei for a little practice (and dinner) I haven't had much time to worry about recreation anyway. despite that, I still managed to get sidetracked in my research, reading three articles on 'mind reading' games before forcing myself back to my own, boring topic. (quantum physics and nanotechnology isn't nearly as interesting as it sounds.)
Today was definately the easiest day, despite desperately wanting to log onto my game sites to see if there's any news, there wasn't too much time for temptations. There was however, time for pie. German Chocolate pie.
Maybe fudge.
I haven't decided yet.
Anyone want me to bring fudge tomorrow?
Joel Olivarez Day 2 Update
Well...I almost made it. Then again I havent been 100% sure about being completely deprived. Well, after my last post alot of things came up, that really started pissing me off. And where do I go to vent some steam? Oh yeah...you guessed it.
There I could see it--on the top left corner of my screen in 1900x 1200 resolution on my 1080p HD TV/Monitor. The single '2' shimmered blissfully with it's golden color and the white text beneath it seemed to shine as my eyes glanced upon it. I slowly hovered my mouse over the taunting icon with no second thought of the consequences present...
Five minutes later I win first place TDM on Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2...
I could have just lied about this--but I'm an honest person when it comes to stuff like this...
There I could see it--on the top left corner of my screen in 1900x 1200 resolution on my 1080p HD TV/Monitor. The single '2' shimmered blissfully with it's golden color and the white text beneath it seemed to shine as my eyes glanced upon it. I slowly hovered my mouse over the taunting icon with no second thought of the consequences present...
Five minutes later I win first place TDM on Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2...
I could have just lied about this--but I'm an honest person when it comes to stuff like this...
DAY 2
Another late post, but a post nonetheless. Well Saturday was not as bad as I imagined it would be. I didn't listen to the radio in my own car and actually didn't really mind it. I guess when you're getting busy you don't really mind quiet car... Well, not exactly, haha. I have to admit it's just as much fun to sing in the car without music as it is with, especially when you're younger sister's a good sport!
I must say, it is getting harder and harder to avoid that infamous Facebook! I didn't realize how much there isn't to do without that good old time filler. In a lot of ways it's starting to make me feel disconnected from my friends' social life. I guess the upside to my not being on Facebook all day is that I'll get to come back to a whole bunch of wall posts, tags and messages, haha. Another upside would be that it's given me less of a distraction when it comes to studying for my Algebra final, but even with that there's still so much time to be filled.
Texting is unbelievably hard not to do! I have to admit I've been falling short in that respect. It's so difficult to ignore that vibration. When I look at my phone and see that envelope staring back at me, I can't not open it! Even if I make an effort to not text leisurely, the fact remains that a majority of my friends do. I feel it'd be kind of rude to ignore them. Well at the very least I've been avoiding being the catalyst of a text conversation.
Well, there's only one more day to this and it's just about over. I'm pretty sure I'll make this last day without Facebook, but coming back to it will be great.
Until next time,
Chris
DAY 2: Bummer!
Today was not so good. I failed almost every attempt to deprive myself of the media. Since it was my day off, me and my boyfriend didn’t wake up until around 3pm. We normally don’t sleep with the music or the TV on, so I was good until I woke up. When we did get out of bed, he went to the gym and left me by myself to figure out what I was going to do for an hour being deprived of the media. I thought I was going to go insane with no music, no television, and no one to talk to. I decided to clean and do laundry. Since there wasn’t much to clean and I had one load of laundry, I was done in 15 minutes. Boo! So I decided to cook. My cooking consisted of warming up shrimp Tai Pei and heating up noodles so that took no time. Luckily, while eating, both my roommates came into the kitchen to make something to eat. We talked for about an hour about absolutely nothing, and by that time, it was 6pm. My boyfriend was done working out and doing his homework so I went over to his apartment. This is where all of the media deprivation rules got broken. We watched videos on you tube, the Texans game, and the UFC ultimate fighter. So, there goes my almost good day! My roommates and I went out to Club 100 for a party shortly after where I enjoyed being social, dancing, and of course, listen to music all night long. Maybe tomorrow will be a better day! Or not!
Day 3 - I can see a light at the end of the tunnel!! Wait..no thats a train...
Okay, okay so its not that bad, but MAN today was stressful. Spent ALL DAY trying to do my research project for my English class. I WISH I was overstating that... Now sitting in front of the computer for that long doing something that painful (yes, research papers hurt me, little known fact I'm also allergic to them but do my professors listen to me?! NooooOOooo~!) I'd usually fold faster than Superman on laundry day and start shooting folks up on Battlefield 2142 or hell, even hop on Dungeons and Dragons Online (I know, I know GEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK! Hush up I'm happy!) but this was different, that pesky conscience thing was bugging me and I couldn't seem to do it.
As a matter of fact I took the shortcut for my games and threw them in some random folder as I closed my eyes. It's gonna be a b_tch to find them again but it's not like I need them. *twitch twitch*
Walked by the TV when my family was watching it and I realized that I never watch TV, another thing that made this project easier for me~!
Oh yeah and more songs playing in my head 14 now I think, one of which just happens to be "Girls just wanna have fun".....God, what the HELL is wrong with my brain? Need more Metallica, or Hatebreed OR SOMETHING!!!!
As a matter of fact I took the shortcut for my games and threw them in some random folder as I closed my eyes. It's gonna be a b_tch to find them again but it's not like I need them. *twitch twitch*
Walked by the TV when my family was watching it and I realized that I never watch TV, another thing that made this project easier for me~!
Oh yeah and more songs playing in my head 14 now I think, one of which just happens to be "Girls just wanna have fun".....God, what the HELL is wrong with my brain? Need more Metallica, or Hatebreed OR SOMETHING!!!!
Day 2
So day 2 went ok. I slept in til 1 which was so awesome, its been awhile since iv had a chance to sleep in. Went to the mall to do some christmas shopping with two of my aunts, we were there for awhile so for the rest of the day i was away from my own music and tv which has been hard to stay away from. My aunt candace and I came to my house and watched the last half of the Texas game (Go Horns)I just couldnt stay away. After watching the game I put on some tunes, so music was with me for about an hour because I couldnt help myself when i was cleaning and getting ready. My aunt was on my laptop cheching her updates on myspace and facebook and i was so tempted to just get on and check mine really quick but i did really well and stopped myself since i had already given in to tv and music. My aunt and I headed out around ten to a friends house for a little get together, after an hour of talking about our day and debating if we should go out in the freezing cold we came to a random decision to go bowling. I still dont know why we went but we did haha it was interesting. We bowled for about two hours and the rest of my day 2 was finished with bowling and listening to music i really couldnt stand.
Day 3/ Home Stretch "Go Saints!"
Okay guys, this is it for me. Well this whole project was not too fun for me at all, not sure about the rest of you. But hopefully the rest of you all are hanging in there. So far today I have spent more time outside of my own home on a Sunday than I ever had. I got up this morning went to work out for a couple of hours. After that I got ready to go to "Buffalo Wild Wings," to watch the Saints have a dramatic comeback. "Man they are having a terrific season arent they!? Go Saints, and man I love those wings." After that I went to kick at a friends' for a little and watch some of the Cowboys game, booooooo. But I got tired of watching their sorry asses. But anyway I'm glad that this is the last day of this project. This whole weekend has been kind of rough and might have done me some psychological damage from looking at the walls too long. Dont worry Mr. Lopez I wont press charges. But after today we will be able to go back to our normal lives and do and use the things that we are accustomed to. It will be good to get back to the tings that I had to turn away from for a little while. "I love you radio, I love you television, I love you cell phone, and most of all I love you ipod. Never will I diss you guys again, never again." I'm pretty sure they feel the same way about me. But its gonna pretty weird going back to those things, I almost feel like I have forgotten how to use some of them. Lets hope thats is not the case. But it gives me great pleasure knowing that by tomorrow this will be over. I want to got to sleep right now and just wait for the next day to be here. Anyway, it was fun while it lasted, but peace I'm out.
