I started blogging just a few short months ago but I feel like I've been doing it my whole life and it's becoming part of who I am. I think about posts. I spend time writing posts. I take pictures for posts. I plan future posts. I am segmenting my life into post-sized pieces.
But I see a growing problem. I am becoming addicted. My laptop once had a temporary spot on the kitchen counter. Now the entire counter is my desk. There is a laptop, headphones (plugged in but not in my ears, they're just for all those blogs with surprise music), piles of PTA business, a card from the cheese factory, back-to-school handouts, a shopping list -- you get the picture. It's excessive.
I check my computer all day. I don't sit here all day, I just stop by. I check my email to see if any new comments have arrived, I read dozens and dozens of other posts. I play Jewel Quest III when nobody's looking (I'm really hung up on the monkeys in cages level). I read discussion boards. I microblog on Twitter.
Enough is enough. All this popping on and off the computer is fragmenting my days. So as I sit here on Friday night composing this, I have come to a decision.
I am going non-tech tomorrow. No laptop. No main computer. No PDA. No wii (haven't been playing that much anyway). Can I have the stereo? Let's not get crazy here.
I know there will be a million posts in my reader when I return. I will be late putting up my Sunday post because I will not write it Saturday night.
But hopefully, I will come up with a more efficient schedule. Maybe you can help. When do you write? When do you read blogs? How do you juggle your time?
Leave me a comment. I wont read it until Sunday though. Thanks!
Unplugging computer in 3...2...
Friday, August 29, 2008
Step Away From the Laptop
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19 people stopped folding laundry to write:
hmm wish I was as brave, but then again it's still late winter here, cleaning etc is done and I'm bored! Hope you have a great weekend :-)
I am there too, I work, sleep, and blog. Play catch up one day on the weekend. It's becoming a major distraction. But so enjoyable.
Oh I know what you mean! But every now and then I just need a break and ... somehow ... just don't feel like blogging for a few days. But that doesn't stop me checking other blogs! I don't think my family understands that an email will reach me quicker than a phone message ... and will be returned quicker too. But make it pretty in a blog and that would be the most successful way to communicate with me LOL
Hope you have enjoyed your non-tech Saturday.
I can't really help, because I am totally in the same boat. It drives my husband totally crazy.
I used to stress about returning comments religiously, but stopped. I used to HAVE TO post M-F, but now do maybe 3 or 4 times a week total.
Now, I visit just the blogs I like, post when I want and try to remember the point: to keep record of these days for my children. It's supposed to be fun and not stressful-- I have to keep reminding myself of that!
I am totally addicted as well. You're very brave to try to stop completely on your own. I imagine that right now you are in a cold sweat, yes?
;)
I write my blog first thing in the morning as I drink my coffee and start my work day. I check email/blogs throughout the day bc I work in software so I am always in front of my computer during the day.
Nights and weekends are a different matter. I check my personal email one last time after the kids go to bed (30 min max) and on weekends, I only check email/blog again in the morning when having coffee.
I began reading your blog a few weeks ago, and really enjoy the stories and posts you share about the kids, antiques, etc. :)
I have an hour -early in my morning every day- that I set aside for reading a novel for pleasure, for reading blogs, or updating my own. It is what I refer to as "Me" time, and it's for my own choosing of what I do. I can even sleep in a little later, if I want, as it doesn't interfere with my work schedule or morning routine. I don't know how this would work with kids and a family, as I don't yet have one, but that's my strategy. I have truly come to appreciate and need my personal hour. I'm a happier person because of it!
Enjoy your day of no computer. I'm not quite that brave! :) Enjoy your weekend, too!
I do it when I can, here and there in between all the other crazy stuff I do. It's impossible to find a balance.
Aww, I'll miss you today, 2/3! :) I'm struggling to find blogging and reading time now that I'm back to work. My time with my family is so limited as it is and I'm totally exhausted by the time I get Monkey in bed! And I haven't had the opportunity to really use my camera in weeks. It makes me sad. :(
Amen to this a thousand times over. In fact, I have a poem in the works about this very thing. I definitely want to make a schedule.
I am finding myself with addict type rituals. (Like becoming moody if I don't get my blog fix.) This isn't good.
So- I am thinking of rising a bit earlier in the A.M. and making that my sole blogging time. I can check it at lunch.
And once before I go to bed.
I am going to try this. And, maybe I will make Saturdays a no blog zone for myself as well.
I most definitely need to manage this hobby for the school year.
I think there should be a blogging ban a few days a week so everyone can catch up. I've recently decided to only post every other day. My days are fragmented as well, but I don't allow blogging to get in the way of things I NEED to do. When I get too overwhelmed (if I let a few days go by with out reading blogs) then I clear my reader which is VERY liberating. Have a great tech day off. :) Oh, I usually blog in the early morning and then before bed.
I have a paper-and-pen to-do list, and a timer next to my computer to help me stay focused. I also try to get as much done on my to-do list before I so much as approach the computer to turn it on. Best wishes at controlling your addiction! (But I'm glad you'll still be posting, for those of us who are addicted to your blog.)
I haven't found the balance out there yet either. I am up late into the night, trying to do what I can so that I don't interrupt my time with the kids. But I also find myself thinking in terms of blogs...what can I write from that, what can I take away from this and share...but it also allows me to catch some moments that I think I'll love later that would totally be gone in the stream of life.
Ack, I know exactly what you mean. I am so addicted. I am trying to stop.
My poor girls...I blame it on the lack of mental stimulation that goes with being a SAHM. I'd much rather read or write something online, than wash dishes or clean poopy diapers.
But, I too have resolved to change. That's why I blog every other or every third day. Hopefully my readers stick with me and understand.
I was without internet while visiting family this past week. I cut my trip short a day. I felt like I was so out of touch, I just couldn't survive any more.
I'm similar to you. I check many times a day. I don't twitter because I'm afraid it would take my addiction to another level.
Enjoy your tech free weekend.
I have toyed with giving it up for a period of time as well. But then what would I do!
I so know what you are/were feeling. Sometimes I wonder if this is how writers feel.
Good for you for taking time away. I actually enjoyed our week long vacation with limited internet access. It was kind of freeing not to be thinking about "What do I write about??" or "did I get any love today?" (that's our family phrase for getting email).
I tried that once. It was a disaster. First the cold sweats started, then the twitching and well I caved. I told myself it was only for 2 seconds and I could kick the habit, but I was wrong. That darn bing bong everytime an email pops up and my blackberry vibrating across the desk all day just drag me back in.
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