Our recent move is going well. We still have some unfinished little things to get done, but otherwise, we are settling in. The biggest frustration has been working with a provider (I'll not mention the company name) to get internet access. Aside from the few moments a day when I bury my conscience and "borrow" from my neighbors' unsecured network, I've been semi-ignoring Facebook, Twitter, & Blogger. All are accessible via my phone, but how inconvenient is that? Teenagers may be able to text 30 wpm, but I have gray hair and my first age spot. I learned to type with two cartridges: black and white-out. I
need a real keyboard.
So, I'm in a bit of a quandary: almost two weeks w/o internet has been incredibly freeing. I have found more time to read, to organize, even to talk on the phone (people still do that apparently)... more time to live the simple life I desire. There's a part of me that wants to go without home internet access, even though I know I'd feel cut off from virtual-reality without all the friends that live inside my computer. Then again, when I do check-in with my Facebook friends, I realize I haven't really missed all that much.
Today's culture is somewhat reliant on having an online identity. Employers (should) Google you before they interview you. However, two weeks of reduced keyboard/screen time have taught me the importance of scheduling - even limiting - computer time. Giving up internet cold turkey may not be the solution to a simple life for everyone. I think the answer lies in learning to balance real life with an online presence. ~ Plain & Simple As That
What about you? How do you manage your online time?
I totally agree, Stacy. This week I have really spent focusing on my family and my walk with God. IT HAS BEEN GREAT. I wasn't cooking. I wasn't writing. It was very freeing. And then I feel guilty when I realize how much time I have been spending on my blog lately. So you are right. Cutting it off totally isn't the answer. But limiting myself online time is. I am going to start setting the kitchen timer for myself...
ReplyDeleteGreat post.
I'm taking off facebook for lent. I'm only on day one but I really don't feel like I've missed much! I have however enjoyed updating my blog twice in one day :)
ReplyDeleteCouldn't agree more! Finding balance is NOT easy. I try to only get on the PC when I have customer photos to edit or when the boys are busy with their "down time" stuff... It's hard and oh so addictive!
ReplyDeleteSome nights I realize how much time I've spent online and how little I've accomplished.. makes it impossible for me to ever complain about not having enough time for ______ (fill in the blank). Example: right now, I should be grading perspectives homework... :)
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