Technology vs. Sanity

So...a couple of weeks ago, I decide to take a break from the modern technology we all have seemed to become accustomed to - cell phone (texting, and EVERYTHING else you can do on it) and the internet.
Why??
Well, I found myself having almost panic/anxiety attacks from feeling the need to constantly check my email for that important message, or check (or spy, as we have become used to) on the status of all my facebook and twitter friends, or not remembering my best friend's phone number and so I have to look it up every time I text or call her, or getting frustrated if my gps on my phone is running slow (like I can't call the business and ask for directions), and every other thing related to the use of the internet and cell phone. It was driving me insane!!!!

Now, yes, I admit, it has made our lives simpler at times. And communication has become easier - keeping in touch with family and friends, conducting business, contacting important people, increasing our opportunities, shopping, learning, being ahead of the game, checking the weather, getting from point A to point B in the quickest time possible, and more and more and more.

BUT....when I found myself relying on it for the sake of me getting thru my days, I had enough!
So, I started on a Friday...and was going to turn everything off until Monday morning. hahahaha - yeah right, you say...

Ok, so as soon as I decided to do this, I realized that my only phone was my cell phone. Ok, so I'll keep it on, in case of an emergency call from a family member or friend. And if it was an emergency, they would leave a message. Ok...good. Problem solved. No worries!
I went to work, and kept my phone in my purse. I'll just check for the emergency phone call (just in case) at the end of the work day. That lasted about 2 hours. What if I missed the call? Ok...so I'll keep it out in view, so I can check for the call. No problem. I still won't actually use it.
But then it happened. I got a text from a client. Great. She wanted to schedule an appointment. This is how she communicates. Ok....so I'll only text for business purposes. And this happened 2 more times that day. But I still felt good about letting everything else go....
I mean, is it necessary that I see the status updates of everyone, or have to use the gps to get somewhere? No...I'll use a landline to call the business and ask for directions. I can do that. Like I used to. Before cell phones. Before gps. I'll shop at the STORE and not online. I'll find out any news-worthy info on the NEWS on TV! This is easy! lol
Long story short...I made it through the weekend...did some reading, relaxing and cleaning. I actually was a peace for a few days!!!
And when Monday morning came around, and I checked my email and everything else we feel the need to check, I realized I didn't miss anything that couldn't wait a few days.

See, we live in a society that now expects everything - info, responses, etc., YESTERDAY. Remember the time when we would just wait till we got home to check our answering machine? And then call people back? Oh, and don't get me started!!! CALLING and TALKING on the phone??? Or when you're out to dinner with friends, you actually talk to each other, instead of each person at the table in their own cyber world on their phone. (Why did you all meet up to hang out in the first place then???) Yes, kids, it once happened. We didn't email...which has now turned to texting...to communicate. We talk to each other. We can HEAR someone's inflections in their voice to let us know (or if in person, SEE) if they're happy, sad, angry, bored, tired, and every other emotion. Not EMOTICON! Or !! LOL ?? :) ;) :p   ugggghhhhhhh.....*sigh*  (yes, I just went there)

So, although I'm glad to have all of these modern conveniences, I still like the old days of taking my time to really BE in the conversation, or email when I can TRULY respond, or go shopping because I just happen to drive by and SEE the store, not because JUDY GPS told me to go there.....

So...happy texting, emailing, and surfing (and blogging) everyone!!! Just don't forget the human race....   :)