Tech Tuesday
It goes without saying that it would be a large adjustment for me to continually get through my daily life without technology. The fact that the family business involves electronics means I really wouldn't have the same daily life. I appreciate all that these advances have done for me -
- The apps that track my to-dos/appointments
- The fun games that give me a small break
- The TV/DVD that allows authors creations to come to life before me
For all that I enjoy about technology, there are certain things that make it bloody annoying. And for those reasons we've all experienced, sometimes I just want a break.
A weekend; maybe a week, tops. That's not too much to ask, right? After all, it's not as if I have to leave all my electronic leashes at home. I just can exert a bit more control over when I allow them to control me. Like checking for voicemail at the end of a day, instead of answering my cell every time it rings, or screening right then and calling "important" people back right away.
I don't need a laptop to have fun. I don't need to be doing work 24/7, either. If I can't check my email on my phone, that's another gadget I can look at only when I decide I want to. If I decide I don't want to until I get back - so be it.
You might be thinking at this point either A) This is impossible or B) One would need to book a vacation at some exclusive resort and spa far away from daily life in order to accomplish this.
Not really.
It's a decision you make. You could vacation in your own home just as easily as somewhere else! Sure, you'd still have to do some cleanup unless you hired a maid for the weekend, but treating yourself doesn't have to mean breaking the bank. You know those commercials where the kids are camping-out in the backyard? Why can't you do that?! You don't have to pay the campground fees, you're guaranteed electricity and if you forgot to pack something really important you aren't that far from home.
Personally, I love camping. Ironically, I also love the idea of living in a world devoid of technology. When I feel the need to escape life, I camp-out with my fellow members of The Society for Creative Anachronism. There's nothing like putting on clothing from the middle ages and learning crafts that are in danger of dying-out that makes you forget all about answering your phone or constantly updating your Facebook status. (Psst - they'll also come in handy after the Zombie Apocalypse.)
That's just me, of course. You can just pitch a regular tent, in regular clothes, and enjoy the wilderness. If you just aren't an outdoorsy person, well, hotels work too. Just remember to turn-off your cellphone or leave it in the room when you go out.
After all, relaxation may have a different meaning to many of us, but I haven't found anyone yet that finds the constant ringing/binging or general noise of their world puts them in a state of Zen.
Photo by Me (ZafraD) from my flickr
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