Rating for 9/7: 2.5

The internet was down again yesterday, so, like last time, I'm skipping straight to the most recent day. Yesterday was interesting--I felt like I was working and focused for much of the day, but I just couldn't accomplish anything. It's hard to rate a day like that. I feel like I'm stuck in some kind of hell trying to set up my internet, with Verizon playing the role of Satan. The good: I got up early, got a lot of exercise, finished the novel that I was reading, and had an enjoyable day, despite my lack of productivity.
The bad: Not only did I not achieve anything in terms of getting employment or setting up the internet (logistical things), later in the day I just gave in to the temptation to relax, eat chocolate chips, play on the computer, and read Ben Frankliln's autobiography. Not only were the activities themselves lazy in nature (except for reading), the way that I basically gave up for the day was especially shameful. I had one of those ubiquitous moments where I thought, "f*ck it, today was a joke, so I'll just make sure to get up early and be excellent, with a clean slate, starting tomorrow morning". That line of thinking is garbage and one that I'm trying to habituate myself not to slip into that mindset. The main reason why I'm giving myself a 2.5 is because of the fact that I basically gave up; otherwise, the day wasn't that bad.
There's one thing that occured to me yesterday that I think the other participants will appreciate--one of the best things for having a virtuous day is having built-in, routine factors that contribute to excellence no matter what else is going on. For me the best example of that right now is my bike. Everyday I'm forced to ride my bike because I don't have another mode of transportation. Because of that, everyday I'm guaranteed to save money because I don't have to buy gas or insurance, get at least 20 minutes of moderate exercise, and enjoy the pleasure of the ride itself. The ride from my house to the library is beautiful--I cross over a draw bridge into the old part of the city, there's creeks and bays all over, and the architecture and landscaping is lovely. In highschool, my morning bike ride, albeit less scenic than my current route, was often the highlight of my day. And as Dan knows, I've had the same bike since 10th grade, and I haven't had to put anymore than a few dollars into it during that time for new tubes.

Rating for 9/5/05: 2.5

When I got to the library yesterday to rate 9/4, the internet was down, and I guess the IT guys were taking a day off for labor day. Some might consider this a bad omen--we'll see. I want my commentaries to be fresh, so I'll skip straight to 9/5.
Yesterday I got up late again, which I've been doing since returning from San Francisco. I think I'm still on PST, and I'm ashamed every morning when I finally rise, wash, eat, and then glance at the clock only to realize that the day is half over. This discourages me right from the start, not to mention the fact that I suspect that it makes a person lethargic to get up so late, even if they get their necessary quantity of sleep (I could be wrong about that). As the day went on, however, I was pleased with my ability to rebound in terms of my mentality. I achieved, and stustained for much of the day, a tranquil state of mind that was focused, yet not tyranical with myself. I took an extra long route on my bike ride home for the exercise and to enjoy the outdoors. In terms of concrete productivity, yesterday was difficult because of the holiday. I wanted to set up a bank account here, but I couldn't because the bank was closed. I wanted to contact Verizon about getting an internet connection, but I couldn't because no one was there. Combine these set-backs with the fact that the internet was down at the library meant, and I didn't get much done. I did organize my loan paperwork and get a fair amount of reading done in Vinland, a novel my dad picked up for me in Scotland.
I should stop, this isn't meant to be a journal.

I appreciate the spirit of Dan's call to reinstate the five-point system, so I've decided to particate again. Because of my logistical circumstances, I'll rate each day during the afternoon of the following day, so, for example, my comments and rating for today will appear in a post written tomorrow afternoon. Good luck to all participating.