Surviving Without the Internet

So, the past week and a half with limited internet access taught me an important lesson: I was addicted to the internet. I'd become one of those people who checked my email way too often, logged into facebook for no good reason, browsed the blog list for updates, and checked the news more than necessary. Without regular transportation, I think the internet became a bit of an escape from the mundane. Having a break from regular internet access actually turned out to be a blessing. I recognized that, while using the internet is a great addition to my life, I didn't need it as much as I thought.

Without the internet, I managed to accomplish much more, including reading a wonderful novel and beginning another. I'd heard a lot about "Atonement" and picked it up from the new book section at the library. The writing is gorgeous and I could barely put it down. I especially loved it while suffering from late-night heartburn. I also finally got my hands on a copy of "The Audacity of Hope". It's large print (all that was available), which is a bit strange, but I am absolutely engaged.

It's funny, because Tim's been reading his "Mars" books lately and telling me about space travel and space elevators, etc. I, on the other hand, am not interested in space and like to call them "space towers" to see if I can get a rise out of him. He's so interested in it and talks so animatedly about it, so I indulge him, of course. The tables are reversed now because I love to talk about and read passages from non-fiction. He's been humoring me as I get all excited about Obama's eloquence and his ability to so artfully articulate his views. Few things in this life truly match the pleasure of a well-written book!