Goal Progress - Life After the Internet

As I emerge from behind my computer screen, rubbing my eyes in pain at the sunlight, I am amazed that there is a whole other world out there. I cringe at the thought of leaving my cave, but some things must be done. I must bravely set forth into this new world called life.

Okay, so maybe I'm not quite that bad. But, there are a few people who probably think I am. And, to be totally honest with you (and myself) I really need to cut back the amount of time I spend online. It is an addiction like any other - hard to kick. When I look at how much time I spend on this thing, it's kind of scary. I have actually known people who were addicted to things like World of Warcraft and Sim Social, and other games that can suck your brains and the life right out of you. And since I am not addicted to one of those games, I thought - heck I can't be that bad. I'm not like the person who loses all touch with reality and plays at being someone they aren't in real life. Right? Right? Sure, let's hear another excuse while I check my Facebook account one more time real quick. Ooo, there's a new blog post. Wait, where was I? Okay, so yeah, I'm so totally not addicted to my internet. I can quit at any time and walk away from the computer. Just as soon as I check my email. Hey, I just got a message from Bill Gates that I may have one a new computer!! Wait, where was I again?? So, what I was saying is - I'm so not one of those people who uses computer slang in my normal conversations. LOL I will never be one of those people. But, did you know that you can find out the average heart rate of the African Swallow on Wiki? And then, the computer is also such a learning tool. YouTube has instructional videos on just about anything. Did you know that there is a YouTube video on how to get a real life and get off the internet? I gotta bookmark that one to watch later. When I am done checking out my number of hits on my blog. And liking every comment made by my 2050 friends on Facebook. And finish chatting with 5 different people in 5 different windows. Oh no, this person I have never met and never even talked to just lost their job. You know, the fact that I have 3 different browsers to handle different things, a chat handler program that allows me to be logged into 7 different chat programs at once, can multi-task in at least 5 to 10 windows at once, and could really use another monitor doesn't mean I'm addicted. Honest. I can walk away at any time. I would not go through withdraw if I didn't have the internet. Hey, what do you mean that window won't load? How am I going to see that cute video of a kitten playing with an orangutang if it won't load? Dammit!!! Anyway, so yeah, if I lost my internet, which has happened, I would simply find other things to do with my time. Like, sit at the table, looking at my computer, wondering if I could sell my own blood to pay the bill and get it turned back on. Doesn't everyone do that? And besides, the computer is a useful tool for all kinds of things. I can edit all kinds of documents, create videos, do budgeting, find out about anything - I need this computer. I seem to recall a long, long.... long time ago when I had to look up things in these things called books? Jeez, how did we ever get anything done before google? Now, there are times when I get these strange twinges about it. I do belong to an awesome book club. I found it online. I made a wish list of books that I want and once a month, for only 9.95, they ship me the first book on my list and it's delivered right to my doorstep. How handy is that. A book a month. Now granted, I haven't read the last 5 books I've gotten, but they are doing a great job of propping up my entertainment center that is breaking. And you know, I will read them. I promise. I do remember how to read a book. So, you know, I'm not that bad. Honest I'm not. The fact that I can find my home keys in the dark, with my eyes closed, and type like the wind just means I'm accomplished. This is a useful skill. And, the fact that I have a game that I play that allows me to set up virtual fish tanks that I clean and feed every day is not strange. I never spend real money on the games, so it's harmless right? I don't understand why my family and friends would be upset that I send them, oh 10 or 20 requests to feed my fish a day. It's all fun. And it's relaxing, right? We all need to relax. That is a good thing. The fact that there is drama online doesn't affect me at all. I see this as an opportunity to hone my psychology skills acting as online counselor for the multitude of people who swamp me with their many problems. The fact that I have been cussed out by someone I don't know, from somewhere I have never been, for something I didn't say or do is just one of the facts of internet life. And we all need a life, right? Why should it matter if it's online or off?

Sigh. Okay. All joking aside. I do have issues. I do need to start balancing my life more. Now, I will never give up my internet. I do have very good friends I have made online. Friends I consider as real and as important as other people in my life. And those people know who they are. I don't need to reassure them that I am not talking about them. And I do use the internet in ways that improve my life. I helped found a site that is very important to me. It has helped me grow and learn as a person, it has taught me a lot about me, my spiritual path, and friendships. I also use the computer to stay in touch with friends and family that I don't get to see enough. It's a wonderful communication tool. And I do use it for enjoyment, entertainment, and relaxation. I also use it to learn and share. Such as this blog. But, there is also limitations to it. Somehow, somewhere, there has to be a balance. At some point, I need to disconnect from the computer, and reconnect with life outside this virtual reality. So, for now, I'll say goodby and try to go find that thing they call a real life. Until we meet again - would you check my facebook and like this post, please?