Old School

Not that I couldn't spend countless hours on Facebook, Twitter, and lost in rapture of the Blogosphere but there is one thing I learned about myself after a week of being away from it all. I am happier without it. I am less stressed without the constant temptation to see what all my friends and family are writing or thinking or making for dinner. I am less frustrated with my own responsibilities as wife and mom without the ever present beckoning pull of staying connected to everyone else in the "real world."

Being without connectivity for a week helped me truly unwind myself from the spool of technology and feel like myself again. I wasn't short with my kids. I wasn't impatient with my dog (I know, what?!). I wasn't grouchy toward my husband. One might even say I became a downright flirty girl with him again but that was probably the Riesling talking (right, sure). One week by a beautiful lake, kayaking alone, and playing in the rain was what it took to have me fall back into place. We all seemed to just fall back into place. We all fit together again.

The urge to keep myself contemporary or up-to-date is a strong one. It has been so strong that during the long weeks of single parenting (handsome hubby's travel has doubled lately so Sadie - and okay I'll confess Grayson too- keep my feet warm at night) I have burdened myself with the task of staying current in all avenues of social media. Even at the expense of a lost nap, neglected hobbies, or forgoing a block of time spent simply naval gazing. And for what? Am I really staying competitive enough with the big online savvyests who make money staying connected? I am not. Am I going to disappoint anyone if I don't post something every single day? You guys all are testimonials that life remained just as wonderful and flowery without my diatribing here. It's all for fun and fun for all. My new motto. So no more making myself crazy with updating on Twitter or Facebook. I will be a voyeur and contribute when the mood strikes. What about here on the blog? Just like my multiple cups of watered down coffee, I cannot quit you. I will allow myself this one daily vice. This blog happens to be a safe haven for me to chat with you guys and that in and of itself is enough connection for me. Those of you who read and comment are in my mind on a daily basis. You are my people, my circle of friends. Those of you who read and don't comment are there too, just donning invisible cloaks and dark glasses because you're tres mysterious and I dig you too.

So here is my declaration of the week: I am going back to the basics, going Old School. In an effort to balance the daily I will still post here on One-Sided Momma but will let the rest fall by the wayside without an ounce of guilt. It is a great way to network for people who can maintain their own richness of living but mine was definitely suffering and beginning to taste skim and sugar free. My network may be small but you guys are all the red capped whole milk and crystalline carbohydrates I need.