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Unplugged

On Saturday night, I closed my computer, unplugged it, and didn't turn it back on until this afternoon. (brief exception: skype date on my boyfriend's birthday...totally allowable as part of the realities of long-distance!)

This was a much needed break for me. I have a wide-open schedule for the next six weeks, and the last thing I want is to find myself at the end of May, wondering where it went and what I'd done with myself. I know how easily I get sucked into the wonders and banality of the internet, so I decided to start things off sans computer & TV. It was easier than I thought it would be. I've made my list of things to accomplish. I feel confident that I won't default to hours of online thumb-twiddling when there are people to see, things to create, and big thoughts to reflect on.

I was also reminded how often I go online or watch TV when I am tired of thinking, or if I'm looking for escape. I couldn't do that these past few days. Instead, I had to sit with my thoughts. Own up to my fears. And decide what to do about them. Which is good for me. But never easy.

I'm glad I unplugged. I'm glad for the chance to evaluate what I do and why, to take time to listen to God, and to be purposeful in how I plan to use this six week gift of "free time."

Speaking of unplugging, I have long been a fan of Lauryn Hill's Unplugged album. Here's a great song about refusing to buy into lies and deception - something I've been thinking a fair bit myself.

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