didn't observe with 'scope

I didn't go out last night, other than to count stars in Orion, despite some favourable conditions. Didn't have a client gig on Monday, telescope was ready to go in the garage, could use the entire garage (with the car moved out) as the warm room, could do rapid shut down (back into the garage) when done, fairly good sky conditions (although I did not receive email alerts). But it occurred to me late last night or early this morning that there is another factor, another time constraint issue.

It's not just having rapid access to a 'scope, quick start-up and tear-down times. There is a time investment required, time commitment required, to my observing.

As I have already considered, I need a good plan to feel fulfilled. Targets, objectives, a checklist. But to build that plan some times takes hours.

I hadn't realised that part before.

And that might explain why even having a grab-and-go 'scope at my disposal, I'm not observing.

I keep thinking about Phil and how he doesn't log or blog his observations per se.

Maybe there's a different tactic I should contemplate: if I don't have a lot of time, don't make a plan, just do some quick observing, and don't worry about detailed notes, recording keeping, having everything right. Just observe. Aim the 'scope high. Just observe for the joy of it...