Joel Olivarez: Day 1 and 2
Apologies for not posting DAY 1 yesterday--I was having technical issues with my computer and didn't even get the chance to use any other computer. Anyways, I pretty much spent Friday trying to stay up as long as I could, reading Halo: Evolutions. At about 3am i finally went to sleep and didn't even bother to set my alarm for the following morning. Since I had nothing planned for the weekend I ended up waking up at around 1 o'clock pm. Yeah, talk about oversleeping, but it was well needed, and it cut my day in half! I spent about a half hour preparing a Roast Beef sub sandwich, and made sure to put plenty of mayonnaise and a few slices of mozzarella cheese. That was probably the highlight of my day: eating a delicious sandwich!
For the remaining hours I did what I honestly didn't think I'd enjoy doing for too long--I went to a bookstore. From there I miraculously read 3 books, Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 2, and the Halo Encyclopedia (Well, some of it. That book was MASSIVE)--including about a dozen manga. I stayed til the store closed and headed home. Since I had a few hours to myself I decided to try and see if I could fix my computer--I ended up finding out a malware virus had reappeared, which about five days before I had removed, but apparently it showed up again. It took me a while, since I was without internet, but in the end it still wasnt fixed. I was so frustrated i turned it off, had dinner, read some more, then fell asleep.
This morning I woke up shivering my ass off. My fan was turned on for some reason and it was freezing outside, and i dont sleep with many covers. I hadnt planned how this day would have gone, but I spent pretty much all morning reading the ending of New Moon. Surely enough, my stepfather saw me reading it and asked me if i wanted to go see the movie. BE AWARE that i was half awake the time he asked me, and i had no recollection of the project other than the time i used yesterday. We went to the next feature...Saw it...loved it...came home and started reading the next book: Eclipse. I still have yet to finish it, as fixing my computer became a top priority. By the time I got it fixed and reconnected I was automatically signed into my messenger and messaged by several friends asking where I had been. I politely told them I was not gonna be on the rest of the day and that I'd explain the situation later. I immediately closed out and continued to check on my computer to make sure it was working properly. Sadly it still isnt, however I have been able to reconnect to the internet, as you can see. Right now I'm typing up a chapter of a fiction i've been working on for a long while now, and taking a break from it so I can type this up. Again apologies for not posting day 1 yesterday, I hope this will suffice. I'm almost through the day! YAY!! XD
For the remaining hours I did what I honestly didn't think I'd enjoy doing for too long--I went to a bookstore. From there I miraculously read 3 books, Metal Gear Solid, Metal Gear Solid 2, and the Halo Encyclopedia (Well, some of it. That book was MASSIVE)--including about a dozen manga. I stayed til the store closed and headed home. Since I had a few hours to myself I decided to try and see if I could fix my computer--I ended up finding out a malware virus had reappeared, which about five days before I had removed, but apparently it showed up again. It took me a while, since I was without internet, but in the end it still wasnt fixed. I was so frustrated i turned it off, had dinner, read some more, then fell asleep.
This morning I woke up shivering my ass off. My fan was turned on for some reason and it was freezing outside, and i dont sleep with many covers. I hadnt planned how this day would have gone, but I spent pretty much all morning reading the ending of New Moon. Surely enough, my stepfather saw me reading it and asked me if i wanted to go see the movie. BE AWARE that i was half awake the time he asked me, and i had no recollection of the project other than the time i used yesterday. We went to the next feature...Saw it...loved it...came home and started reading the next book: Eclipse. I still have yet to finish it, as fixing my computer became a top priority. By the time I got it fixed and reconnected I was automatically signed into my messenger and messaged by several friends asking where I had been. I politely told them I was not gonna be on the rest of the day and that I'd explain the situation later. I immediately closed out and continued to check on my computer to make sure it was working properly. Sadly it still isnt, however I have been able to reconnect to the internet, as you can see. Right now I'm typing up a chapter of a fiction i've been working on for a long while now, and taking a break from it so I can type this up. Again apologies for not posting day 1 yesterday, I hope this will suffice. I'm almost through the day! YAY!! XD
Day 2
Saturday was carefully planned to avoid media again. I’m noticing the effort that has to go into each day to actually stay away from it. My girlfriend was off for the weekend and is being considerate by trying to avoid TV together with me. We decided to get out of the house, as neither of us wanted to clean, so we went to do some Christmas browsing. We got breakfast together and talked about what we would do all day without watching TV or going to the movies. A few moments later we found ourselves in the car humming along to a song and I quickly turned it off. It’s pretty instinctive to turn on the radio in the silence. (I still have the same loop of songs in my head, by the way.) We went to the dollar store and bought some jigsaw puzzles to help pass the time. We had to make it to 7pm because of the all-important UT/Big12 football game that was going to be on. So we spent the next several hours in our cozy apartment just with each other and the challenge of a dollar-store puzzle. And as luck would have it, it was missing a piece—the worst!
The plan was to go out and be social and watch it at a Double Dave’s pizza place, where there was sure to be a crowd watching the screens. This is one form of media that I can’t imagine the world without. First of all the game was four hours away in Dallas; second, the seats are limited; and third, it costs a good chunk of money! Imagining the world without the TV networks broadcasting sports is crazy. I watch my Longhorns and my Spurs usually from the comfort of my own home and with a DVR handy in case I miss an important play. I’m totally spoiled. So back to the plan: the Double Dave’s store was freezing and the place was clearing out around halftime, so we gave up too. We headed back home and gave into our laziness and watched the rest of the game at home. The game turned out to be a real nail-biter and, while I’m disappointed in myself for giving in, I’m also more thankful for the media and conveniences we have at our disposal.
The plan was to go out and be social and watch it at a Double Dave’s pizza place, where there was sure to be a crowd watching the screens. This is one form of media that I can’t imagine the world without. First of all the game was four hours away in Dallas; second, the seats are limited; and third, it costs a good chunk of money! Imagining the world without the TV networks broadcasting sports is crazy. I watch my Longhorns and my Spurs usually from the comfort of my own home and with a DVR handy in case I miss an important play. I’m totally spoiled. So back to the plan: the Double Dave’s store was freezing and the place was clearing out around halftime, so we gave up too. We headed back home and gave into our laziness and watched the rest of the game at home. The game turned out to be a real nail-biter and, while I’m disappointed in myself for giving in, I’m also more thankful for the media and conveniences we have at our disposal.
