time management skills

I've been feeling quite sad today because my dear friend Helen has finished her blog- Stripy Sock Studio. She has written most days for over a year, and I read her new post every afternoon when the children are sleeping, afternoon coffee in hand. I will miss her! There are not too many fellow New Zealanders I know who blog (although I know there are some out there!); not too many other people in blog-world who talk about 'hitting the turps', op-shopping, feijoas...

I appreciate Helen's need to concentrate on other areas of her life, though, and re-arrange her time so she has more left for her 'writing'-writing, part-time jobs and unending family committments. In a strange way I was almost jealous of her, at the thought of deleting my Flickr account with the click of a mouse- (do you know I have dreams about people on Flickr?) So Helen's move has made me re-think my relationship to this here computer. When I was first drawn to the world of blogging and crafty arty webby stuff, I couldn't believe how addictive I found it all. I was amazed by how I could absorb and share so many thoughts and ideas from people like myself, from all over the world, without even leaving my computer seat! But I am a fairly shy and introverted person, and probably should 'get out more'. My love of the internet for communication has always been a great source of jokes for Tom and my family, but is probably quite a dangerous thing for me. I see it as a 'safe' and comfortable, distant way of making and keeping friends. It's easier because if you get tired of it, you can simply switch the computer off. It's easier than real life.

So my new June resolution is to limit my computer and internet time. I'm going to blog and check other blogs and write my emails during Keira and Arlo's afternoon sleep time only. And if that isn't enough time, I just won't blog. Thank you Helen, for the inspiration! And I'll miss you and your stripy socks so much!

Tom was surfing the internet this morning and started laughing and shaking his head in disbelief. He found this- the OEDILF - the Omnifiscent English Dictionary In Limerick Form. That's right, an entire online dictionary wherein each word's meaning is explained by way of a limerick. That makes me feel somewhat better about the amount of time I spend thinking about the internet.

Comments

[Helen]

Hey gorgeous-

Thanks for the wee mention, I'm moved by it.

You are clever and brilliant and a star and you seem to achieve SO MUCH on top of the very big work of parenting two wee ones that I don't think you need to beat up on yourself for relaxing on the 'net too much. I'm just going on retreat because I started to feel like it was becoming my life instead of being a nice part of my life, if you know what I mean - and that felt a bit wrong.

Anyway, hope you are having a lovely day. It is frosty-white here.

xx Helen xx

[Gisele]

I totally agree, it is so addictive! However, I think it has some benefits too: it is relaxing and I feel I've accompished something. It is so fulfilling. Besides, it keeps me thinking and creating (good for my mind). But you are right, it is easy to overdo, and you know, too much of anything (even water) is not good. I am also cutting my time in front of the computer and increasing my time in front of the sewing machine (as much as my son allows me).

[Nanimal]

I too have wee ones at home (3 and 5)and I feel like if I can communicate onine a bit (but not too much - like you said) I have more patience and more creative energy to share with my boys. I have gotten loads of ideas to share with them and do with them. but... that being said on a bad day I do find myself holed up on the net hiding. lol - that happens very rarely though and I guess it is better than say, swigging some vodka in the downstairs loo? hehe. I will look forward to you posts when they come - (I only just found you today...)hope the new house rocks...

[mimulus]

aww the internet..a blessing and a curse. But it is a great companion when your partner is out of town, your kids are sleeping, its pouring rain and its 11 pm and your not sleepy.