I read the best book a month or so back (don't ask me how one can lose a full month of time, I only recently found out this was possible) called The Plug-in Drug. The long and short of it is that it reminded me how nasty TV is and how insidious our obsession with it can become. Now Jed and I had been TV free (movies on the computer) for about 2 years now but when we moved into our new place it came with a TV connected to cable. Of course, after reading this book, I realized just how much I'd been sucked back in so we decided to cancel the cable and be done with it. Well, it wasn't until today that I fully realized just how awful my obsession with my computer is, namely the internet and email. I had SO much more time the past few days- and not just real time- I mean mental time as well- because our internet was out. I wasn't able to check the 50 or so messages I get from my yahoogroups (a day- disgusting!) or just browse around "checking stuff out." Rather, I had to focus on my son, I had to sew him a pirate outfit, I had to make a new sling. It really made me realize how many hours I wasted during my day on my "virtual life." And then I'm here...
Well, I've decided that I need to unplug a bit. I'm going to limit myself to an hour a day on the computer. I think that's going to be rough. I'm going to put my more active yahoogroups on digest read and I'm going to stop browsing around. I've found my real life is much more enjoyable and I'm much more patient with Nathaniel if I don't feel like I could be doing something else.
So, that means that I may post here even less than I do now :( Or- I might actually prioritize this and decide that I want to post even more...we'll see how it pans out.
If anyone has any advice on how they kicked the computer habit, please pass it on- I have a feeling this will be a tough one!
4 comments:
Hi Jennifer! This made me smile, I think every mom I know has that problem, some may realize it and some are not even aware they have that problem. I belong to those who know they have a problem LOL. However, I dedicate evenings when the girls sleep to the computer, usually one hour and I log in in the morning but for no more than 3 minutes. I chose the "web only" option at SDNF, there are too many posts to keep up with. Good luck, BTW, the sling is fabulous!!!
Monika
Thanks for the support Monika- that's my goal as well...but then nap time comes along and I think, "Wasn't there one more thing I needed to email about?" and here I am again. I'm still a work in progress but it's good to know that there are others struggling along with me!
p.s. just changed my membership today to web only. SDNF can be addicting!
Hi Jennifer! I'm addicted to the computer, too. And I'm a writer, so it's work, it's email correspondence, it's web (shopping, researching, etc.). It's bad -- for my body and my mind.
I read recently a tip about setting one or two times each day to check email (like 11am and 9pm) and letting everyone know that's what you do, and stick to it. I can't quite seem to be that consistent. But, I like the idea. Should we start a support circle?! :)
Megan from playgroup
(I blog at www.having-enough.com -- sorry, not to give you more to read online!)
Thanks Megan- I love the tip...I wish I could have some will power thrown in as well :)
I'm off to check out your blog- but only for a second!
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