Day Two
December 5th was pretty okay for me. I was asleep all of the morning and most of the afternoon. When I finally decided to get out of bed, I went straight to the kitchen. My grandma was watching tv in the living room, but I never pay attention to it. I've been trying my best not to watch tv and for the most part I have been doing a good job. It was time to get ready for work. I would usually turn on my iPod and continue what I was doing, but I couldn't do that this time. It was just too quiet so I broke the rules a little bit just this once. It was time to go to work, so I grab my purse (and of course my phone), and I get in the car. Mentioning my phone, I have not been replying to the texts people have sent me, but I do admit I was talking on the phone for about two hours with my friend from California. Back to the story, I'm on my way to work and I am really tempted to turn on the radio. I realize that I have a lot more thoughts than usual and it is because I am surrounded by silence. I get to work and the music is playing extra loud. Luckily work is the exception where I can listen to music. It's a good thing that this exception was made because music gets me in a good mood. After work, I get to the car and again I do not turn on the radio since I had been listening to music all day at work. The quietness does feel weird to me. Once arriving home, I walk into my room and my sister is watching tv and my brother is playing video games. It's the only form of entertainment for them. I guess the only way not to be bored at home is to grab some electronic device and see where it leads you to.
Day 2
Saturday December 5, 2009
Yesterday was a lot easier than Friday. I woke up and had some breakfast with my boyfriend, and usually the first thing i do is check my Facebook, but i know how much Gerardo hates that, plus i cant do it for this project so it wasn't so hard to break free from. Gerardo did however have Christmas music playing while he was making our eggs. But i wasn't really paying attention to the music, my mind was more focused on how amazing the egg sandwiches were. I love food.
We then went to Dulce's house and visited with her and her husband for awhile before we had to take off for the our weekend trip to Waco. First we had to stop in at Boerne to watch a High School performance of High School Musical that my friend had help choreograph. That wasted a whole three hours of our day. The performance was the worst i had ever seen. But on the drive up me and Gerardo didnt listen to the radio, witch turned out to be really nice just to talk the whole time. We decided that we were going to have to come back to Boerne on a later day to check out the cute little town.
After the Play he headed out for Waco. On the way out of town we got a little turned around because Boerne was having there Christmas parade. But we found our way around town. Once we started to get closer the San Antonio, Gerardo and I got hungry, so we did use his Iphone to look up restaurant around the area. We ended not even going to the restraurants that were on the phone and just exiting to look for a place that looked good. We ended up eating an amazing seafood restaurant that was connected to Base ProShop. After an amazing Mahi Mahi and prime rib we headed out on the road again.
I was amazed that for Three Hours Gerardo and I were able to not listen to any music and just talk. We both really enjoyed it. He said that it was nice not being interrupted by me turning up the music and sining in the middle of a conversation. I ended up falling asleep about two hours into the drive. I think Gerardo turned on the music after i fell asleep, pretty sure i heard it playing but he was considerate enough to keep the volume down low. I woke up about fifteen minuets out from Waco, and we arrived to his parents place around 10:30pm.
We stayed up and talked for a little while and then headed off to bed around 11:45. The day wasnt so bad not using technology, and i found out that i didnt need to check up on my Facebook every half hour. This makes Gerardo so happy cause he hates Facebook, and how much i check up on other people.
DAT TWO!
Yesterday I had many things planned so for the most part, it wasn’t too bad, but I did manage to fail again. It’s the television that gets me. And as for the cell phone, I do not really use my phone on the weekends, so the phone wasn’t the difficult part for me.I woke up yesterday to the sound of my mom’s radio, she was cleaning and while she cleans she likes to listen to music, especially this time of the year, she loves the Christmas music. After staying in bed for awhile, I decided to take a shower and get ready. Again I couldn’t listen to music while getting ready, so I did struggle a little bit but didn’t give in. After getting ready I went to a couple of stores with my boyfriend, so I knew that would allow me to kill some time by not using any mass media. During the car rides to and from the stores, I didn’t have a problem with the music because my boyfriend and I would have conversations about random things. When I finally got back home, I was too busy getting ready for the spurs game, so I didn’t manage to use any mass media. Going and during the game wasn’t the part I was worried about, it was after the game, that I knew I was going to have a problem. I knew that there was a Texas and Nebraska game that I was missing, and wanted to at least see some highlights of the game. When I got home I couldn’t help myself, I had to see who won the game. I ended up only seeing the highlights of the games played throughout the day, and then turned it off. I felt so disappointed with myself again. Not only did I cheat on day one, but yesterday as well, all because of the sports games. I think this was a bad weekend not to use any mass media; there were so many big games that were on and were tempting to watch.
Day 2
Saturday the 5th
Today was a challenging day! I had no work or anything to do so it was very hard for me not to get on facebook or watch television. I’m sorry to say that I did cheat and I did watch television. Like I said I had nothing to do and I was bored. Every time I get on my computer I have to stop myself because I’m so used to getting right on facebook. I did get aggravated at some point because all I wanted to do is play Farmville. I know that’s pitiful. I did go to a party last night, which allowed me to listen to some music, so that was a nice change. I honestly can say that I have no idea how people did it back in the day that didn’t have television, phones, or internet. I would have died! However, I did get spend more time with my family today and I got some shopping done. I feel that if I occupy myself with other things then I don’t think about it, and also if I just stay away my from house until I go to bed then it helps me not watch television or get on facebook. When I’m driving however, it’s hard not to listen to the radio. Like today when I was shopping and I had to drive from Boerne to the mall I had to catch myself several times not to turn on the radio. It drove me nuts! My cell phone hasn’t been a problem to me. I don’t really text unless I’m in a quiet place (like school) ha-ha so it was easy for me because I would just call the person. However, having the Iphone is challenging because I have facebook, my email, games, and the internet at a touch of a button. I know I cheated by watching T.V. but I am still proud to say that I think I have done a good job by not doing my daily routine.
Today was a challenging day! I had no work or anything to do so it was very hard for me not to get on facebook or watch television. I’m sorry to say that I did cheat and I did watch television. Like I said I had nothing to do and I was bored. Every time I get on my computer I have to stop myself because I’m so used to getting right on facebook. I did get aggravated at some point because all I wanted to do is play Farmville. I know that’s pitiful. I did go to a party last night, which allowed me to listen to some music, so that was a nice change. I honestly can say that I have no idea how people did it back in the day that didn’t have television, phones, or internet. I would have died! However, I did get spend more time with my family today and I got some shopping done. I feel that if I occupy myself with other things then I don’t think about it, and also if I just stay away my from house until I go to bed then it helps me not watch television or get on facebook. When I’m driving however, it’s hard not to listen to the radio. Like today when I was shopping and I had to drive from Boerne to the mall I had to catch myself several times not to turn on the radio. It drove me nuts! My cell phone hasn’t been a problem to me. I don’t really text unless I’m in a quiet place (like school) ha-ha so it was easy for me because I would just call the person. However, having the Iphone is challenging because I have facebook, my email, games, and the internet at a touch of a button. I know I cheated by watching T.V. but I am still proud to say that I think I have done a good job by not doing my daily routine.
