Schoolnurse’s Weblog

     Just before school closed for vacation the school secretary caught me getting my inter-office mail and told me that she tried to send me an email and it would not go through. Apparently my e-mailbox was full. I had been feeling like I has a bad case of information overload, and now I had proof. I was ready for vacation. My boyfriend and I had a trip to Arizona planned for February break. We both lead very hectic lives, and I wanted us to get away to find some peace and quiet. On the technology packing list were my blackberry, Sony PSP, travel speakers for when I play music on the PSP, digital camera, and laptop. I planned on checking on the family business by email, working like crazy online to finish my assignments for school, testing out the new camera, and maybe using the PSP to entertain myself on the plane. I had a minor meltdown when my boyfriend suggest I leave the laptop home when suitcases started getting too full. After take off I could not wait for the flight crew to announce ” and you may now use approved electronic devices “.

Arizona was very relaxing, I had more down time than I am used to having. I got to thinking about how part of personal growth comes from taking time to reflect on life, evaluating, and thinking of ways to improve. I came to the conclusion that instead of working harder to keep on top of my messages, work responsibilities, and school work, I had to get further away from it. I did not fax or check my voicemail, and email while I was away. I did not go to my wiki, blog, or Google docs to work on any my projects for school. I did no school work at all, and decided that business affairs and messages would all be there when I got back. Did I go technology cold turkey? No, I employed it but sparingly. I used the computer for a total of 20 minutes to find fun activities when plans changed, the PSP to play relaxing music, and the camera to preserve wonderful memories. I am not sure if I will be more productive when I get back to life because I took time out for myself. Sometimes my computer works better when I turn it off for a little while and let it reset. Maybe I will also.