I've learned that nothing freaks the teens out more than not having cell service. And I love that our favorite vacation spot has no cell service--unless you drive the 1/2 drive to town. Funny how after a week of listless thumbs, there was suddenly a huge interest in going to town for groceries. Somehow I'm thinking it wasn't the lunch menu they were worried about.
Even Joe chimed in, pacing the deck one particularly dewy morning, trying to eek out a cell signal of any kind--and he doesn't even use his phone half the time. It's hard to let go, you know? I'm still not sure who he thought was going to call him.
It's amazing how much we rely on cell phones and wi-fi--me included. While I didn't care about the cell phone, I typically can't walk away from the computer. But I did this week, and it felt good.
The problem comes in when you have to merge yourself back into that fast lane of life--work, obligations, doctor's visits, school registration, band performances, and online billing/paying and such. It's exhausting this high-tech life we lead, isn't it? And while we think we are so spiffy with our 3G (or is it more now?) phones and laptops to keep on top of things, I have to wonder if we really are. I find myself exhausted after coming home, trying to catch up on all that "down" time.
I loved hiding out in my little cabin in the woods. It was nice to just relax knowing that nothing there belonged to me--nothing needed repairs or cleaning, no gardening required, no have-tos. I just sat on the deck and enjoyed.
Well, I will admit to sweeping the deck the first day, only because I wanted to hang out there barefoot and I don't like sticks and leaves sticking to my feet. Oh, and I did bring a little vacuum with us for the very same reason inside the cabin--although I didn't use it much. Some things are hard for me to let go.
Life is good when you turn off the have-tos of your life. The blog didn't shut down, the bills didn't go unpaid, work continued at it's frenetic pace, and life went on--without me. Amazing, isn't it? And big important worries were if it was going to rain or not--ruining our pool plans for the day, or who was going to hike where the next day. I like those kinds of worries, don't you?
So, here I am, home again and gearing up for madness that is life and I'm dreading every stinking minute of it. My heart is still back in that cabin.
I'd call it, but there is no cell service. Sigh.
18 comments:
That cabin looks SO nice. Laughing at the kids' desire to run for groceries. One word for y'all-tracfone. When my son went to KY to get my daughter a few years ago I forget what carrier he had but he had to drive the 20 miles back to Paducah to get a signal. When I went down a month or so later I called him from her house in rural KY. I had a Tracfone at the time. Btw, when our power went out for 6 hours a few Saturdays ago the only thing amusing me was my Iphone-the only way I could get online here.
Welcome home :-)
Gosh that does sound like such a good thing to do. The cell phone I don't care about but don't know if I can do without the computer. Although I did a while back when I lost my connection to the internet. It is awful to catch up with everything. Good luck to ya. Maybe step away for an hour and stare at the walls. Take care.
And just where are you when "you drive the 1/2 drive to town"? On top of a ridge between the two hollers?
Glad you got "unplugged" and glad you are back. But aren't you supposed to be all rejuvenated and chomping at the bit?
I am amazed at people's cell phone dependency. But that's apparently just me.
Hi Lin, welcome home and . . . excuse me.
Hey Vanilla. It's not just you! Having observed that cell phone addiction, I militantly refuse to own a cell phone.
It is good to get away from the rush and hurry of modern urban life. I'm glad you enjoyed your time away, and it's good [for us] to have you back at the Ducken Wheel.
There is no 3G out here. The cell service is sketchy at best. My DSL is more like dial up on speed.
There is only one power line connecting us to the world and it goes down at a minimum once a week.
What century is this?
Once again, I left a comment, and once again, it isn't here.
Oh, me oh my - PIE!
OK Vanilla and Secondary Roads folks--you're not alone. Gma Phyl doesn't use a cell phone either. The one given to me is used in dier emergencies only. Thank goodness that hasn't happened too often. I guess I just don't want to be available for calls 24/7. Phyl
I guess it wouldn't take a terribly perceptive individual to determine that Gma Phyl, SR Chuck, and I are of a "certain generation." *chuckle*
I don't have a cell phone and have never owned one. I just don't get why people walk around with a phone stuck to their ear all the time. Or, walk around with one clutched in their hand.