Day 1
I woke up Friday morning and I’m not going to lie that the first thing i thought about was "oh I need to check my facebook". However, I caught myself and I didn’t. It wasn’t bad for me on Friday because I had to work, so I couldn’t get on the computer or watch T.V or listen to the radio. Although I almost died because I couldn’t listen to the radio on the way to work, but I did talk to myself to cut pass time. I have not watched television and I’m proud to say that I happy haven’t because I feel like I have more time and more things to keep me occupied. Not being able to listen to the radio or get on the computer to check my facebook was very challenging due to the fact that it is my daily routine and I felt like a piece of me was missing. Plus, my crops on Farmville died! I was not happy about that! Because it cost me coins to plow them up, haha. I was disappointed because its 25 days of Christmas on ABC and I couldn’t watch my Christmas movies. Also, the Christmas music that is on the radio is a passion of mine and not being able to listen to it is very hard. Not being able to do my daily routine is a challenge but also it’s a good change for me because I find myself outside more, talking with my family more, visiting my family more and being more active. I know as the days go by it will get even more challenging but I am proud to say that the first day wasn’t so bad.
dizzay two
Ok so day two was harder than day one because i felt like "ahh i already did one day, why do i have to do another?". So my day started off by me waking up around ten and knowing that i could use the internet, text or listen to music i just forced myself back to sleep. I woke up again just in time to get ready for work, once again in silence. After getting ready i got in my car and reached over to turn on my radio as if im genetically programmed to do so haha. I got to work and since i work in an office and all i do is count money all day im usually listening to music, texting my friends and as i mentioned before "facespacing" haha, but today was different. My shift could not have went by any SLOWER! I was sooo dreading to get out of there as fast as i could once eight o'clock rolled around! After i got out of work i usually go home and rest up then get ready and go out with my friends but last night i was sooo tired haha i still ended up going out and i got pretty wasted but thanks to this media deprivation assignment there were no drunk texts sent from my phone haha.. Im not even sure if im allowed to be saying this but we're all adults here right? :)
So i got through the day but I still can not understand the concept of how im so obsessed with my sources to the outisde world. I have realized that i am so eager to know what my friends are doing and I am obsessed with knowing all the latest celebrity gossip. I know i waste alot of my valuable time on very unimportant things but i am just so used to it already. Well I guess i can say day two was pretty successful, and im so glad we're already at day three!
day 2 yesterday was day 1..sorry
Today was not hard at all either to not text or watch TV; because i went to church then afterwards out to eat with all my family. So far I really haven't done too much to say anymore about my day, except I got up this morning then went to church an then out to eat, now I'm home, typing this blog. In about 30 minutes, I will be leaving to go to the movies with my sister and my nephews to take them to go see the Christmas Carol.
Actually, in the car we did listen to music and I did last night also, before I went to bed, I kinda forgot about the music thing until now. But other than that I have been doing well, with not using my phone or watching TV, because I have been occupied all this weekend with all my family. We basically been keeping each other busy. So that has been my day so far.
Actually, in the car we did listen to music and I did last night also, before I went to bed, I kinda forgot about the music thing until now. But other than that I have been doing well, with not using my phone or watching TV, because I have been occupied all this weekend with all my family. We basically been keeping each other busy. So that has been my day so far.
DAY 2
Good Afternoon,
Well day two of the media deprivation project was a lot harder then day one. I woke up thinking day one was not that hard I could do this, but then I realized oh my god it is the big twelve championship game between the
Throughout the project so far my cell phone has not played a big part. Before I felt like I always needed to be on my cell phone texting, surfing the web, and getting MySpace. I am going to admit that I have texted here and there just because I was bored. I do feel that within this couple of days I have learned to not rely on my cell phone as much I use too. My boyfriend Jesse loves the whole idea of the media deprivation project because he says I am on my phone too much.
The biggest problem I have had with this project is not being able to watch TV only because I am a big sports person. I love watching college football on Saturday’s and NFL on Sunday’s. I guess that is why the first day was the easiest. Just knowing that there are ways to get around the guidelines is the only thing saving me.
I never realized that media played such an important role in my life. When professor Lopez first mentioned this project in the beginning I was not to concerned because I knew I could do it, but now that it has finally come down to it I would totally change my mind.
Chocolate covered apologies!
If you happened to read my previous blob entry you would know that my husband sabotaged my efforts with this project with music videos during the first night of detox. Music video's are like my drug of choice among the media entertainment. I guess he must have felt some guilt as he brought a cute decadent chocolate cake home last night from HEB. I'm a sucker because I totally forgave him!
Saturday night wasn't too bad with depriving myself, well truthfully I indulged within limits. Another tradition evolving the whole family is sitting down to watch an episode of COPS on t.v. I know it may seem like a joke that a television show is something we do as a family. Let me explain further for your understatement. we actually use the show as a form of entertainment bur as education for our kids. we have kept them pretty sheltered in the military living overseas but we have always told them about "bad people" or "drug dealers", it easy to talk about but more effective if the can see real life examples in action. The shows promote conversation and questions that wouldn't normally form in the text book speeches on the subject. So I did watch the show because I thought the cause was greater than sustaining from it. However, once the show was over my husband quickly changed the channel to football. It doesn't even interest me to watch, no problem resisting there!
The cell phone hasn't proven to be a real issue as I really don't rely on it except when I am away from my children and spouse. I actually get allot of complains from friends that can't reach me on the cell phone over the weekends anyway. The only bump in the road was my regular phone call from S.Korea from my best friend. We catch up every Saturday for at least 2 hours over the vonage phone, its pretty much a guarantee in my house. This Saturday provided no exception except for the duration of the call 20 mins is a huge difference from 2 hours! I had to explain to her why I shouldn't be talking and she started laughing at the visual her mind was allowing her to see. Once I hung up I felt weird but the phone literally rang within a minute as she belted out"OK, 5 more mins because I have to tell you this!". Thanks to my husbands mocking the second call did end in 5 mins. I pretty much fed my scrapbook and travel addiction with magazines the rest of the night so my nerves weren't as bad as Fridays night. There was less arguments with Mr.Lopez in my head, thank goodness because I was starting to doubt my sanity.
This Morning started off relative easy because Sundays are the days I use less media for entertainment because I have chores and homework to do before the week starts. Every Sunday my morning starts with the thick Sunday paper. Its takes me two leisurely hours to dissect it and go through all the ads and coupons. I do anticipate one phone call to my grandmother who is in rehab in North Carolina. I call her every Sunday before I get busy during the week and because she is 88 years old I don't want to disappoint her. We are supposed to put up our Christmas tree and whether or not we have carols in the background depends if we can find last years music CD's or not. So music in today's routine is still to be determined.
Saturday night wasn't too bad with depriving myself, well truthfully I indulged within limits. Another tradition evolving the whole family is sitting down to watch an episode of COPS on t.v. I know it may seem like a joke that a television show is something we do as a family. Let me explain further for your understatement. we actually use the show as a form of entertainment bur as education for our kids. we have kept them pretty sheltered in the military living overseas but we have always told them about "bad people" or "drug dealers", it easy to talk about but more effective if the can see real life examples in action. The shows promote conversation and questions that wouldn't normally form in the text book speeches on the subject. So I did watch the show because I thought the cause was greater than sustaining from it. However, once the show was over my husband quickly changed the channel to football. It doesn't even interest me to watch, no problem resisting there!
The cell phone hasn't proven to be a real issue as I really don't rely on it except when I am away from my children and spouse. I actually get allot of complains from friends that can't reach me on the cell phone over the weekends anyway. The only bump in the road was my regular phone call from S.Korea from my best friend. We catch up every Saturday for at least 2 hours over the vonage phone, its pretty much a guarantee in my house. This Saturday provided no exception except for the duration of the call 20 mins is a huge difference from 2 hours! I had to explain to her why I shouldn't be talking and she started laughing at the visual her mind was allowing her to see. Once I hung up I felt weird but the phone literally rang within a minute as she belted out"OK, 5 more mins because I have to tell you this!". Thanks to my husbands mocking the second call did end in 5 mins. I pretty much fed my scrapbook and travel addiction with magazines the rest of the night so my nerves weren't as bad as Fridays night. There was less arguments with Mr.Lopez in my head, thank goodness because I was starting to doubt my sanity.
