So my husband just made an entirely blasphemous suggestion: that we give up internet (aka time-waster) video for the month of February.
My first reaction: sounds good; enjoy! Second: wait, you mean me too? Third: what are you, nuts?
Methinks I have a problem.
It sounds like a great idea, as long as I’m not the one doing it. Applying that idea to me, I’m encountering a familiar denial-avoidance that tends to mean this is something I should actually do.
Damn.
As this is the first time I’ve been on my computer all two days of the month, I won’t even be starting it with an excuse-ridden deficit. So I think I’m going to do it. Granted, I might alter the conditions. I don’t want to reach the end of the month and binge on anything and everything I can find.
The problem with the internet is that I can find just as many ways to waste my time without video as with, and it’s time in front of a screen that eats my productivity.
This plan will be a work in progress for a day or two. I need to figure out a balance that won’t lead to a backlash binge or an otherwise random scrolling of websites I have no proper interest in staring at. Not even an improper interest, which would be much more fun, but not something I’d be likely to share here.
If I do follow through on this, I might finally get around to updating this blog and, you know, maybe posting more content. Maybe the current novel-draft that I’d hoped to finish a month ago won’t take me another two months to finish, which it certainly will at my current rate. (And considering my subsequent writing plans involve a total re-write of an old novel, cursory revision, send out for critique, and revise again — all before November — I need to find a higher gear.)
I miss writing stories for podcast, too.
So, yes, I will attempt this time-waster detox. Wish me luck?
Melissa Burkart 
A friend of mine told me while misery, & angst have had me DOWN as a result of my lack of employment, that I should take those feelings, & throw it into my drawing. I’ve found that my mind doesn’t work like that. While I don’t need to be in a state of happiness (in fact, seldom am I that ) but I do need to be at peace, thankfully as a result of finding (at least tentatively a part-time job) I”ve found that peace. I’ve drawn more in the past few days, than I have in the past five months.
I’m with you — stress has never helped me. I didn’t write much of anything (certainly nothing worth seeing the light of day) for at least two years after my dad died. Glad to hear things are still improving for you!
Thank u M.J..