Thursday, 10 February 2005 02:01 pm
Belated as usual
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deckardcanineThe U.S.-centered Internet media seem to pay disproportionate attention to the Chinese Lunar New Year -- as much as to Mardi Gras and the start of Lent combined. It may have to do with (1) the unusually early Mardi Gras drawing fewer crowds to New Orleans in the absence of a spring break, (2) the grave and theological focus of Lent being a turnoff, and (3) a craving for the "exotic." Whatever the reason, you can imagine which affects my life more.
I have decided on a partial reprise of my first Lent observance: no video or computer games. The situation, of course, has changed from last time. Living at home and not at college, consoles have had priority over computers for games; this reduces the temptation to play while using computers. I have no homework to occupy me in the evening but more entertainment options readily available. My work thus far doesn't seem strenuous enough that I feel a need to veg with something less cerebral than a book or puzzle. On the other hand, the fact that I have a new job, and after weeks with gaming as my prime activity, suggests that my initial feeling of relative ease will dissipate well before the end of Lent.
Not that I'll regret it. At the worst, I'll come away with a renewed appreciation of the games that were starting to get old. In the meantime, I'll be doing some of the things I've meant to do more: read, see movies, cartoon, compose.... I don't expect to get so bored I'll do something drastic like, oh, watch TV for more than five minutes at a time.
You might recall that I restricted my sugar intake last year. This time I decided not to do anything for Lent that would affect me at the office. If someone brings sweets, I won't make my workday more stressful.
I have decided on a partial reprise of my first Lent observance: no video or computer games. The situation, of course, has changed from last time. Living at home and not at college, consoles have had priority over computers for games; this reduces the temptation to play while using computers. I have no homework to occupy me in the evening but more entertainment options readily available. My work thus far doesn't seem strenuous enough that I feel a need to veg with something less cerebral than a book or puzzle. On the other hand, the fact that I have a new job, and after weeks with gaming as my prime activity, suggests that my initial feeling of relative ease will dissipate well before the end of Lent.
Not that I'll regret it. At the worst, I'll come away with a renewed appreciation of the games that were starting to get old. In the meantime, I'll be doing some of the things I've meant to do more: read, see movies, cartoon, compose.... I don't expect to get so bored I'll do something drastic like, oh, watch TV for more than five minutes at a time.
You might recall that I restricted my sugar intake last year. This time I decided not to do anything for Lent that would affect me at the office. If someone brings sweets, I won't make my workday more stressful.