This Morning started off relative easy because Sundays are the days I use less media for entertainment because I have chores and homework to do before the week starts. Every Sunday my morning starts with the thick Sunday paper. Its takes me two leisurely hours to dissect it and go through all the ads and coupons. I do anticipate one phone call to my grandmother who is in rehab in North Carolina. I call her every Sunday before I get busy during the week and because she is 88 years old I don't want to disappoint her. We are supposed to put up our Christmas tree and whether or not we have carols in the background depends if we can find last years music CD's or not. So music in today's routine is still to be determined.
Day 2
My second day was way better than the first. It was a very busy day for me and I had no trouble staying away from the media. It began early when I got a call from my girlfriend at around 9 a.m. She had gotten in at around two in the morning the night before and wanted to see me as soon as she woke up. So I headed over to her house before I had to go in to work three. We had gone out to eat then back to her house to spend time together. Her sister had the new star trek on when we got back. This has been the only time so far that I watched a movie this weekend. Though I had seen it before so didn't pay much attention to it. While in the car with her she wanted to listen to music, even though she knew of my project. It was more of a backdrop for us talking though. After spending time with her I went in to work. I knew that would keep me busy though I only worked for four hours. After getting out from work I went back to my girlfriend's house and brought a friend from work. Her family was having a small party. The rest of my night was spent there. I didn't get home until about 2 a.m. As soon as I got home I passed out from exhaustion. I really enjoy my days being so busy like they have been this weekend. I have no time to waste just sitting around watching t.v. or on the computer. I'm not to big on facebook or myspace anymore so staying away from them hasn't been a problem either. Since I have been going out a lot I am exposed to t.v. but it is mostly sports games that are on with huge groups of people watching.
DAY TWO!
So day two, I slept in today not nearly as excited as I was before. I woke up today to my clean room, which is still surprising to me. I am missing all my entertainment items such as my television, Iphone and Internet. I have not checked my Facebook or Myspace now in two days. It would be so easy just pull out my phone, its one tap away but I resisted. I know that none of my friends are leaving me comments, or writing on my wall. It’s just what if this is the week that everything exciting happening and I am missing out on it. I don’t watch too much TV anyways. The only channels I like are food network, comedy central, ESPN and sometimes Disney channel. It’s just routine to have the TV on for a distraction just in case I get bored. Overall I am doing good living with TV. I had 10 text messages I read them but didn’t write back. Unless it was of dire needs, like "Chris are you ok" text, I called them told them about the media deprivation project. Figure it would be ok cause I called with a purpose. Those other wise text like "hey what up" didn’t get a response. To pass the time I ended up working out, did some weight lifting and ran, probably less then a mile, I am out of shape. I studied for my Astronomy final and did my part for my news writing class project. I had to go to the bank to deposit money for I could pay for next semester. Driving in silence just gives you a lot of time just to think to yourself. I had to go to work at five, which again was boring; apparently nobody likes ice cream in the cold. So we ordered some pizza and helped the few people that came into Cold Stone. Cleaned up then left that joint. I got out of work drove home in silence I was too tired to think so I sang some songs to myself to try to keep myself awake. Got home and just went to sleep around midnight, day two is in the books.
Dia Dos
Hook 'em Horns!!! I was worried there for a while but they just have a flair for the dramatic. Yes, I watched the game and UFC Ultimate Fighter Finale. I live over in the medical area walking distance from Hooters or Bikinis so it's an easy loophole to deviate from the project. In hindsight, it probably wasn't the best night to walk anywhere seeing how cold it was. I had no idea it got this cold in San Antonio. One thing this project has allowed me to do is get stuff done that I've been putting off. I finally got around to changing the oil in my car and it's a good thing I did before serious engine damage occured.
As far as cell phone use goes, I really don't talk on it all that much so it's not such a big deal to me. Although, I did talk to my mom for a while because she hates text messaging citing it's too impersonal. I also do not play video games 'nor does my roomate so thats not a problem. You all are probably thinking "this guy is really boring." Not to say I won't ever play them, I do like Rock Band and will play it when I go over to my sisters house but only for a little while. The hardest part has definitely been refraining from surfing the net. I will admit not staying completly away from the internet but not as much as I usually would.
Most of my Saturday was devoted to finishing my final essay for English class and reading. Saturday was one of those days that seemed to go really fast. One more day to go.....
As far as cell phone use goes, I really don't talk on it all that much so it's not such a big deal to me. Although, I did talk to my mom for a while because she hates text messaging citing it's too impersonal. I also do not play video games 'nor does my roomate so thats not a problem. You all are probably thinking "this guy is really boring." Not to say I won't ever play them, I do like Rock Band and will play it when I go over to my sisters house but only for a little while. The hardest part has definitely been refraining from surfing the net. I will admit not staying completly away from the internet but not as much as I usually would.
Most of my Saturday was devoted to finishing my final essay for English class and reading. Saturday was one of those days that seemed to go really fast. One more day to go.....
Day 2! :)
Moving on to day two I realized my biggest weakness, obtaining to the whole no media experiment, and its definitely texting. I can go with out the TV, movies, radio/ music magazines and not talking on the phone but I was only able to narrow it down to about 20 text messages a day and that was depriving enough. A few of my text messages were concerning work so that was a must but the others were mainly to my boyfriend and sister. It felt like every time I received a message I always felt obligated to write back. Also I think I might just have a problem. I’m beginning to think inventing a 12 step program for text-aholics might actually help some people. However the last couple days after getting off work I would come home and read my book and wouldn’t participate in any media activities. Sadly I finished the Eclipse book in less then three days because it was so amazingly awesome but it really helped pass the time and was extremely entertaining. I didn’t feel like this weekend was a complete waste I kind of had fun reading because it was such a good book. I also worked both Friday and Saturday 1 to 10:30 so if the booked didn’t help being at work my entire life sure did.
Day 2
O.k. so they're consecutive. I explained my situation, don't yell at me! Any who, day 2. A whole lot better till the UT, Nebraska game. I spent the entire day (from the time I got up, till the time I went to bed) at work! It was two shifts, and other than the fact that I was crazy tired, I wasn't bored at all. I didn't feel the need to listen to music, (as much as day 1 anyway) and was able to focus on doing things like eating a good, healthy meal because I had the time to do it. Normally a some fast fixings and a few TV shows is how I normally spent my nights before bed. Making myself stay constantly busy like this has totally helped me maintain not cheating on my media diet. It also helps when there are not any "media rich" family members around. At my families house, there are about three or four different types of media going on at all times. This project would have really ticked them off. I was still at work when the game was on. This KILLED me that I couldn't watch it, but I don't blame the project. I was stuck on a check stand! I did however, see the most amazing win ever witnessed! Yes, I was off the register when that masterpiece happened, and totally engulfed myself with media. I watched the TV, then texted a friend, then ran around my job pronouncing what happened (that last one doesn't count as cheating though).
One thing I've noticed is that people really tend to try to make you mess up when participating in a project like this. My boyfriend will text me at the most random times, saying the dumbest stuff, trying to get me mad enough to text him back, just so he can rub in my face that he made me text him. It's been hard, but I've resisted me urge and since I did such a great job with day 2, day 3 should be a breeze!
