I Should Be The One Who Controls My Time
I spend a lof of time at my computer, I’ll start by admitting that–maybe I sohuld do other stuff.
I don’t know, should I?
Personally, I think it’s up to one self to decide what you spend your time doing. I mean, it’s your life–if you decide to go and waste it all by computing or juggling 24/7, shouldn’t you be allowed to?
My great passions happen to be such stuff as computing, IRC’ing, creating websites, IM’ing and the like, as those are things I really like, and enjoy doing.
Sure, I’m just fifteen, what do I know about life? On the other hand, maybe I should be doing other stuff, but I honestly don’t know what.
This has come to my attention due to increasing pressure from my mum who insists I should really reduce my time at the computer–greatly, and participate in family stuff, and, really, I’m a hundred percent cool with that. I really hate to say this, but I really find it hard to disengage at times., though I’m not addicted to computing as such, I just feel bored with most other activities.
Sure I’ve thought of sports, and that really worked for almost a year (January ‘05 - January ‘06), when I took up Judo.
I did reach yellow belt, which was a great personal achievement for me. However, I got bored with it in the end, and I decided to let it go.
One thing is cutting computing time off for me: my job.
It’s difficult–almost too difficult at times–but it robs me 6-9 hours a week, and I get paid for it at the same time (well, duh!).
But when you look at it in the context… 6 or even 9 hours isn’t a lot, when I use my computer for an average of 7-8 hours on a normal day and up to 14 hours now I’m on holiday from school, 6 or 9 hours just isn’t enough.
Yes, I do want to take up sports again–I really do–but I’m having trouble finding something I’d be really passionate about.
I’ve been thinking of diving for some time, but not only is it very expensive, I also have acute agoraphobia (fear of wide open spaces, if you don’t wish to read the whole Wikipedia article), which kind of messes it up for me; I’d probably freeze up if I were to ever dive on the open sea.
A thing I really like, however, is reading. I love reading. I recently finished the masterpiece Nineteen-eightyfour by George Orwell. My only problem when it comes to reading is… I’m very, very picky about what books I choose to read.
Oh well, I haven’t actually referred to the title of this post except for the very first paragraph, so here goes:
Sure, perhaps I really should take up another hobby or interest–but it’s still my time.
Why can’t I just be me? I’d really appreciate your comments and thoughts on this.
bruce responded on August 2nd, 2006 at 2:28 am | permalink
I’m biassed Lasse but I highly recommend running. I started running a couple of years ago and it’s changed my life. OK, you’re 15 and I’m approaching 40; you haven’t had time to turn into a slob yet but it looks like you’re going to give it a good shot :-) Your mum is right, you are spending too much time on your computer. Sure, you’re learning lots, but there’s more to life… it’s all about balance.
If you’re not into running then try cycling… it’s excellent exercise. Lots of people prefer it to running because you get to see more in the same time… it’s less ‘boring’ I suppose although I don’t find running boring (and it’s great thinking-time too), and your whole body feels so much better for it. It will help your computing. Seriously.
In either case, running or cycling (or whatever you do, in fact), enter some public events, like a half marathon or something. The buzz of the crowds is fantastic. If you have an event to work towards (it’s almost always a half marathon or marathon in my case although I am doing my first cycling event, a duathlon, next month) then you will find it MUCH easier to stick at it.
Best of luck!
Bruce
Naoko responded on August 2nd, 2006 at 9:30 am | permalink
I agree with Bruce. Running, reading, writing, dancing (the one where you dance like a lunatic in your own room) all these can help.
My job requires me to sit in front of the comp for at least 8-9 hours, and when I go home it’s another 4-5 hours before I finally hit the sack. In this case I’d agree with your mom. It’s not so much that she’s asking you not to be you, she’s more concerned about your health.
If you’re picky when it comes to reading, why not stop by a library and go through their collection? If you can, stop by everyday after work and try to see if you can’t find something you’d like. You’d be surprised at how fast the hours go when you’re trying to find something good to read in the library. If you can’t find it immediately, come back later.
I hope this helps, even if it’s a bit. ^_^
Lasse Havelund responded on August 2nd, 2006 at 11:23 am | permalink
Bruce: Running sounds like a good idea, and I actually have tried it a few times.
My big problem is really doing it–you can talk about it as much as you want, but I\’ll still have a hard time even going out to run, but I think it\’s a good idea, and I\’ll definitely consider it.
Naoko: I kind of see where you\’re going, and you may be right (although I\’m pretty sure it\’s the electrical bill she\’s worried about). About books, going to the library is a no-go. I would, but I can never find anything interesting. I usually ask around on the Internet for book recommendations (I\’m picking up Catch 22 sometime this week, maybe tomorrow).
Macs899 responded on August 2nd, 2006 at 10:12 pm | permalink
Get a girlfriend, or me :D
bruce responded on August 3rd, 2006 at 9:43 am | permalink
Lasse, do you get the mail sent via your comment form? Only I have sent two lately regarding mesozoic and had no reply… I’m not complaining :-) just concerned in case you have not got them.
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