At first, I felt guilt . . . then quite quickly, I felt relief . . . great relief.
I had forgotten to watch the presidential debates at 9PM on Saturday night. I wasn't surprised by the guilt, as I've always tried to be an analytic, dispassionate voter and do try to watch such events. But, I was surprised at the sense of relief. It was oddly strong . . . and good! As I often do, I remembered someone who had passed through my life.
When I moved to Texas in the last century, I was fortunate to work with an older lady, named Audrey, who was quite attractive. As she was the most svelte member of our department, I asked her what was her secret to staying so slim. She told me that she fasted for one day each week, normally on Fridays. No food, water only! Self-discipline is just another muscle that needs to be exercised, she said. And, exercising self-discipline that one day improved her self-discipline the rest of the week. While I greatly respected that self-discipline, I hoped to find an alternative, like running an extra mile or anything except being hungry.
My suspicion is this: while I love economics and foreign affairs, I am being polluted by partisan politics. Missing the partisan debate actually made me feel better. Maybe, I need to go on a fasting diet -- a weekly detox program -- to be free of partisan foolishness -- for one day each week.
Therefore: Be it resolved I will not watch any TV news on Saturdays for the rest of 2016!
Wish me luck -- I know Audrey would!
I had forgotten to watch the presidential debates at 9PM on Saturday night. I wasn't surprised by the guilt, as I've always tried to be an analytic, dispassionate voter and do try to watch such events. But, I was surprised at the sense of relief. It was oddly strong . . . and good! As I often do, I remembered someone who had passed through my life.
When I moved to Texas in the last century, I was fortunate to work with an older lady, named Audrey, who was quite attractive. As she was the most svelte member of our department, I asked her what was her secret to staying so slim. She told me that she fasted for one day each week, normally on Fridays. No food, water only! Self-discipline is just another muscle that needs to be exercised, she said. And, exercising self-discipline that one day improved her self-discipline the rest of the week. While I greatly respected that self-discipline, I hoped to find an alternative, like running an extra mile or anything except being hungry.
My suspicion is this: while I love economics and foreign affairs, I am being polluted by partisan politics. Missing the partisan debate actually made me feel better. Maybe, I need to go on a fasting diet -- a weekly detox program -- to be free of partisan foolishness -- for one day each week.
Therefore: Be it resolved I will not watch any TV news on Saturdays for the rest of 2016!
Wish me luck -- I know Audrey would!
