My Fast

Dear friends,

Beginning at 5pm (CST) this afternoon, I will be "fasting" from the internet for a full 48 hours. This means no email, no MySpace, no blogging, no nytimes.com, no astrophysics job rumor mill (my latest internet addiction). Instead, I will be connecting with people personally.

Instead of emailing my housemate a question, I will walk up the stairs to find her and ask her what I need to know.

Instead of looking at their pictures on Snapfish, I will be visiting my two-year old friend Aidan and having him introduce me to his new baby sister, Norah.

Instead of reading about Prince Harry going to Iraq, I will be calling my brother and making plans to see him before he deploys to the Anbar Province.

Instead of inquiring as to which astronomer is going to which institution, I will be delighting in the company of the only astronomer whose career choice really matters to me.

Instead of signing petitions, I will be working to bring about the changes I hope to see in the world.

And instead of writing about my life, I will be living it.

I have been sick this winter. And it has been cold. And I have felt cooped up inside, and I am going a little stir-crazy. And honestly, the internet has become a bit of an addiction for me.

So, I need this break. To help me focus on what is important.

And I encourage all of you to get off your asses, shut down your computer, and go for a walk, visit a friend, call your mom, talk to your neighbor, make some music, do a little dance, make a little love, get down tonight, and have a great weekend.

I realize that I owe some of you emails, but please know that I will get to it first thing Monday morning. Until then,

Peace,
Rachel