It really is tough to be disconnected, but I also find it incredibly freeing. I'm glad you enjoyed the escape of that magical cabin!
I feel your pain today Lin. It was so hard putting shoes on this morning to go to work. I whined about them all day :)
I could live without the cell phone but the computer I would have a hard time with
Perhaps if everyone in the world took the same week off with no cell phones, computers, tablets, etc. we could make out easier since we wouldn't think we were missing anything. Hmmm.... I wonder if that would catch on?
Nope.... I don't think so...
Sounds like you had a terrific vacation Lin ~ good for you!
xo Catherine
Helene--NOBODY gets service up on that mountain--just ask folks. You see everyone holding their phones up to the sky, hoping against hope for a wee signal. It's pathetically hilarious.
Marg--I'm catching up slowly, but I don't regret disconnecting for that week. The only problem is firing up that blogging brain again.
Vanilla--I think stopping cold turkey with the computer and blogging was good, but starting up again is proving to be difficult. I didn't have to check my cell phone--the only one who calls me was with me. :)
Chuck--It is nice to be home and hooked up again. I use my cell only for my immediate family to contact me. With those teens away at school and driving, I like having a "batphone" to be there should they need me. I do not answer any other calls on that line--ask my friend, Sue. She dared to call me on that line a week or so ago and got chewed out. :p
Pricilla--So your 3G stands for 3 Goats?? So, I'm thinking you are more like 6G or 7G! I liked living like that for a week, but everyday would freak me out, pally.
Grace--Oh, darn, Grace! What is with you and comments??? I'm sure it was a good one too.
G'ma Phyl--and that drives us crazy sometimes, G'ma. Like when we are trying to find you when you get lost at band competitions! :p
Vanilla--oh, criminy.
Mary Ann--I always wonder what they are all talking about. I don't like using the phone at home or anywhere else anymore--I have nothing to say. I use mine to reach the kids for rides and such. And that is IT. And I do more texting now than anything. There are no more pay phones, so kids have to have a phone to call for rides and such.
Violet--It's hard at first, but incredibly easy once you decide to do it. I've walked up to the lodge in years past to blog, but this year I quit. I have to admit I enjoyed being away from it for awhile, but I'm glad to be back.
Ann--I do enjoy my computer time because I don't watch much TV anymore. It's a little more fun visiting the pallies and such. Work sucked today, didn't it? I wanted to yell "I hate you all", but I didn't. I figured it wouldn't go over big with the co-workers.
Catherine--I would like that--if we all took weekends off together or something. I just feel guilty when I can't get around to all the pallies. AND I miss them terribly. I'm still trying to catch up from being gone. Sigh.
That sounds awesome. I know I'd be all antsy, though, dying to check the email that doesn't matter or my Facebook page which matters even less. Mandatory relaxing... must have been nice.
Cute--After I checked the email a couple of times, I realized nothing was going down and I could leave it. Honestly, the world did not shut down because I was unavailable for a few days. And it felt good to keep folks wondering. :)
I can't agree with you more! Sometimes to get away completely from it all is so good for the soul, to totally de stress , with nothing to worry about except where your next meal is coming from. I know the teens can't live without their cell phones...but I sure can! Its a shame to think that future generations may not know that wonderful feeling of being disconnected from technology. I am glad you had a fabulous week off...try to take them more often!
This past weekend, J and I went on our honeymoon to a bed and breakfast where there was no cell phones reception. It was great to have alone time with no interruptions...including the tv.
Hot Rocks--I try to convey the concept of being just a little unavailable to my kids--I think it is a good thing, for many reasons. Funny thing is, I think they didn't mind the disconnect either after the initial withdrawal.
Chocolate--Well, that's what you are supposed to do on honeymoons, silly!! :P I'm glad you found happiness, pally.
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