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Addiction
Confession time. I have an addiction.
I just discovered it about 1:30 in the morning. I didn't think of it as an addiction because, who would have thunk?
It's not to alcohol or drugs, although Excedrin, Ibuprofen, Advil and Tylenol are interchangably my first choice of drugs when I get a severe headache. I have a stash in my home, my pocket book, my desk drawer at school, way in the back, hidden in a box. Headaches are my worst enemy, or so I thought until 1:30 this morning.
It hit me while I was staring at the monitor and reading a journal page, probably the umpteenth one for the night. So I went to bed to sleep it off. I'll deal with it in the morning, I thought to myself.
Then, this morning when I woke up, it was the first thing I went for... I turned on my computer, and while I waited for the settings to download, I made myself a cup of tea.
Normally, I am in school, well into reading and writing by then, but not today, no not today. Today is a day off. I wince when people suggest that I've got a job with lots of vacation time in winter. After all, what do we do with all that time? Sleep late, go shopping, spend time with our families, take care of our pets, clean the house, read a good book or two, and generally, just revive from the previous five months of teaching so we can continue with the next five months? Darn straight!
Wish you could have that time off? Then, become a teacher, I say. That's when most just laugh and change the subject. "Oh I could never do that." or "No, you can have that job." Okay, then. Case closed.
I couldn't meet the daily needs of the students in the classroom if I didn't get some down time, and a week a this time of year is just about right. This week, I'm getting my down time. I'll be ready when we go back.
(and btw, winter break is the only week we really get to rest and relax, and only those who don't have to travel across the country to visit their families for the holidays really get the rest they need) I am not complaining. I knew the job description when I accepted it.
Was that a rant? Did you hear that? Where did that come from?
But, back to the aforementioned addiction.
Hmm. After I let my dogs out, I clicked on the AOL icon, then headed for the journal pages. My journal comments alerts waited for attention in my email files, so I read them all, then read the new journal entries alerts. Love these features. If you don't use them, you are missing a convenient connection to what is happening amongst your favorite journalers while you sleep.
All week, in between doing other things around the house and running errands, I have been journal hopping. I haven't done a whole lot of it since I began this journal in August. Truth be known, I didn't even think about it until about November... had no idea I could link to other people's journals, or keep up with their postings. Was so wrapped up in my own journal writing, didn't even notice that others were dealing with their issues every day and writing about them, asking questions, needing support.
Last night, I cruised through a journal, lurkynat. She wrote about some interesting topics. The whole time I'm trying to figure out who she is, where she lives, how old she is, what her background is, and as I read I began to hear her voice. I began to imagine her, her family, her work, and the things of her heart came to life.
I commented at nearly every page I stopped at. She was up too, trying to keep up the pace and thanking me for the comments, which I received via email. Between my comments and her emails, we were having a conversation of sorts. It was interesting, and amusing, and a form of communication I had never participated in before.
Last night, I made a friend in Natalie. She asked some tough questions in her journal. Often, my response was a simple "I don't know."
I know some folks get addicted to video games or computer games, tv shows and radio stations, reading books by a certain author, or some other routine.
You have figured out my addiction by now, haven't you?
I need to get dressed and give my dogs a bath and readScalzi's new book, which I've bought, but haven't started because I'm enthralled by all these journals. There are some real authors out there.
Well, I'm going now. It's hard to push away from the screen, but I'm going to do it.
Right now. Bye.
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Gotta love the journals! :)
You've figured out the linking thing? I still have no clue what it is and I think I've been on here for a year! lol -
I have the same addiction! Oh yeah- someone who finally admits it too! Nice to meat you Bea. I happened on yours, by catching up with what's going on in Caneyhead! I liked your entry. Didin't have time to read all, but I'll come back soon. Take care- Carolyn
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The first step is admitting you are a Journal Junkie. I don't know what the second step is, as I have never gotten past the first step. LOL So glad you came by Caneyhead! Please drop in any old time. I've got you on my alerts now, and your name on my buddy list. ;) - Barbara
http://journals.aol.com/bhbner2him/LifeFaithinCaneyhead/ -
I love the world of AOL Journals! I look so forward to my alerts and my comments! I have made so many friends here in JLand, where it is a very tight night little society. One that comes together in times of trouble, tragedies and also the good times.
JLand is quite the place! Glad you discovered it! :)
jackie
http://journals.aol.com/siennastarr/Waitingtoexhale/
12/30/05 10:25 PM
thank you so much for your wonderful comments!
I appreciate you mentioning my journal very much!
Your journal is veryveyr interesting too!
hugs
nat