In just a bit I plan to get down to work on my Chinese Philosophy essay and do that full-time for the next few days. But once that is done, I’m finished with academics at Brandeis. I’m starting to finally have free time again.

In the past week or so I’ve had a lot of fun taking pictures, reading a book for pleasure, watching House, and listening to NPR. These are all things I try to do in general, but they are the kind of things that get pushed to the back when there are other things to do. I don’t think there is anything wrong with liking a few TV shows or radio programs or wanting to read a book, and I like that I have time and freedom to just do these things without worrying unduly about other commitments.

I’m having a lot of fun taking pictures, and I want to take more. I’m having a lot of fun playing with Flickr and 43 Things, and I want to start accomplishing some of the goals I have been setting using the latter. I have been cleaning up my computer files and my music a bit. I installed Apple’s new Tiger operating system upgrade and my computer seems…cleaner. It is a strange obsession of mine, with pristine newness, but I feel very satisfied making clear lists and albums and playlists and goals, keeping my mental map open wide. I also feel satisfied reading new, interesting things, getting new perspectives, sitting back and looking at the world and going, “hmm,” and enjoying it.

It is nice to not have anything I need to do, and to be able to just indulge in calm. I wonder how long I can keep this up before I get bored with it.

One thing is for certain, I have made my decision. I am buying a Nikon D70, and I am buying it now.