{"id":276,"date":"2008-01-15T11:28:00","date_gmt":"2008-01-15T11:28:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.beliefnet.com\/lessonsfromarecoveringdoormat\/2008\/01\/i-spent-a-whole-weekend-without-my-laptop.html"},"modified":"2008-01-15T11:28:00","modified_gmt":"2008-01-15T11:28:00","slug":"i-spent-a-whole-weekend-without-my-laptop","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/lessonsfromarecoveringdoormat\/2008\/01\/i-spent-a-whole-weekend-without-my-laptop.html","title":{"rendered":"I Spent a WHOLE Weekend WITHOUT My Laptop"},"content":{"rendered":"

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I never thought it would happen. I check email several times a day, 7 days a week. I also write for at least some portion of every day because I love to write. My laptop goes everywhere with me. It\u2019s like my baby. ? My eyes don\u2019t know what it\u2019s like to get a rest from the computer screen. Until now!<\/p>\n

I went away for the weekend and left my laptop home!<\/span> <\/p>\n

I didn\u2019t plan to. Bringing it almost everywhere is automatic. But, for months my electronic companion has made funny noises and I didn\u2019t know why. I brought it to the Apple genius bar in the summer. The guy recommended I leave it for a diagnostic check. Said it would take 2-3 days and would check for any problem. But how could I be without my laptop for even one day!!? <\/p>\n

So I waited and got more aggravated with the odd noises. Since I was going away over the weekend for some R & R, I decided to bite the bullet and leave my laptop<\/span> with Apple. For weeks I stressed about it\u2014like I\u2019d be leaving an arm behind<\/span>. My lap is part of me in many ways. As a professional writer, I\u2019ve been using laptops for more years than most people\u2014a way of life. So I prepared for my separation from mine.<\/p>\n

First, I signed up with Mozy<\/a><\/span>, an online backup service. It took over a week to download everything. Now it backs up new documents every day<\/span>, without me doing anything. I can tell it\u2019s on by the color of the button but it doesn\u2019t affect my computer. I LOVE it! For $4.95 a month, I don\u2019t have to worry about losing documents from a crash or if a fire burns my computer and backup discs. Everything is safe with them. That gave me one level of relief. <\/p>\n

Then I convinced myself I\u2019d be okay without my electronic other half for the weekend. I got used to the idea of some time off the screen.<\/span><\/p>\n

As it turned out, when I brought my baby into Apple, they said because it\u2019s the busy season it would take 7-10 days. I couldn\u2019t handle leaving it for that long! Fortunately, the tech support person I got found some things that she could fix and it might be all the laptop needed. So Mac went home with me. Happily! I started thinking about how to pack it on my mini-trip. I planned to just take a backpack and the laptop would make it heavier. Hmmm\u2026. Should I still leave it home?<\/span><\/p>\n

Yes! I CHOSE to go away without the laptop after deciding it was the best thing for me to do! I felt so proud that I made that choice. It was a mini act of self-love!<\/span><\/p>\n

I didn\u2019t miss it. Can\u2019t imagine how my back would feel had the added weight been along. I felt free without dragging a laptop around!<\/span> And, I didn\u2019t miss it at all. Of course I was only away for 2 days and might have gotten itchy had it been longer. But I learned how important it is to have a total vacation from regular life once in a while. <\/p>\n

It was a nice break. Since it\u2019s close we went to the Atlantic City area, but not to gamble (okay, just a little as I love to play!). I just wanted to spend time at the ocean. I\u2019m one of those oddballs who loves being at the beach in winter. The weather was actually quite mild so Saturday was spent walking and walking and walking. Some was even on the sand along the water! I find watching the waves very peaceful. <\/p>\n

Though there are many hotels with casinos on the boardwalk, we chose to stay out of the city, on Brigantine Island. It\u2019s a 10-15 minute drive, but a world away. Speidel House Bed & Breakfast<\/a><\/span> is the only B & B in Brigantine, NJ. It\u2019s a lovely old restored house, decorated with antiques and beautifully restored furniture.<\/span> There\u2019s also a lot of war memorabilia that I found fascinating. Glenn, the owner, is more than hospitable. He wants his guests to be happy. And happy we were. <\/p>\n

Our room had a deck overlooking water. There are other decks around the house. It\u2019s a lovely place to just hang and relax. We were offered cozy robes to wear and jump into the hot tub. That night was below freezing so I wasn\u2019t in the mood for it. But it\u2019s there for whoever wants to use it. I HIGHLY recommend a visit to this lovely B & B if you have access to the area and want a pretty place to chill for a few days.<\/span> I never thought about my laptop sitting home\u2014not once! ?<\/p>\n

When I left DoorMatville, I learned that part of loving yourself includes doing things that make you smile.<\/span> You can learn that for yourself by planning something special. A weekend away is a loving gift for you. Pick your own pleasure but pick something! Don\u2019t just daydream about doing things. Make at least one a reality!<\/span> Sometimes you have to consciously break a habit, like I did with taking my laptop everywhere, to find a great alternative. <\/p>\n

A break from day to day life is a wonderful boost.<\/span> I\u2019m tired but feel more relaxed than I have in a while. Try it! You\u2019ll definitely enjoy the benefits!<\/p>\n

If you enjoyed my post, please leave a comment and\/or click on the bookmark and write a short review at some of the sites, especially Stumbleupon and Digg. Thanks!

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I never thought it would happen. I check email several times a day, 7 days a week. I also write for at least some portion of every day because I love to write. My laptop goes everywhere with me. It\u2019s like my baby. ? 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