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A couple of weeks ago I posted a quick update where I announced the internet, cable and local phone was going away in my household. I promised to let folks know how it’s going so here goes:
Advantages Thus Far
- Sleep. I used to arise at 5 or 6am to check the email and do a bit of writing. I always wrote the posts for the blogs I write for within the WP dashboard so I wanted to be online. Now, I sleep until 7 or so.
- I have a lot more time for writing. With no silly email or surfing to distract me, I get to sit down and focus on the writing on a schedule that works for me.
- I get to watch entire seasons of “Deadliest Catch” (I check them out from the library) with no commercials. R.I.P. Captain Phil – I love ya, man.
- I am slowly being weaned off my news addiction. The country is headed to a very bad place and I’m kinda glad to not be watching it happen.
- I love the little coffee shop that I head to when I need to connect. It gets me out of the house and the atmosphere is pretty cool.
- My internet time is now quality time. I answer emails right away and go to the sites that I need to in order to keep up with my blogging buddies. I make a list before hand of places I need to visit for one reason or another and I methodically go through the list once I connect.
- I’m not out $180 a month.
- I’m getting a lot of reading done. I’ve got four books in progress right now. One on the nightstand, one in the bathroom (sorry), one by the recliner and one in the truck. Hard to keep them all straight sometimes.
- I’m teaching Maddy to play cards.
- I’ve got a lot more time for gold panning and spending time up at Hatcher’s Pass.
- I’ve culled my email subscription list and got rid of a lot of crap that I used to just delete as soon as it hit my inbox.
- I’m just a lot more calm and mellow. Not nearly on edge.
Disadvantages Thus Far
- I gotta figure out how to “patronize” the coffee shop I use to connect without spending 5 bucks on a latte each time.
- When Maddy wants to know what a Chupacabra looks like I can’t just Google it up.
- No bunny slippers and bathrobe freelance writing.
- My Twitter and Stumbleupon accounts are suffering, I’m sure.
- No porn surfing.
- I’ve missed the World Cup for the most part. Also, the English Premiere League is getting ready to start up and I’m already jittery about it.
- I kinda miss watching Sponge Bob with Maddy.
So, overall I am way happy with my decision. It is a bit of a lifestyle change but I’m feeling like the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.
Highly recommended.
Greetings Coffehouse George,
Very interesting, indeed, Sir.
So, if you go to your coffee shop 30 times/mo and pay $5 each time, you’ll still have saved $30 each month. Right? But, then, is giving up your slippers and robe worth saving $30/mo?
Kind of joking there. When I gave up TV in 2000, I remember thinking how amazing it was to suddenly have more time to read, be creative (draw, etc.) and all that. Unfortunately, I think I’ve replaced the TV mind candy with You Tube and iTunes.
Keep us updated, George, and thanks for taking your limited time to visit my little ‘ole blog. It means a lot to me, George.
Cheers!
Lori´s last [type] ..BOOM
Lori,
Oh yeah. That’s my point. Thank goodness I only go every three days or so. I’m not too worried at this point because I know I’ll settle into the right situation and I won’t be spending any more money on expensive coffee drinks.
Right now, I’m enjoying the relative quiet around the house. I know I’m missing out on some things like viral internet stuff, but I think in the grand scheme of life it’s a good choice.
And for the record, I love visiting Jane Be Nimble. Kinda like coming home…
George
I was thinking what Lori said – if you spend $5 each time it’s close to the same amount of money.
Missing out on the “news” – major bonus
Missing out on the World Cup – majorly bad
I always read 2-4 books at a time too – I do that based on moods. I’ve been reading a lot of books about food and I don’t usually want to to read them when I’m going to bed.
Thanks for the follow up!
Kim Woodbridge´s last [type] ..How to Decide What to Read- Books Read the First Half of 2009
Hey Kim,
I had been thinking of doing this for a while and one of the reasons I waited so long is because I knew the World Cup was coming around in June. With England and the US out, it softens the sting a bit.
News = stink. Yay!
George
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AH! So you look at *that* stuff on the internet too, I figure most men do.
I read this and I don’t really know that I could let go of my home internet… but maybe the addiction part is something to address? Right now my internet malfunctions several times a day and I find myself breaking out into a cold sweat and cramping up! Then I grab the iPhone………
Walker´s last [type] ..My Worth as a Freelance Writer
Walker,
I feel so good about my decision. Was I addicted? Perhaps. I’m most surprised by how much more free I feel, like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.
George
Happy 4th of July, George!
Sounds like you are on your way to greatness, my brother!
I’m with you. The daily “news” is pretty grim so why not create your own new reality where fathers and daughters forge lifetime bonds and where breakout writers actually do.
See ya soon, George!
Wayne
Hey Wayne,
Send me your itinerary when you have the chance. I can’t seem to find the email from previous.
I am loving living large in the moment where what I do is about me and my family and goals. Call me an isolationist at the moment I guess
Cheers
George
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Oh how I wish I had the balls to ditch the Internet!
Ditching the TV was a cake walk, as most of it is hoorid.
I do miss the sinfully indulgent shows (that no one needs to be watching), like Housewives of NY and the like.
…and having Sprout for my Beasts! (kids)
Hey MissMoxx,
I held my breath and stepped over the edge. Thought the world may end, but no dice.
TV: I miss some of the kids shows I watched with Maddy, I miss soccer and some of the science channel shows.
Internet: I miss the convenience, mainly.
Thanks for dropping by!
George
Sounds like you are off to a good start! We will be cutting back on our Directv to the bare minimum starting next week. It’s a start. How did we become such techno junkies???
Carrie
Carrie´s last [type] ..Internet Kill Switch
Carrie,
Rock on wi you bad self! Kill the TV and then move on from there. Kinda like starting the nicotine patches with the highest dose and gradually stepping down.
By the way, I tried the patches to quit smoking but I couldn’t keep the darn things lit.
George
Hi George,
I commend you for making the break, however I don’t know if I could to it or not. TV, Yes. But the internet – that would be tough. Being a blogger, I feel it’s my lifeline. That said, I also find I do waste time randomly surfing the net when I could be doing something productive.
I think it’s great you’re spending quality time with Maddy. When she grows up, she’ll undoubtedly have many wonderful memories created by her Daddy. THAT, is priceless.
Barbara Swafford´s last [type] ..Click Here
Hi Barbara,
The TV wasn’t so tough but the internet change has really rocked my world. In some ways it has complicated my life but in other ways it is a lot more simple.
George
Oh my goodness! You are brave!
Losing my “internets” would make me a sad, sad girl. Take away my TV? Okay, I’ll deal. But my internets? Oh gosh. I’m crying just thinking about it.
I will be following along with your journey for you are INDEED a warrior! heh
Lisa @ Practically Intuitive´s last [type] ..Answers – I haz dem-
Hey Lisa,
The “internets” thing just cracks me up. Yeah, it was tough to take that first step off the cliff but once I saw that I wouldn’t actually die a horrible death, I’ve gotten used to things.
Good to see you here – I’m gonna go check Practically…
George