Monday, July 13, 2009

Unplugged

Yesterday, I didn't boot up.

For the first time in a long time (when I wasn't on vacation, anyway), I didn't start up my computer.

And it felt pretty good.

On a typical morning, I'll fire up the laptop and get right to business. First, I'll check email. Then I'll check my website and blog traffic. Next, I'll go to Google reader and start cruising through all the blogs I follow. Then it's on to Facebook and Twitter and sometimes I'll even check CNN.com to see if anything is happening in the world.

Finally, I'll get busy writing. Blogs, emails, notes, works-in-progress. Whatever. Most of my workday is spent staring at the computer screen. And even on the weekends, I'll always check my email and see what's going on in cyberspace. Whether it's for one hour or eight hours, I rely on my computer on a daily basis.

Except yesterday. I took a day off. Took a leisurely drive (ok, not so leisurely--I drove 8 hours to take my son to camp) and I went for a nice run (ok, not so nice--more like a plodding plod). I had a relaxed dinner (really!) and even got to read some of the Sunday paper and do the crossword puzzle.

All in all, a nice, peaceful day, with no computer.

Can't say I really missed it, either.


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4 comments:

Travis Erwin said...

Sometimes we all need a little break. I have taken few rare days off in the alt few weeks to recharge myself.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Sounds great! Wish I could do the same. I seem to have a full-fledged addiction....

Going away with my husband soon while our kids are at camp. But the hotel has Wi-fi.

Elizabeth
Mystery Writing is Murder

MacKenzie said...

I know the feeling of not turning on the computer all day. Its an awesome feeling. I too rely on my laptop for pretty much everything I do thoughout the day that is work related.

It is really nice to have that one day where you can relax and actually feel like you have a day off.

Alan Orloff said...

You know, it was really nice not turning on my computer for a day. After making the "vow," I didn't hear its siren call (much).

Now the question is, should I designate one day a week (or month, or whatever) as a "computer-free" day?

Hmmm. Baby steps.