Day 3

I wish I had written the first three days! But here is it. Surprisingly, it is not that bad. I mostly feel like I am missing something each time I go online. I am also very used to clicking on the Facebook app almost every time I check my phone (which is very often), so I deleted the app.

As much as I would love to say that in the last three days I have accomplished more than I did during all of last week, all that I can brag about is that I have continued regularly going to the gym (something I just started two weeks ago). I have never been great about keeping a gym commitment. When I started college, I was all optimistic about having a gym within close walking distance, with many exercise classes to choose from.I think I went to yoga twice. My sophomore year, I may have exercised with a friend four times. Junior year, I lived in a residence hall where the the gym was in the same building, and I improved. I went eight times, plus one yoga class. Senior year I didn't even bother.

Currently, I signed up for a gym that I have take the subway to, and then walk some, but I have been pretty good about going at least three times a week. Most of the reason is that I go with a friend, which is a huge motivational tool. I have trouble getting myself out of bed, if I don't absolutely have to. I am rarely late, and do not let people down, but if no one is actually relying on me...my integrity slips rapidly. 

What I have noticed myself doing since my Facebook-less life, is thinking in Facebook statuses. I have caught myself creating imaginary statuses in my head, that I would be likely to post, if I was still using my Facebook. What I learned: If my thoughts and observations aren't affirmed by a solid number of "likes", I still survive. Also, I can text them to my friends, the ones who actually care.

Tomorrow, I am going to a book signing with Jodi Picoult, one of my favorite modern authors! I am incredibly excited! Maybe I'll post a picture :) I know that I need to revamp this blog with some style!

L

Day 1

So this is it! 12:01 and I have officially given up Facebook for lent. What does officially mean? It means that I told my family, my close friends, and of course, made it my FB status, on my newly acquired, and much loathed facebook timeline.

Let me start my saying that I have never done Lent before. I was not raised religiously, and have never seen the point of it. Throughout the years I've had friends who have given up soda, candy, swearing, and even facebook, but because I have never done it myself, I did not see it as a challenge. So here I am, facebook-less until April 15th (Russian Orthodox Easter).

I am hoping that these eight weeks will be more about self-actualization and the discovery of time and new interests, rather than about missing Facebook. I am 22, and have had a Facebook account since my senior year of high school, in 2006. My prom, moving into college, college parties, study abroad trips, and college graduations, have all been highly documented online. I am "friends" with people I've known since I was born, including my mom, as well as people I barely remember interacting with in middle school. My facebook has gone through various "new" and "old" Facebooks, that summer of 2008 where everyone was posting Bumper Stickers, the emergence of the "like" button, and statuses about the triumphs and awkward moments of my life. 

But does this all matter? I will be the first to admit that I am a proud Facebook stalker. I am that freak who will know random facts about people I never talk to, because I have read their "100 random facts" notes. Lately though, it seems like a waste. Do I really need to look at the wedding pictures of a cousin of a girl I had a class with in college? And of course, babies are cute, but does me liking a photo of your baby make your baby even cuter?

Some people will argue that facebook is essential for keeping in touch these days, and I will agree. I love getting back in touch with people, and staying updated. I'm sure that when I come back to Facebook, I will be annoyed that I was the last to know that a couple that has been together since high school has broken up. But honestly, we can all admit that this does not affect me. If my best friend gets engaged, someone wins the lottery, and or if one of my friends wants me to be a party, I will know. That is why I have a phone, and why everyone who matters has my number.

As far as birthdays ago...I have an uniquely amazing, almost creepy memory for birthdays. If someone is important to me, I will wish them a happy birthday, because I will remember it, and have his or her number. And while it's nice to get over 100 birthday notifications, I realize that the girl who sat next to me in gym in 7th grade doesn't really care whether I wish her a happy birthday or not.

So here's to hoping I can do it! I hope to embrace this experience, and leave with the feeling that I had more time.

L