Days 2 & 3

Transportation

Thankfully that has not been a big concern of mine because I’ve had so much work to do so going off campus wouldn’t be productive.  However, tomorrow I’m going home for Passover Seder and then my family and I are driving to Cape May, NJ for Easter at my uncle’s shore house. I don’t feel to guilty about taking the car this weekend because there’s no other way for me to get to the beach house and to be honest I care more about spending quality time with my family over the carbon emission that’ll be coming out of my mother’s SUV.  Plus the train isn’t too bad for the environment; it’s a public train. However, I’ll be keeping my promise and walking to the Tenleytown metro stop.

Food

            I can proudly say that I have moved on from the horrid Taco Tuesday and matured as a vegetarian. Mostly thanks to TDR and it’s wonderful supply of fruit vegetables, and pasta. I still long for the days were I could add freshly grilled chicken to my salads and pasta, but I’ve learned to cope. I’ve learned that when it comes to meat I need to have an out of sight out of mind approach. I only yearn for the scrumptious turkey burgers and chicken when I see at the meat section of TDR or on my friends’ plates. Which is why I’m concerned about Seder and Easter because who could resist home cooked, mouth watering brisket and luscious Easter ham?! I’ve been suffering through college food for too long and I don’t know if I have the will power to resist such delicious foods. It’s best just to assume that I will have zero will power and go to the dark meat side.

Consumerism

            Yesterday I ran into a problem: what do I do if I finish something, like the box that held my dryer sheets? I tried making it some kind of container out of, but box was so thin it started to rip. So I gave in and threw it out. I plan on not having to throw out my trash until after this experiment is over, and while I can still accomplish that goal,  the box takes up so much space in my tiny trash can. I’m worried of what else I’ll run out of and have to throw out. But so far I’m making a conscious effort to have all my cleaning supplies, drinks, etc. to last me until this experiment is over.

Technology

            I’m really proud of myself with not on Facebook as often. I’ve been so swamped with work that Facebook has been my last priority. I’ve probably been on Facebook a total of 30 minutes the past two days. I’m so proud that I’m breaking the bond between this site and me. I say for a teenager that’s a pretty big step.

Positive Impact/Political Action

            I know I should start looking up the candidates beyond the Internet, but it’s so useful! I found another website that gives an even more detailed profile on each current candidate. Here’s the link for those who want to check it out: http://www.reuters.com/politics/candidates-2012

I know I’ve only been researching for three days, but I’m a little concerned that I won’t be able to make up my mind. It’s pretty slim pickings this year and I’m horrible at making decisions. I guess I need to do more research, because I want to be definite with my choice.

Health & Happiness

            Reading hasn’t been my highest priority the past couple of days, but I did make time to go on runs. Although both take up the same amount of time, I’ve been getting cabin fever in my room and a run was a great quick fix.

Overview:

            Overall I would say I’m adjusting pretty well. The first day was the hardest but I’ve learned that it really is about making a conscious effort. I know that in my English class we’ve read a lot of articles where numerous authors argued that people need to do more than just adjust their lives subtly,  but I honestly do believe that a little goes along way!