CurrentMom

Unplugging and Disconnecting

Image by Lyn Millett via Flickr

Technology Thursday

Adbusters offered a Digital Detox challenge last week - unplug from the Internet and social networking for a week. They offered links to a few articles on the downsides of spending too much time in front of computer screens. Some of the negatives include:

• Internet addiction and withdrawal issues,
• overexposure to advertising and a consumption culture,
• sleep disturbance,
• problems with focus and attention,
• and on and on.

Being unable (or unwilling) to be disconnected for very long is something I struggle with quite a bit.  My husband and I are both serious techies -- both for work and for fun. We have desktops, laptops, and handheld computers and live huge portions of our lives online. But I completely agree with the idea that getting offline and away from the technology for extended chunks of time is an important thing to do, especially as our son gets older and ever more interactive.

Addicted to Amazon

Work Wednesday

The news that Amazon.com posted a profit last week didn't surprise me at all. I expected it. In fact, I could claim some credit for Amazon's $4.89 billion in sales for the first quarter of 2009. Well, that might be going too far. But I am a frequent customer. A confession: I sometimes click and charge while at work.

I don’t think I’m alone. I would guess that many other working moms are online aficionados. And if my husband is typical, dads are too. Amazon (which now sells everything from ATV gear to Za'atar spices) and other websites offer any time-challenged parent the chance to browse, compare, evaluate, and shop for just about anything, anytime. No rushing to the store during a lunch break.  No cutting into weekend family time.  And no dragging the kids along!  (Shopping for large items with small children in tow could be the subject of a whole other frightening and hilarious post.  Just ask any parent whose child has hidden in the floor sample of a major appliance.)

Reawaken The Flirt In You

Everyone flirts at some point with someone, but some people are natural flirters and for others it does not come as easy.

Flirting is a game, a way of life and a lot of fun.  Most of the time, it's teens and college-age kids who do it best. I think that more people should try it on a more regular basis.

For me, it’s a way to keep a smile on my face and even giggle sometimes. I live in Baltimore and the weather has been really nice the last few days, more people are out running around. Just running into the local supermarket and flirting can be fun. I see people I haven’t seen all winter and I enjoy reconnecting.

If you are in a good marriage, dating, single again, or whatever your relationship status is, bring out the flirt in you. Flirting makes others see you as fun and delightful, and it makes you feel great! I compare the feeling to the adrenalin rush after a good workout.

Save Money! Make Your Own Household Cleaners

Meal Monday

Last week, I wrote about saving money with DIY spa treatments. This week, I want to share another way you can money by whipping something up in your kitchen.

Have you ever considered making your own household cleaners? You should.

It is easy, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly, too.

Family Murder-Suicide and the Billotti-Wood Tragedy

Family Friday

This week offered up more than its fair share of heartbreaking headlines, including the Parente family murder-suicide in Baltimore and the suicide of Freddie Mac CFO David Kellermann.  And just a few miles up the highway from where I live, Christopher Wood killed his wife Francie Billotti-Wood and their three children (ages 5, 4, and 2), then took his own life. 

As it turns out, Francie was a fellow blogger.  And I challenge anyone - parent or not - to read her blog without crying.