One thing I've noticed is that people really tend to try to make you mess up when participating in a project like this. My boyfriend will text me at the most random times, saying the dumbest stuff, trying to get me mad enough to text him back, just so he can rub in my face that he made me text him. It's been hard, but I've resisted me urge and since I did such a great job with day 2, day 3 should be a breeze!
Day 2- Really Not the best weekend...
OK, so remember the drama from thursday night it escalated to saturday. So I woke up about 1pm yesterday as well. I did not have to go to work because I got in trouble at my job, but it's cool. So when I eat I always have the tv on because I live with two old people and they are kind of boring. So I watched tv while eating yesterday but I turned it off as soon as I was done. So after that I was doing good until my sister called asking if I had heard from my cousin who had the drama Thursday night and I replied, "No I haven't spoken to her since Thursday". So I texted my other cousin to see if he had spoke to her and he said no. So I called my cousin and she didn't pick up. To make a long story short my cousin was missing for a few hours yesterday so I had to use my phone since I was searching for her. She has been found and is ok, but yeah I actually had a situation on my hands and that is why I used my phone yesterday but today is looking pretty good. Hopefully I'll have just a normal day.
Day 1
Well I'm a little late. Oops! My Internet is down so I had to come way over here to this public library and use their WI-FI. Kind of a coincidence that it decided to crash right when I'm not supposed to use it anyway! So far, I've been going a little insane. I can't live without my music or TV! Plus, I live by myself so it gets boring! There are only so many times I can watch my cat run circles around my apartment! But I will be honest, it's really not that bad. When I first moved out of my parent's house, I had nothing that involved keeping me entertained. I lived in a rented house with three friends and I was the only one without a job. For almost two weeks, while they went to work, I slumped around the house with absolutely nothing to do. Most of the time, I found myself reading, which in my opinion is a great way to pass the time. As far as day 1 went, however, I spent most of my day Christmas shopping at North Star. I was very grateful for the music playing in each store, relieving my absurdly bored mind. My head is a constant play list, so for the past few days while I've had basically no tunes, I've caught myself singing songs in my head. It works! Not that great, but it's better than nothing! So yeah, shopping saved me. I will admit though that I did have to continuously call my mother with different questions, but it was totally relevant I promise. Some good things that have come from this project as well are that it has really allowed me to focus on more important things needing to be done. I've studied a lot for finals and have been able to get more sleep at night. It feels good! But when I'm laying in bed, staring into the dark quiet, my blank, silent mind begins to wonder. . .
DAY 2
I have to admit that day two was harder then day 1. I woke up in the morning and had 5 missed calls and 13 unread messages. It was so tempting not to read them, so I decided to just delete them so I wouldn't be tempted to read them.My day started off at 6 a.m and I went for my usual run. It was another quiet one, no ipod. It is really hard to run without music and I don't like not being able to jamm out while I run. After my run I came home and got ready to go to the outlets. I thought this is going to be the test, driving an hour in silence. So I got into my car and drove in silence, it was actually kind of weird because I always have my music loud, but then at the same time it was actually relaxing and I just had time to think to myself. Believe it or not I went the whole way without giving in, it was so hard I have to say. I never really noticed how dependent we are to our media devices. They are just apart of our everyday routine. However, i did enjoy the time to myself, with no drama since I wasn't using my phone. I have to admit though on my drive back from the outlets, I gave in and turned on the radio. I couldn't take the silence anymore. Since I will be moving back next week, my family here decided to take me out to dinner since I won't be here to celebrate my birthday with them. When i was at their house, I played with my cousins and it was so much fun. If it wasn't for this project I probably would have been upstairs on the computer or texting away. I got to spend quality time with my cousins. I also got to talk with my aunt, it was a good but sad talk. We talked about how much we were going to miss each other. We held a conversation without the distraction of my phone constantly going off, it was pretty nice. When we went to dinner I didn't take my phone so it was a pleasant dinner and I actually particapated in the conversation, since I was constantly texting back and forth. This project really showed me a lot, like how the media devices keep us away from the important stuff like family. I was able to complete two assignments in no time and it was all due to the no distractions of facebook, my ipod, television, and my cell phone. This project just really shows how we use these things to passtime by. What a perfect weekend too, right before finals. I have already started studying and completed a final essay.
Day 2 - Stupid washing machines and half frozen pants...
Well, this whole media deprivation thing is kind of annoying, but at least I have plenty of things to do around my house! Just my luck the washing machine DID break! While my dad did find the part he needed to replace we had to take the whole thing apart to fix it. Lo and behold the inside of the metal casing was just COATED with this nasty green and yellow gooey stuff. I imagine it was just old soap and things of that nature, but still it looked freakin' gross.
But what's that? The water hose is frozen over? No problem! Just pour hot water all over the hose WHILE YOUR DAD IS HOLDING IT (his idea, not mine), Dandy! Okay now I get to blast off all that gooey stuff real quick and...What's that you say Dad you turned up the water pressure to see if that would help with the frozen hose, and you forgot to lower it back down?
So yeah, after about fifteen minutes hosing down the washing machine while drenched from the waist down in cold and windy weather, I decided it was time to head back inside.
As for the rest of the day, well that was reserved for staring at my computer monitor to try and get started on my English research paper.
Though I have to say the whole not listening to music thing is getting a little easier. Especially when I have several songs in my head right now. Seriously it was only one yesterday , some song by Metallica though I can't remember which one, and now I have like eight playing!...oh God, no not the ninth one!! Celine Dion?! What...the... but I hate her songs... WHY?!?!?!??!?!?!?!?!?!?!
Curse you Mom, you have destroyed my mind!!!
But what's that? The water hose is frozen over? No problem! Just pour hot water all over the hose WHILE YOUR DAD IS HOLDING IT (his idea, not mine), Dandy! Okay now I get to blast off all that gooey stuff real quick and...What's that you say Dad you turned up the water pressure to see if that would help with the frozen hose, and you forgot to lower it back down?
So yeah, after about fifteen minutes hosing down the washing machine while drenched from the waist down in cold and windy weather, I decided it was time to head back inside.
As for the rest of the day, well that was reserved for staring at my computer monitor to try and get started on my English research paper.
Though I have to say the whole not listening to music thing is getting a little easier. Especially when I have several songs in my head right now. Seriously it was only one yesterday , some song by Metallica though I can't remember which one, and now I have like eight playing!...oh God, no not the ninth one!! Celine Dion?! What...the... but I hate her songs... WHY?!?!?!??!?!?!?!?!?!?!
Curse you Mom, you have destroyed my mind!!!
JS3 Presents: Media Deprived Day Two
After being media-free for over 24 hours, I began to notice things about my environment I never had given much thought before, primarily when it comes to my son’s environment. When he awoke this morning, the first thing he wanted to do was turn on the television to watch Sesame Street. I couldn’t turn my attention away from him as I watched him laugh, smile, point, and dance along to the show. At first, I thought it was cute as always, but a few minutes later I gave it a second thought with this project’s goals in mind. I wondered if maybe the interaction was too much for him this early in the day. I wondered how he, being a young child, would deal with being robbed of that “interaction” with the television. I questioned if this was a failure on my part as a parent for making television and media in general such a big part of his life to this point. Had I doomed my son to become the medium in the next “dumbest generation”?
