On The Beach

On the beach, at the Outer Banks, NC. Well, not really on the beach right this minute, rather on my hubby's laptop checking e-mails before I go to bed. A friend called my cell phone tonight just to talk about some problems she was having. And this laptop is sitting on the dining room table at the place where we're staying. And I'm thinking, what is all this connectivity we've got going EVEN while we're on vacation! Didn't used to be like that, we were never so connected. And in truth, I don't like being so technologically connected and available and I mostly refuse to do it, I simply unplug. My life was perfectly sane before cell phones and computers came along, thank you very much, and I prefer it to remain so. I've even considered unplugging my computer permanently at times, but then....well....that may be a little extreme and I do love my computer. I suppose I do need to stay somewhat connected to the world. But how much is enough? Some of my most overwhelmed clients are absolutely glued to their cell phones and computers almost 24/7 and wonder why they're so overwhelmed or don't have time to relax or to do things they enjoy. Is being connected at all times so crucial to our modern life? Can we survive if we turn off the electronic gadgetry at least part of the time? Well, I do just turn it off, especially on vacations and family time, and I'm doing ok. No one's complaining they can't find me, they simply leave me an e-mail which I will answer as soon as I get back online, or they leave a message on my answering machine. Gee, how old-fashioned can I get? Maybe someone could actually write me a letter. I'd really like that. :-)