In the past week or so, I've been intentional in my actions toward spirtual practices. I limited my time online, which was extremely helpful in accomplishing schoolwork but also gave me a chance to remember that the world continues to turn even withour constant access to email and Facebook. My email still were read and returned, but not as quickly as I typically do. And that was great. Taking a break from Facebook and other internet sites helped to keep my blood pressure down- I still heard the news, but I wasn't inundated with everyone's response to everything and I think that made all the difference in how I approached my life and the people around me. I can be a little short with people sometimes and I think giving myself a break from interacting with people in that superficial way was helpful in remembering what is significant in my life. I turned 34 on February 6, but celebrated with Melissa and my family over the weekend; dinner on Saturday and brunch on Sunday, after worship- I chose not to take my iphone either day. I am always tempted to check it for whatever or look something up. I realized none of that is necessary and it was nice to focus on the conversation and not have that thing to encourage my disconnection.