As our day went on, the answer to that question started to reveal itself. After breakfast, we headed off to do some window shopping for Christmas and attempted to meet Santa Claus. On the way to the mall, there was no music playing per the new norm. Here is when the first test for my son would come, as the ride was the longest so far we’ve had to go without any music. As I drove, I peeked back to see how he was doing and smiled at the sight before my eyes. My son was looking out his window, lost in the world passing him by as if nothing had really changed. It was nice to see that both of us were making it through this project together.
Having my son with me at all times has aided me greatly in this media deprivation project. Before I had my son, I would spend most of my time on social networking sites, playing video games, watching television, or texting friends. However, in the couple of years he’s been on this earth, he’s steered me from those time wasters towards a commit that is worthy of my time. At the mall, I had no time for texting as I had to keep a close eye on him to make sure he was still by my side. Once we were done and back at home, I barely had a chance to check my email because I had to get dinner ready for him, wash dishes, and get him changed. Once we had some down time, the UT game was merely background noise in the main room as he pulled me into his room to play with him (Ed. Note: The UT game was my one allowance since my friends planned over a week ago to come over and watch it). I could barely find time to sit down and type this up as he wanted me to lay by his side during bedtime as he drifted off into slumber.
Overall, day two proved to me that both my son and I have made it a priority to manage our media intake. Yes, he may like to watch television in the morning to help him wake up, but he definitely is not happy to sit in front of a screen all day. I like to listen to music as I drive from place to place, but I loved hearing my son verbalize his first thoughts. Media definitely has the potential to consume our lives, but we do not allow that to happen to us. Our priorities are in tune with one another. What are my priorities? Well, right now my main priority is finishing this blog so I can go spend time with the one thing that definitely does consume my life: My son.
DAY TWO.
I am running out of things to do to keep me away from media devices. the past two days were easy because I was on a little hunting excursion. I fell asleep in the blind and my Cunado, as he calls me, slaps my knee screaming (in a whisper) "BUCK! BUCK!" I pick up my rifle and take aim. The only things is, is that one of his buddies is along for the hunt and he wants to shoot this deer too; there was no way in hell I was gonna let him take down the deer that I had been scouting for a month. I had caught images of this dude on my trail camera and walked up on him feeding, (but didn't have my gun)so there was no way I was gonna let this guy get a shot off before me. Well, he throws up his rifle and starts counting so I'm like F%#K!!!! I just squeezed the trigger in a panic and missed the deer. He runs off behind some brush and ol' boy takes two shots--thankfully missing both times. After that B.S. hunt we went back to camp to have what should have been "Celebratory beers," but they were only "What the hell went wrong beers." After a few, I packed my bags, grabbed my dog, and headed back to San Antonio.
When I got back home I headed straight to the couch to take a nap. Normally I would turn on the tv, but I am trying really hard to avoid any form of media device. When I woke up I started to clean my apartment because my girlfriend had warned me to do so. There were some pretty foul smells coming from the kitchen due to dishes being left in the sink for a few days (yeah, they were mine). When I finished the dishes I thought to myself, "I sure would like to watch some tv and just kick it on the couch!" I did not do it however. Instead I went to the other room where all of my guitars and amps are and plugged in to my Marshall and jammed out for awhile. I got a different mood and switched from the Marshall to my Fender Blues Junior. The junior produces more blusey tones and is great for playing slide guitar and for getting some very Zeppelin type sounds.
I have no idea what I am going to do today, because I usually just hang out on the couch and watch football on sundays. I hope I can avoid the temptation of the tube!
day 2.5
(this upsets me, and since I can't rant on my usual forums, you guys get to suffer through my whining.)
Lets talk about insomnia.
Actually, let's talk about the media's affect on insomnia.
To begin with, insomnia is simply classified as an inability to sleep, or a chronic inability to sleep.
Not sounding too bad yet, are we?
I suffer from chronic caffeine-induced insomnia. Basically, every so often, I screw up the timing and drink a can of coke before bed.
sometimes nothing happens at all. other times, I have a bad night. or a week of bad nights.
Did you know that caffeine causes the same symptoms as anxiety? Aside from the obvious jitters, these symptoms can include delusions and paranoia. Sleep deprivation adds to the mix, with subtle hallucinations, and more paranoia. Add it all up to get a very twitchy person who sees things.
Normally, when I can't sleep, I watch TV. The human voices cut through everything else, and brings back the real world.
Tonight, I couldn't watch TV. There weren't any human voices to separate half-dreams from reality.
I haven't had a night this bad since before we put a TV in my room. I started reading. I read all three books I'd bought this weekend, over 700 pages of literature.
I was waiting.
Before the TV, there was music.
I've always had music playing when I sleep. Ever since I was little. The voices in the music, when it wasn't instrumental, weren't normal voices, to cut through the paranoia and waking nightmares. Even so, they provided some small comfort. Enough to sleep, most nights.
When the music fails to help, and the TV isn't available, I wait. I read, and occasionally close the book, and close my eyes, and doze for a few minutes before the paranoia comes back, and I have to start reading again.
Dawn comes.
Dawn always comes, and once the light is there, to push the shadows back, I can sleep. Even with my slow metabolism, eight hours is usually enough time for the caffeine to leave my system.
And now the light is here. It's funny. On nights like these, it always comes at 7.
Time to sleep.
Lets talk about insomnia.
Actually, let's talk about the media's affect on insomnia.
To begin with, insomnia is simply classified as an inability to sleep, or a chronic inability to sleep.
Not sounding too bad yet, are we?
I suffer from chronic caffeine-induced insomnia. Basically, every so often, I screw up the timing and drink a can of coke before bed.
sometimes nothing happens at all. other times, I have a bad night. or a week of bad nights.
Did you know that caffeine causes the same symptoms as anxiety? Aside from the obvious jitters, these symptoms can include delusions and paranoia. Sleep deprivation adds to the mix, with subtle hallucinations, and more paranoia. Add it all up to get a very twitchy person who sees things.
Normally, when I can't sleep, I watch TV. The human voices cut through everything else, and brings back the real world.
Tonight, I couldn't watch TV. There weren't any human voices to separate half-dreams from reality.
I haven't had a night this bad since before we put a TV in my room. I started reading. I read all three books I'd bought this weekend, over 700 pages of literature.
I was waiting.
Before the TV, there was music.
I've always had music playing when I sleep. Ever since I was little. The voices in the music, when it wasn't instrumental, weren't normal voices, to cut through the paranoia and waking nightmares. Even so, they provided some small comfort. Enough to sleep, most nights.
When the music fails to help, and the TV isn't available, I wait. I read, and occasionally close the book, and close my eyes, and doze for a few minutes before the paranoia comes back, and I have to start reading again.
Dawn comes.
Dawn always comes, and once the light is there, to push the shadows back, I can sleep. Even with my slow metabolism, eight hours is usually enough time for the caffeine to leave my system.
And now the light is here. It's funny. On nights like these, it always comes at 7.
Time to sleep.
DAY 2 : The Middle...
The key for getting through the second day was to try to pre occupy myself with other tasks to make this day pass by. I wasn't afforded the luxury of sleeping in because a friend of mine needed a ride to the airport at four in the morning. After driving all around town, I had some time to kill before my government class.
