Oh dear, I think my addiction's getting worse

Paddy (Patrick) · #1 10-03-2009, 02:32 PM

I think I'm in trouble.

I normally do my observing before going to bed and have a natural limit during the waxing moon. When I got my paracorr, the moon was at first quarter and, desperate to try my wonderful new toy, I got up at 2 to have a "quick look" which took a good few hours. I have now started getting up between 2 and 4 am and dragging the scope out. There are now only a few days of the lunar cycle that are out for observing. At this stage my relationship is safe, but I fear worsening sleep deprivation. Only clouds can save me and they are now few and far between in Central Victoria.

Do others have this same problem? Is there any return from such an addiction?

pgc hunter · #2 10-03-2009, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paddy

I think I'm in trouble.

I normally do my observing before going to bed and have a natural limit during the waxing moon. When I got my paracorr, the moon was at first quarter and, desperate to try my wonderful new toy, I got up at 2 to have a "quick look" which took a good few hours. I have now started getting up between 2 and 4 am and dragging the scope out. There are now only a few days of the lunar cycle that are out for observing. At this stage my relationship is safe, but I fear worsening sleep deprivation. Only clouds can save me and they are now few and far between in Central Victoria.

careful what you wish for

Quote:

Do others have this same problem? Is there any return from such an addiction?

No. Once you're addicted, there's no turning back. I do the same thing aswell - provided there is no Melbourne cloud.

Starkler (Geoff) · #3 10-03-2009, 03:03 PM

Move to Melbourne, that will help you with rehab

pgc hunter · #4 10-03-2009, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Starkler

Move to Melbourne, that will help you with rehab

but then, before long he'll have to see a therapist for the inevitable withdrawal symptoms that will ensue...

Baddad (Marty) · #5 10-03-2009, 03:37 PM

My son is a psychologist. He's good, he can help.

Paddy (Patrick) · #6 10-03-2009, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baddad

My son is a psychologist. He's good, he can help.

So am I, but its beyond me!

Jen · #7 10-03-2009, 07:09 PM

welcome you are now one of us
its too late there is no turning back you will be sleep deprived for the rest of your life while the clouds arn't around
And even when the clouds do come out you will spend that time surfing around on the IIS website till you cant stare at the screen no more
High five buddy it feels good dosn't it?:t humbsup:

PS why would you want to be cured? its an exciting hobby

Paddy (Patrick) · #8 10-03-2009, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jen

PS why would you want to be cured? its an exciting hobby

Less a hobby, more an obsession! I don't want to be cured, but I thought it was already beyond control - where will it end? Oh, and the trips out to the shed in the daytime to look at my wonderful telescope and eyepieces.

spearo (Frank) · #9 10-03-2009, 07:23 PM

Paddy,
try getting a camera connected to the scope and taking some pictures....
that might cure the visual addiction...

frank

pgc hunter · #10 10-03-2009, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jen

welcome you are now one of us
its too late there is no turning back you will be sleep deprived for the rest of your life while the clouds arn't around
And even when the clouds do come out you will spend that time surfing around on the IIS website till you cant stare at the screen no more
High five buddy it feels good dosn't it?:t humbsup:

PS why would you want to be cured? its an exciting hobby

Yep that pretty much describes me. Except you forgot to insert "drinking red wine" between 'time' and 'surfing'

Ric · #11 10-03-2009, 07:51 PM

What's sleep?

GeoffW1 (Geoff) · #12 10-03-2009, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paddy

I think I'm in trouble.

Do others have this same problem? Is there any return from such an addiction?

Hi,

Generally severe cases must go into rehab in a dedicated facility in SE Qld

with a pair of Tasco binoculars which have been dropped a few times.

Otherwise just enjoy it like any other addiction

Cheers

pgc hunter · #13 10-03-2009, 08:05 PM

and losing sleep is actually the healthiest of my addicitons

Paddy (Patrick) · #14 10-03-2009, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GeoffW1

Hi,

Generally severe cases must go into rehab in a dedicated facility in SE Qld

with a pair of Tasco binoculars which have been dropped a few times.

Cheers

alan meehan (Alan) · #15 10-03-2009, 09:23 PM

Paddy get a camera the addiction gets worse and the sleep gets less you end up more frustrated when the clouds roll in,.why would you give up this hobby when you can travel through time and space.welcome to the twilight zone.

Paddy (Patrick) · #16 10-03-2009, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alan meehan

Paddy get a camera the addiction gets worse and the sleep gets less you end up more frustrated when the clouds roll in,.why would you give up this hobby when you can travel through time and space.welcome to the twilight zone.

Oh there's no thought of giving up! The hook is too strong. I don't think I'll ever become an imager - I enjoy looking at the beautiful astro images on the net and feel no need to make them myself - just to keep looking at those faint fuzzies. Used to love daylight saving, but now the approaching long nights of winter sing their siren song of the silent stars...