If there is one ugly truth about myself, it’s that I’m on this laptop far too much.
I use this computer for work, and to shop for everything but groceries (though I have done that before). I use it to research what we’re having for dinner and to get materials for the class I’m teaching in our next homeschool coop session. I have three email accounts to check, and Facebook and Twitter feeds that I try to pop on at least once a day (okay, 50).
But it is way too easy to get sucked into a vortex. Just one more post to read. Shoot, work needs this tomorrow, I’ll do it now. Oh. . .Big Store X is having a huuuuge sale, and I really should pick up some of their {insert product here}.
Here’s the thing though: My house is not falling apart from filth. The laundry is done (and put away). I cook three meals a day, and they are (almost) always nutritionally sound. My dog is walked (and tired) (which counts as my exercise, right?) My marriage isn’t falling apart (right honey???). My legs are shaved. I read stories to the kids at bedtime and don’t check my iPhone as I do it. My kids aren’t running wild, beating small animals and setting fires. In fact, they are great kids.
The only thing that bugs me about the time I spend online is how it looks to the kids. Will they remember mom as the lady with the laptop in the kitchen clicking away? Or will they remember her as the one who took them to their million activities? Who kicked their butt dancing to The Chemical Brothers on Just Dance 3? Who helped them put away their 1,001 American Girl accessories? (oy) Who sat with them as they tried to remember the difference between an adjective and an adverb and somehow didn’t scream?
I’m debating setting a timer. Working only when they are asleep (a tricky proposition as they stay up later and later). Maybe only going online between certain hours.
Or cutting myself some slack and stop worrying about this. 2012 as the year of less self-imposed guilt? Sounds pretty nice to me.
Mommy and her laptop, sitting in a tree. . .
January 1, 2012
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I'm in the same boat. Was just thinking about this last night too. LEt me know what you come up with.
I know. I think it goes both ways, though. I go online when they are playing video games so we all want to stay online just a bit longer, and, before we know it? Hours have passed. HOURS. PASSED. That sucks.
I co-sign this blog post! I thought about getting a timer, too. Then I spent way too long looking at pretty, stylized timers online before the irony struck me. Yeesh.
Oh, I know. I talk too much to my kids without full eye contact. Damn computers. I'm used to multitasking, but when it comes to having a conversation with my kids, I have to shut the laptop, turn around, and look at them face-to-face. Pretty soon, I know they will me uh-huhing me while texting someone else.
Nan, I am your easily distracted twin.
Mrs. Q, that is such a great point.
I love my computer and my iPad and my iPhone. A lots. I am just getting back into writing, so it's hard to stop when I feel the words coming.
One thing that keeps me from it is that my boys have discovered Angry Birds. I cannot pick up my iPad without them begging to play. I don't want them to play and don't want to hear the whining that comes with my no. So, it helps me not get it out in front of them!