100 Hours of Solitude

It’s the height of idiocy to risk a jinx and write about this before it’s all completed, but when have I ever not made weight to fight at full Idiot?

For reasons I’m not yet able to articulate (no pun intended), I have wanted to stop talking for some time. I had tentative plans to go one day a week without it, but that didn’t materialize.

Lately the urge has been stronger, but several relatives have been visiting us, and that makes life pretty tough. Finally I got to the point where I told myself I’d hang on until they left, and then quit talking.

So yesterday at 8:57 am I quit talking.

At the time I wasn’t sure for how long, but immediately the number 100 came into my head, as in 100 hours. It seemed fitting, and I could emulate my favorite Latin Writer (Marquez) when I was done.

Sadly, about two hours later I realized I had library books due today (Friday), and I couldn’t ask to use the car without a big hassle (my mom is not happy with the plan), and even if I did, not speaking at the library would cause me even more problems. So, sucking it up I called in to renew my books (only to find out I couldn’t renew the book I care the most about! Hatred), and started over at 11:37 am.

If I make it 100 hours that puts me at Monday afternoon.

I have no idea if I can make this work. I live with three people, and so far I’ve largely avoided them, but I see my dad being very unhappy about this. Question: will I stick to my guns?

I also have a girlfriend I talk to every day, although at the moment she’s being supportive (but you never know with chicks).

So far I am exactly 20 hours in, and doing great. My sister came home this morning and talked to me. At first she was sad I didn’t talk back, but like most girls she really just wants to talk anyway, and with some prodding of my note cards she opened up. I felt like Homer in that episode where his jaw is wired shut.

I’ve been IMing and emailing, and Lady Jane questioned whether that was cheating. Perhaps, but one thing at a time. At least THIS time, I am not trying to cease communication, but ceasing speech, to see what it does for me.

I’ll give updates on Alligator Pit throughout the weekend as to how I’m doing.