Internet Jones

Published: September 26, 2007

Like a thief in the night or a junkie searching for a fix, I'm ashamed to say that's how I was on a family vacation without an Internet connection. I never thought I would stoop so low. I'm ashamed of myself now that I think back on it. Never again shall I pass judgment on my brothers and sisters who are jonesing for a fix .

Let me explain. About a month or so ago we went to visit relatives in a rural area of North Carolina. My relatives, although they had all modern conveniences (almost), they did not have an Internet connection. (GASP). I shudder as I say that.

When I say no Internet connection, not even a dial-up connection. For seven whole days, I had my computer equipment all dressed up for a party, with no party to go to. Sheer torture.

Day one wasn't so bad. I thought to myself, I can do it. I need a break from technology. It's time to wind down and deal solely in the real world.

By day two, I had read every book in the house and was starting to re-read the labels on the bathroom spray and toothpaste tubes.

On day three my personality started to change. I started to become a bit more irritable than usual. The kids were on my last nerve and food, well; it didn't even taste good to me anymore (that speaks volumes because southern cooking is the best!).

By day four, I packed up my laptop and started cruising. I think my family was happy that I had left the house. I cruised up and down the main road with my laptop turned on in the passenger's seat. I slowly drove in the right lane with one eye on the road and the other on the laptop. I had the laptop set to scan for wireless connections in the area. When I found one, I pulled over into a ditch next to a herd of cows and connect to the outside world!

Ahh, it was like a shot of heroin for a heroin addict. I felt my whole body begin to relax. I'm not a smoker, but that was a cigarette moment.

My first Internet search was for the nearest library with an Internet connection. Having found one, I went to the library daily for the rest of my stay. I only stayed there for 30 minutes a day, just enough to hold me over until my next daily fix.

Mine is a sad and pitiful story. I'm ashamed to say...that's my two cents and I'm sticking with it.

About the Author: I am Felicia A. Williams, a wife, mom, grandma, writer and eternal student.

Last Modified: 25 November 2020