Too Much, Too Soon - my Achilles Tendon Rupture

Folks,

you have no doubt (at least at some point in your ATR journey) been so bored that you have taken to reading the phone book, or telephoning the speaking clock to hear a voice, or similar desperate stuff that you thought you would never do.

I am a bookworm and could read my life away if Im not careful. There are many good books out there but also even more poor ones. Finding a book you cant put down isnt as easy as it sounds. But with a good book I can disappear for days and resurface needing a good shave. Been like that since I was a kid; I would find a book and crawl into it and enter another world. With this in mind I will start a new page to cover books of a general type that I would recommend as a good read. Likewise for DVD’s.

I find TV irritating. It is like a hot dog - 10% meat and 90% crap, but it tastes great and you could eat a load of it. Just like a Hot dog, TV should not be ingested too often (thats how I feel). I used to have it on all the time, just as background noise; it was habit and I thought nothing of it. But then I discovered radio. I think radio is far superior to TV. Radio has its junk but it seems in less concentration. Each station is clearly themed and its easy therefore to find something that fits your mood. And through radio I discovered classical music. I couldnt name a single piece of classical music but I like lots of it. I hated it as a kid and thought anyone who liked it was faking it, just trying to look clever. But I tell you, find a good classical station, flick it on and it will relax you far more than TV. I dont like all classical but a lot of it is easy listening, ideal background to sooth and calm. I would rather have a radio than a TV anyday.

I started leaving the TV off and the classical radio on. The difference in my stress level was humongous. I found just having the TV off allowed me to relax a huge amount more. Then I kept the classical radio on and I was just taken to a new level of calm, peace and tranquility. I really didnt see it coming but I realised TV made me hyper and radio sedated me. I listen to Classic FM (UK) mostly, plus “thejazz”, “Smooth FM”, radio4 (current affairs, news, drama) and occasionally more lively “pop” type stations. Ditch TV and try radio, I bet it works.

Apart from reading, music/radio or DVD/TV, which are easily done whilst in solitary confinement, there is a need for some sort of interaction with living things. Cats or dogs are a great help; you can talk to them, therapeutically stroke them, pat them, play with them and get an immediate response.

Having a garden is also a valuable outlet. You can retreat to your little oasis of colour and scent, listen to the breeze gently ruffling through the trees, or the birds that visit and scurry around or sing effortlessly to their hearts content. Even in bad weather its possible to nudge open a window and hear the patter of raindrops on the outstretched leaves grasping for water.

Having a partner must also be a blessing; regular chats, empathy and fun. Any movie is twice as good if you dont watch it alone.

But I guess a lot of people have none of these things. Interaction with people, or with pets or with nature is what breaks the isolation of our daily solitary confinement. Interaction, to break the relentless observation (of music, TV or books), makes a big difference to the day. Thats where sites like this are invaluable, a place to communicate and interact with others.

As well as providing a ton of really useful information, this site has a fun side to it and even better has access to people who understand just how you are feeling and will support and encourage you through your ATR journey.

But all this made me think of how much I miss some simple things, like games. Games are a fun way to interact with others. Everyone likes some sort of game; Monopoly, cards, dominoes, darts, backgammon, etc.

There is one game for me that stands above all others; an elegant game that can be as fun or as serious as you make it. If you are thinking “Twister” at this point in time, or ”Poker” then I hope you are not too disappointed in my answer (as much as I like those games too). For me I think Chess is a wonderful game. I know its associated with egg-heads who live in a cave so they can isolate themselves from humanity and study endless permutations of moves. But its a game for everyone and its philosophy has many applications. Its also fun.

Apart from the intrigue of trying to figure out what your opponent is up to and the satisfaction of outfoxing your adversary there is also a much more simple reason I like chess. Chess sets can be a wonderful piece of furniture. Even if you never move a piece, a nice chess set will eminate its own presence in a room. Especially some of the more artistic sets, with ornate and spectacular characters.

Another useful side-affect is that if someone steps into my abode and see’s an elegant chess set with pieces randomly scattered (careful with the King!) to impersonate a mega-mind tussling battle with a Moriarty type nemisis, they will be impressed and think me of sophisticated manner. Sadly, it wouldnt last long though!

By the way, I found a great place to buy some fantastic chess sets. I promise you, even if you hate the game I bet you would still want to have some of these sets decorating your homestead. Lots of choice, but my favourites can be found on the page in the link below. I dont have the space to leave out a nice chess furniture but if anyone should grab one of these please tell me what they are like in the flesh!

http://www.chessmove.co.uk/catalogues/browse_categories.asp?CatalogueID=178&CategoryID=4022

The jist of me tale is, does anyone know of sites that allow you to play games online in real time? I dont mean the online gambling scene; the last thing I want to advocate is for everyone to become gamble-aholics and end up losing their house to some Casino or bingo hall. But friendly, preferably free, sites with simple games aimed at fun and nothing else. Could a few games be added to this site to allow members to have a social game of Gin Rummy or something? Just wondering.

Perhaps it would reverse my new addiction to online window shopping. Ive found everything Im going to need for the next year, and then some. Ive moved on from searching for necessaties like a new scarf for winter, socks or a few new shirts for work and become seduced by the darkside of the online convenience force and started looking for anything that will give me an excuse to go online. Luckily, there is still hope; I havent bought the special eco-toilet paper that lets you use both sides. My ATR is turning me into an internet junkie. Or perhaps I was one before and didnt know it?