Considering that I spend 90% of my work day and great deal of my off hours on the phone or Internet, I decided to challenge myself and my family to see who could spend the most time unplugged so to speak. This challenge included no use of the telephone, Internet,and television during evening hours and engaging in activities such as reading books, carrying on face to face conversations, exercising , etc.

Its hopeless we are totally wired. My challenge was met with blank stares that hid the true thoughts that my family became convinced that I had lost my mind by even considering such behavior.  I recently found my nephew asleep on the floor surrounded by a PlayStation2 , two computers an (i-Mac and a PC) and a Television hooked up to cable all going at the same time. My son had over 1000 text messages last month on his phone bill, My daughter burns through over 2500 mobile minutes easily and my Mom does not sleep well without her CNN lullaby.

I tried the argument that if you use these things less you will have more money in your pocket when you go to the mall. They told me in so many words, very politely I might add,  to go earn more money, we are accustomed to this lifestyle! Oh well I guess its off to the library for me to enjoy all of those wonderful free books and quiet space to contemplate the universe without these gadgets. I have lost my mind in the world created by Walter Mosley, James Patterson, Patricia Cornwell and John Grisham. Yes those are voices, places and people that I see and hear in my mind's eye and it is a good thing.