You Say You Want A Revolution

Well you know.. We all want to change the world
-The Beatles

You know what I did before I wrote this blog post? I checked my text messages.

Out of reflex.

Almost checked my Facebook, but caught myself.

I was in Seattle recently, and happened to be there when the occupiers took to the streets on May 1st. I’m all for this movement, but let’s face it, it’s becoming a bit of a joke.

Breaking windows?

Teenage angst. I get it. We have all had it. Especially us old punk rock kids..

I saw the episode unfold live on the news, and quickly learned that the events took place only a block away. Of course I had to go walk past! So me, my family, and the rest of downtown Seattle stood outside taking pictures.

I took a ferry while in Seattle to the San Juan islands. Talk about revolution.. More like a revelation! Great spot for some solid camping on Orchas Island! I recommend Obstruction Pass State Park.

While there; my goal was to go “off the grid”.

Fail.

Don’t get me wrong, I turned off my phone.. Especially while I was sleeping. But while awake; only for a solid 5 hours at best.. I think.

Pathetic how attached we our to our phones. It’s like a little me. It goes everywhere I go, and it never really sleeps. Which means, I never really sleep.. Because what if it beeps?

Get it? Get it? Get it?

Would you believe I actually saw kids with 99% stickers on, taking cash out of a Bank of America ATM.

I saw protesters on the news; bandanas wrapped around their faces, videotaping the police WITH IPADS?!?!

Are you kidding me man?

What are you protesting? The man? Who makes your iGear and your foot gear. Doesn’t look like much of a protest.

My Plan

Tomorrow I’m not going to use my phone. For 24 hours; I’m not going to use my phone, go to the store, check the computer, purchase anything.. No Facebook, no Twitter, no text, no email.

Try my best to use as little electricity as possible. Let’s face it, I will need to cook food and use the fridge. But otherwise, try to go one full day without shopping, work (day off), Internet, phone.. You name it.

I was dissatisfied shutting my phone off for only 5 hours. I want to remember what it was like to be without a phone.. Or a computer..

Alone with my thoughts.. Or the lack there of..

Make some art! Write or read a book! Do something.

Other than stare at a screen on a tiny machine.

I’d much rather stare at a sunset.

When was the last time you sat and watched a sunset?

Being alone.. In the quiet.. will start wonders for your inner revolution.

Which is where true protest begins.

Sure marching on the streets will raise awareness, but how many of us really walk the walk? I don’t. But I want to try.

Don’t talk about it.

Be about it.

By breaking the routine.

Not breaking some glass.

I’m going to start a new routine.

Fill it with creativity.

Not everything I need.

Will you join me?