Sunday, June 04, 2006

Net Flix Fix

Hi, my name is Mitsi, and I'm an addict.

I'm addicted to the internet.

For real.

This realization was made complete today (day 4 without my laptop... ok maybe it's just 3 1/2, but I'm rounding up), after a generous friend* allowed me uninterrrupted internet usage at my leisure. The suspicion was already there (see previous post regarding my reluctance to send off my in-need-of-repair Lappy McLaptop) that I would have some separation anxiety. Sure enough, approximately 30 minutes after packing it up for "camp" last week, I had a mental list of all the millions of things I needed to do on-line: checking my e-mail, looking up the distance from my house to my grandparents', getting the details on the Dr. Pepper Birthday Party in Dublin; you know, basic things crucial to the continued spinning of the globe under my feet.

Thusly, I made an "internet to-do list" so I wouldn't forget to be sure to check Murphy's mySpace and other essential tasks (such as locating Ross Stores near my home and finding the perfect travel purse). Those things have been accomplished in my brief internet interludes over the past couple of days. However, it wasn't until spending 1 1/2 or so today on-line doing things of minimal importance that I felt better. I literarly got my internet fix today.

The signs of my addiction have been there all along... for years even. I take my computer to class daily. Every time I travel, the computer goes along. When I was at Jenny's, I spent time every night on-line before going to sleep. One of my main concerns about Taiwan was the availability/easy accessibility of wireless. A friend and I went out for drinks the other day, and I requested that she please bring her laptop along.

Maybe I have a problem. I'm sort of ok with that. Furthermore, if you're spending your precious time here reading about my problem, you are likely suffering from a similar affliction. When and if you're ready to deal with it is up to you.

*The author is most grateful to this same friend who has ever-so-generously allowed her to borrow his laptop while hers is away. May you be blessed to the highest of bandwidths and may your screen never go dim!

3 comments:

Jo said...

We really are kindred spirits. I am looking ahead to my Hawaii trip and I'm worried that I'm not going to be able to easily find internet access. One year for Christmas, my friend bought my personalized pencils that said "Just Look Online Jo" because that is basically my answer for everything. I can admit I have a problem, but I am not ready to take the next step.

mitsi said...

Oh, honey, I'm not taking any steps further than admitting it. In fact, I believe I'm quite comfortable with my problem. :) So glad to know there are others. My sister is also afflicted, and I believe my mother is, as well.

kel said...

I just bought a laptop. Will I soon be facing the same fate? Will I get squinty eyes and a hump?