Back in the Internet saddle
By Erica Hill
CNN Headline News
(CNN) -- It's amazing how quickly we adapt. I never thought I could go two months without Internet access at home.
In the end, it was a bit liberating. No e-mail over the weekend, no "checking in" with my work e-mail account just in case and no senseless surfing when I was bored.
I asked my neighbors for tips instead of trying to find them online. I read more, talked on the phone and spent weekends free from chain e-mails and forwarded political messages.
Then, something happened: We got connected.
It didn't happen overnight (as people who read this column know, a recent move had us offline at home for nearly two months), and it wasn't a pleasant experience, but they don't say, "Third time's the charm," without good reason. Our third choice for an Internet service provider (ISP) turned out to be the best. They were fast, polite, helpful and, best of all, so is the connection.
It's been almost one week since we rejoined what seems like the rest of the world in cyberspace. At first, it felt good. It was exciting to come home from work and hop online. That first "test" e-mail from my other half was an unexpected -- but very welcome -- surprise.
However, after our first connected weekend, I almost missed the days without Internet access. I found myself surfing aimlessly again, and with terrible posture, which didn't help me feel better about it. Don't get me wrong, it was great to log on when we were looking for an Indian restaurant in our new neighborhood, and getting directions for friends visiting from out of town to their next destination was a plus, but while surfing through The New York Times' Sunday Styles section this weekend, I found my self wanting more. Normally, I love this part of my Sunday morning, but this time around, it felt hollow.
What's the answer? My dog, Jake, and I mulled it over on our walk the next day. Like everything -- chocolate, cocktails -- the key is moderation. My new mantra for home Internet use: only log on when I have a reason to go online. Otherwise, pick up that book I put down when the Internet arrived, or head outside for some fresh air.
With that, I'm logging off -- the Atlanta humidity is calling.