After I arrived at my home from dropping a friend off at the airport, I started working on my psychology papers some more. After accomplishing some more paperwork, I played around with my cats in the house until it was time to go to class. Government proved boring as usual but did take up three hours of my day. We watched presentations and took a quiz on the current topic for that day. By the end of class, I was just so exhausted that I literally crashed out upon arrival at my home. I slept for right hours until my wife's parents called asking us to come by to practice for the Christmas Play some more. I think during this whole project, I have had better sleep because I am less distracted when laying down to rest. So at the In-Laws, we pranced around some more and I ate a lot of delicious foods there. There was brisket, mashed potatoes, and many different kinds of pies. Later, we decided to drive home that night. Upon arrival, one of the cats had decided to mess up the blinds on the first floor in our absence. It was my belief that he had met a female cat in the neighborhood and desperately wanted to see her again. I could not see the tampering of these blinds that are now in disarray as forgivable. This cat has repeatedly caused issues for me and refuses to obey to the authority of the house.
In constant deliberation of the things to comes in terms of the cat, I had to make a decision. I came to the realization that he was never going to change and decided to take him with me in my car. I drove to the adjacent neighborhood and released him there. I made sure he was well nourished before departing. These blinds are no ordinary plastic by the way. I forfeited three thousand dollars for red mahogany blinds which is quite considerable for that item alone. I still have the other two cats which I do not fear will be a problem. In relation to this whole scenario, I have noticed my irritability from now playing video games has been very apparent as my day progressed. It is almost as if I was placated by my video games as not to be bothered by these very things. I find myself more assertive in these matters and more clear of mind as well. Let us see what day three shall bring...
After I arrived at my home from dropping a friend off at the airport, I started working on my psychology papers some more. After accomplishing some more paperwork, I played around with my cats in the house until it was time to go to class. Government proved boring as usual but did take up three hours of my day. We watched presentations and took a quiz on the current topic for that day. By the end of class, I was just so exhausted that I literally crashed out upon arrival at my home. I slept for right hours until my wife's parents called asking us to come by to practice for the Christmas Play some more. I think during this whole project, I have had better sleep because I am less distracted when laying down to rest. So at the In-Laws, we pranced around some more and I ate a lot of delicious foods there. There was brisket, mashed potatoes, and many different kinds of pies. Later, we decided to drive home that night. Upon arrival, one of the cats had decided to mess up the blinds on the first floor in our absence. It was my belief that he had met a female cat in the neighborhood and desperately wanted to see her again. I could not see the tampering of these blinds that are now in disarray as forgivable. This cat has repeatedly caused issues for me and refuses to obey to the authority of the house.
In constant deliberation of the things to comes in terms of the cat, I had to make a decision. I came to the realization that he was never going to change and decided to take him with me in my car. I drove to the adjacent neighborhood and released him there. I made sure he was well nourished before departing. These blinds are no ordinary plastic by the way. I forfeited three thousand dollars for red mahogany blinds which is quite considerable for that item alone. I still have the other two cats which I do not fear will be a problem. In relation to this whole scenario, I have noticed my irritability from now playing video games has been very apparent as my day progressed. It is almost as if I was placated by my video games as not to be bothered by these very things. I find myself more assertive in these matters and more clear of mind as well. Let us see what day three shall bring...
Day 2
Today was pretty easy to cope with the loss of media. I worked from 7 A.M. to 1 and then I got a four hour break and went back at 5 until 10 that night.
The day went pretty smoothly and the only form of media I could not avoid was the radio at work(that is always playing).
My 4 hour break sucked because I had nothing to do, so I finished reading a book called "Rats Saw God," and if your wondering the name makes no sense unless you read it.
I went back to work and managed not to use, or see, any forms of mass media until I got off at 10.
I went over to a friends house and hung out there until now. I will admit that I played " Call of Duty: modern warfare 2," for a while. But it's only common Curtice to play when your offered. Oh and also I watched some UFC fights with the crowd at my friends house, it's not like I could go in the other room and do nothing.
After we watched the fights some people were pumped up and decided to box in the living room. It was pretty awesome watching people box each other. If your wondering, no I did not join in on those festivities. I'm a lover not a fighter, but it was cool to witness a bunch of drunk idiots box one another.
So that leaves me here on my friends computer typing this. I would say that the hardest part of this project, has been trying to keep myself entertained, and it hasn't been too hard.
The day went pretty smoothly and the only form of media I could not avoid was the radio at work(that is always playing).
My 4 hour break sucked because I had nothing to do, so I finished reading a book called "Rats Saw God," and if your wondering the name makes no sense unless you read it.
I went back to work and managed not to use, or see, any forms of mass media until I got off at 10.
I went over to a friends house and hung out there until now. I will admit that I played " Call of Duty: modern warfare 2," for a while. But it's only common Curtice to play when your offered. Oh and also I watched some UFC fights with the crowd at my friends house, it's not like I could go in the other room and do nothing.
After we watched the fights some people were pumped up and decided to box in the living room. It was pretty awesome watching people box each other. If your wondering, no I did not join in on those festivities. I'm a lover not a fighter, but it was cool to witness a bunch of drunk idiots box one another.
So that leaves me here on my friends computer typing this. I would say that the hardest part of this project, has been trying to keep myself entertained, and it hasn't been too hard.
Day 2 *sigh*
I want to begin by saying it seems the only media I can easily avoid is the computer, minus this blog of course. Today was just a major cheat day. Kind of like when a dieter decides its okay to have just one piece of cake but ends up eating the whole thing.
I woke up today around 10:30am and turned on the tv. I know, I know; but I didn't have it on for long though. I watched "Rain Man" which ended at around noon and then I went downstairs to find some food. I found my dad setting up the new Wii for my brother so I thought I'd just chill out with them. I ended up hanging out with them till I got ready and went to work. Yes, I brought my phone and yes, I texted but not as much. I actually spent my whole shift actually doing my job the right way and hanging out with my friends.
Last night I got home at 1 am so I kind of crashed without the tv. I'm not sure if I can do that tonight.
Oh and I totally listened to my IPod on the way to work. I'm sorry but I had alot on my mind and my IPod has this way of just calming down my brain.
Anyway, Im making excuses.
I still feel this strong need to talk and move around. I think that's why things at work have been going by so fast. I can move around and clean while hanging out and chatting away with my friends.
I can't wait for this project to end. I've been feeling guilty everytime I reach for the phone or the remote. Like I know I shouldn't but I can't help myself.
32 hrs and 3min left...
-Melanie
I woke up today around 10:30am and turned on the tv. I know, I know; but I didn't have it on for long though. I watched "Rain Man" which ended at around noon and then I went downstairs to find some food. I found my dad setting up the new Wii for my brother so I thought I'd just chill out with them. I ended up hanging out with them till I got ready and went to work. Yes, I brought my phone and yes, I texted but not as much. I actually spent my whole shift actually doing my job the right way and hanging out with my friends.
Last night I got home at 1 am so I kind of crashed without the tv. I'm not sure if I can do that tonight.
Oh and I totally listened to my IPod on the way to work. I'm sorry but I had alot on my mind and my IPod has this way of just calming down my brain.
Anyway, Im making excuses.
I still feel this strong need to talk and move around. I think that's why things at work have been going by so fast. I can move around and clean while hanging out and chatting away with my friends.
I can't wait for this project to end. I've been feeling guilty everytime I reach for the phone or the remote. Like I know I shouldn't but I can't help myself.
32 hrs and 3min left...
-Melanie
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