Unplugged: reflection

Last week, I participated in the "Unplugged" challenge from Jodie's blog.  Today is the day everyone is reporting back and reflecting on how the challenge went, so here goes my reflection.  

Because I chose Memorial Day to unplug, Lucas was also home for the day.  I told him he did not have to participate, and he chose not to.  So, every time he checked something on the computer I had to restrain myself from saying, "hey, could you please check my e-mail real quick for me?" or "what did that blog say?".  Hard. Hard. Hard.  

We did have a great family day, though.  We got out of the house and went to the nearby boardwalk for the afternoon.  It was super hot, so we didn't stay too long, but it was still nice to be out by the water.  We took refuge in the cute little shops whenever we got too hot.  Lincoln was a trooper and was happy riding in the Beco with Daddy the whole time.

I have to admit to 2 failures during my unplugged day, though.  1) I watched some TV.  We were exhausted after being outside all afternoon, and after Lincoln went to sleep we just crashed on the couch and turned on the TV.  So, I did wait until after Lincoln had gone to bed at least (can you hear the justification?).  2) In a moment of lapsed judgement, I jumped on the internet and tried to find a few icons from The Great Cloth Diaper Hunt.  Luckily, Lucas walked in the room just as I was headed to the first website and said "What are you doing??".  Guilt washed over me and after hanging my head in shame, I closed the laptop.  Like I said, so.hard.

Also, I realize we were supposed to take pictures of our day unplugged.  I forgot the camera when we went to the Boardwalk.  In fact, the only picture I took all day was these gem, illustrating why I should not eat when Lincoln is in the mei tai:

Yep.  Macaroni and Cheese on his head.  Sadly, this is not the first time....

So.  Overall, I am glad I unplugged for the day.  It showed me just how much I am dependent on the internet to feel connected.  It was hard.  It was challenging.  Would I do it again?  Yes.  And next time, I'd remember to take more pictures!

To read about how other people did on their day unplugged, check out the comments on Jodie's post here.  And if you unplugged yourself, add your reflection to the comments as well!

Unplugged

I decided to pick today to unplug--Lucas is home for the Memorial Day holiday, so it will be a perfect day to spend with the family, maybe get some stuff done around the house, spend some time outside.  Looking forward to it!  Want to join me?  Find more information here.  Thanks to Jodie for the idea!

Please don't forget to enter the giveaway for an AppleCheeks diaper set!  The giveaway closes tomorrow morning!  If you come by today and read this post, you can give yourself a bonus entry--in addition to the regular daily bonus entry!  Just leave a comment stating "unplugged" bonus entry.  Good luck!  And see you tomorrow!

Can you unplug?

My friend Jodie (we played lacrosse together in college--rather, she played and I ran up and down the field praying no one would pass me the ball because I would certainly drop it...) owns her own photography business in St. Louis.  She keeps a blog about her business, her adorable 3 kids, her husband, and life in general here.  Recently, she spent a day "unplugged" from her computer.  She spent the day enjoying her kids and family.  She enjoyed it so much she has issued a challenge to other bloggers to do the same for one day during the month of May (and from there, maybe one day each month).  I think this is a wonderful challenge.  I stay home with Lincoln, and I know I rely on the computer to feel connected to other moms and the world in general.  But what about unplugging for one day and actually connecting to moms in person, or exploring the neighborhood, or even taking time to get some things organized in the house instead of taking that same time and using it to check facebook, twitter, and google reader? 

Here is Jodie's invitation.  Please join in her mission to 'unplug' this month.  She also created this icon to post on your blog on the day you choose to unplug--that way people know where you are and that you didn't just disappear (the blogging community, virtual though it is, is full of caring and concerned readers who may worry when you aren't online without notice!)

"Do you want to check your email before brushing your teeth in the morning? 
Do you live for getting comments on your blog? Do you twitter at least 5 times 
a day? How often do you update your facebook status? How many hours a day 
is your tv on? How close to you, at this moment, is your cell phone?

Think about it.

How hard would it be for you to unplug for one entire day?

no tv.
no phone.
no computer.
no internet.

Just you. Your life and your camera.

Think you could do it?

Join us and unplug for ONE day in the month of May. Whatever day works best for you and 
your family. And then commit to it. No cheating. And document it. With photos or words or both.

Then share your day with us on your blog. June 1st. On June 1st we’ll all share our days, together,
on our blogs and spread the word to UNPLUG.  Because I think a little unplugging is just what 
we all need every once in a while. To give our creative selves a day off. To rejuvenate.
To just live. To be. Just you. Your life. Your camera.

Feel free to share this with anyone you think might want to join in. 

Email me at jodified@gmail.com if you have any questions!

Thanks,
jodie"