Bleh..

.. not feeling too well. And I have a midterm coming up Monday that I'm dreading. I havent been on the computer as much since I started studying for my exam, which is definitely a good thing. Interestingly enough, Im reading an article in Time Magazine titled, "Postcard: Beijing. For some kids, spending too much time online means a family trip to boot camp and no more instant noodles. China's tough-love approach to Internet addiction."

Some interesting excerpts:
"According to guidelines set by Tao Ran, director of the Beijing center and a colonel in the People's Liberation Army, using the Web for six consecutive hours a day for three straight months constitutes an addiction."

"Once checked in, most patients are required to stay for three months, isolated from the outside world, without access to cell phones and, of course, computers."

"Parents of patients at the Internet-addiction center have to stay for several weeks of treatment too, since, according to Tao, Internet addiction is often a result of 'parenting mistakes'."

"The cost can total nearly $3000 - almost three months' salary for the average Chinese couple."

Sometimes when I cant get to my email or access the internet for more than a couple of hours beacause of class or work, I begin to feel antsy and disconnected from the world. But when I'm out enjoying the weekend outdoors or going from place to place and I come back home, I dont really have the urge to go online and check everything.. it feels peaceful and comfortable.. and natural. Life is there to live it, not to be read about. I have to keep that in mind.. especially during midterm lockdown.