revjim.net

Today's dragging. Bad.

All of you people with camera phones should send me something to entertain me. Right now. Go! Yes YOU!

I've got a new plan for the way that I spend my personal time. There are a lot of things that I enjoy doing or that I need to do, that I never seem to find the time for. So, every "school-night" from now on, I'm setting aside some time for the things I need/want to do. 30 minutes (or more) of each day will be spent on photography. This could be editing pictures, taking new pictures, or even reading a photography magazine. 30 minutes (or more) of each day will be spent performing some form of physical activity like tennis, basketball, jogging, running, weight lifting or swimming. Finally, 30 minutes of each day will be spent cleaning something. Our house isn't messy, but, that's because we spend huge chunks of time cleaning it. I'd much prefer to do it in little pieces over the course of the week.

"Reverend," you might ask, "how will you ever find the time for this?". That's a good question. I've realized that I spend way too much personal time in front of the computer looking for something to do.

I spend 8 hours a day in front of a computer for work. This can't be avoided. When I get home, I use the computer for personal projects, catching up on the world, and conversing with friends. I don't have any intention of stopping that. However, a large chunk of time is spent simply reloading the same pages over and over just waiting for someone or something to come around. That's what isn't at all needed.

The problem with friendships that are conducted primarily via instant message is that, if both of you don't spend quite a bit of time in front of a computer, you're unlikely to cross paths. While my 8+ hours a day would be considered enough by most people's standards, some people are only available after working hours. If I'm spending less time sitting around waiting for someone to talk to, I'm MUCH less likely to run into you. So, a few things, in this regard, will be changing.

First of all, I'm going to start using more email and less IM. Email is wonderful because there is no expectation of an instant reply. If I send an email, you can respond when you have a free minute, and vice versa. Of course, this may very well mean a bunch of really short emails, or it could mean one really long email. Of course, quite a few people have a bad habit of not responding to email and instead, perhaps, waiting for that person to show up online. I hope that, with me, you'll keep this in mind and consider responding instead.

Secondly, for those times where email just doesn't cut it, I may start using the phone more often. If I don't have your number, now might be a good time to give it to me. Additionally, much like a phone call, I'd like to let you all know that you can feel free to text message me if you're available online and find that I am not currently there. If I just happen to be unoccupied or at a point where I can take a break, then maybe I'll be able to talk to you.

And, please, if you find that, because of this, we're talking less than you would like… let me know and I'll do whatever I can to fix that.

Thanks.