Diving in Unplugged

Alright everyone, here’s the plan.

I’ve decided that I spend entirely way too much time on the computer.  Basically whenever I’m not doing something I am on the computer.  So I’ve decided that it’s time to change that.  Here’s how it’s gonna happen.  Starting tomorrow, the first of March, I’m giving up my computer (figuratively).  I will not allow myself to use it for one month.  When that month is done I will re-evaluate and decide on my plan for the next month.  Here are the rules:

• I will not use the computer and will leave it turned off and in its bag behind the chair I sit in.
• Unfortunately due to the fact that I am in high school and am in the process of getting ready for college I may need to use a computer to write papers and or do research.  This will be acceptable only if I cannot do what I need to in school.

a.       Should this be necessary I will only use the internet for research, and will not go on any other sites, such as facebook or myspace or anything else.

b.      I will also allow myself to update my ipod once a month from my computer, preferably during one of the times when I have to use it to type up a paper.

•  I will not be allowed to access the internet on my phone, except to check my email once every other day

a.       Again this is because I am applying to college and need to be able to keep in touch with them

•           I will occasionally use my phone to update this blog with a short blurb about how things are going (through a text message)

a.       About 3 times a week hopefully

•           I will not be able to use the instant messenger on my phone (but I can still text)

So with my stoppage of computer use I will have a lot more free time.  In order to deal with that, and the boredom associated with it I will

·         Read the bible/pray nightly for at least 30 minutes

·         Do my homework even if it is not required

·         Practice for at least 30 mins (if I get home before my siblings are in bed)

·         Begin working out and getting in shape

Should I still have more free time I will

·         Start reading more, I’ve gotten away from it a lot because I’ve been on the computer

·         Watch a little tv (no more than 2 hours a day, unless of course the flyers or Phillies are playing)

·         Play video games (again not for more than an hour or so)

Already then, here’s how this is all gonna work.  I’m going to separate the necessary things for my computer.  The actual computer will be in its bag behind my chair.  The battery will be in my room somewhere and I’ll put the charge cord in the basement somewhere so that I can’t just grab it and start it up without thinking.  I am also going to have my small group (which will be starting on tuesday!!!!) hold me accountable to everything I’ve laid out here.  They will ask me at least once a week at small group (and if they remember in person) If I’ve kept up with it (which I plan too).  At the end of the month I will re-evaluate and adjust any of the rules, and any of the ways that I will be using my free time.

This is gonna be difficult but it should be fun to see how much I am changed by this and how much I will grow in my relationship with God.  If anyone has any suggestions of what to read or changes I should make send me a text.  If you don’t have my number but are my facebook friend it should be on there.  So goodbye cyberspace!

Another note, I'm changing the name of the blog to Diving in, Unplugged because that will now be its primary purpose.  It will be a place where any updates about this I have will be sent.  I am contemplating writing a review once a week on paper and then at the end of the month typing it up (or maybe giving someone else access to the blog and let them type it up).  So you guys won't have to hear about how I feel that love is the foundation for living anymore ;)