Dirtbag Writer

No Internet Sundays: The First Attempt

Posted on 28. Sep, 2009 by Writer in On Living

Ever since I took the plunge and entered the world of full-time freelancing I feel like my fingertips have permanently adhered themselves to my laptop. I am spending literally all day, evening, and night glued to my screen and accomplishing very little if anything. My laptop accompanies me to the coffee shop, the library, the bagel shop, a friend’s house, and even into the back of Ruby.

After 3 consecutive mornings waking and finding my laptop still in bed with me I decided that something must be done to sever my dependency.  I was beginning to fear that I might turn into some sort of reclusive, basement-dwelling, Internet-addicted freak.  And so comes the advent of “No Internet Sundays.”

I woke Sunday and out of habit reached for my laptop before fumbling for my glasses – funny that I need to feel the security of a 13-inch aluminum body before actually having the means to see it.  As I was opening my laptop I suddenly remembered – “No Internet Sunday” and promptly closed it before it even had a chance to wake up.  I went back to sleep.

Seriously what editor is going to reply to you on a Sunday? The urge to check my email was so powerful it made me irritable.

I sat on the porch and did my morning pages actually taking the time to do the tasks as part of The Artist’s Way.  I stopped by the coffee shop, picked up the paper, and stared with envy at all the other drones hypnotized by their computers.  I went for a run, went to the bike shop, read a magazine, took a nap, wrote a letter, and even cooked vegetables.

After dinner, I relapsed. I get no cell service in the room I am renting and justified using gchat to talk to my boyfriend whom I hadn’t spoken with all weekend.  With computer in my lap I fell back into my standard routine of checking e-mails, analytics, twitters – y’all know the routine.  At midnight I pry my hands free and attempt to fall asleep.  I try not to dwell on my recent failure and accept that recovery takes time.  I will give it another try next Sunday.

Tags: Daily Life, Simple Living