I am not sure when it happened, but my little girls are are looking big. Today Beatrix told me to say, “Where’s my little Bea-Ose?” And when I asked, she answered, “She’s all grown up!”
Of course she’s not, but If telling herself that helps her remember to use the potty, then that’s great. I know that she’s still my little B-Rose. The one who cries for me to hold her constantly because she claims that she’s not allowed to “touch ground.”
One of my goals this Lent is to become more deliberate with the time that I spend on my computer, hardly a unique goal. While I am not one to sit in front of my computer for long as I have a desktop tucked into a corner, and no portable means for getting online, those moments taken to quickly check my email or look something up turn into little interruptions throughout the day. One of the things that keeps me checking is my love to hear from all of you, hence my decision to turn off comments. I realized quickly though that cutting this form of communication off is not the answer that I am looking for, especially because it feels like cutting you off in a misplaced effort to gain some self control. I simply have to start turning my computer off for most of the day and adhering to set computer times. I am keeping a little pad of paper next to my keyboard to make notes of things that I might want to look up throughout the day so that I won’t forget them, and then at my set “computer time” I can take care of things then, and also check in with all of you. I think that sitting down to read comments and emails at set times, maybe twice each day, will help me to do a better job when you have questions for me as well. So often, I quickly check in only to have to keep moving, tending to my day, without having a chance to reply to questions. I’ve learned that if I don’t take care of something immediately, it gets lost in the mess that is my mind. So thank you for bearing with me this past week. Comments will remain on from now on. I think I have a handle on things now, or at least I am pretending to.
Kathy says
I’ve just realized I need to do something similar after being without the internet for a week and realizing that a) I need some lookup/browse time just to feel like I’m keeping up and b) probably not as much time as I’ve been giving myself!
Nicola says
You just described what I began doing 2(?) years ago, sometimes better than others, of course: I shut my laptop when kids are around and keep my trusty composition book with me to write down brain dump when needed. Glad comments are back on. 🙂
Rachel Wolf says
I think I post about the comments/lost time/perpetual interruptions of my computer habit/intention to be more mindful with how I use this tool constantly. Being home alone with kids all day make it that much more enticing, doesn’t it? Because while we love what we’re doing we also long for a little commiseration in our day. A little “I’m so inspired!” A little “Wow! You cast it off!” I get it. Looking forward to our talk. ~ Rachel
Kerstin Kastberg says
Hallo Ginny. I am from Sweden and I have read your sit for same months. I have a question. Don´t you have winter and snow? I look at your garden and it is green? Here in Sweden we have snow and ice, the spring don´t come antill march. I hope yuo can reed this, my english is this good! I love wath your children, they are so sweet. Have a nice day. Kerstin.
Cathy says
I so understand your desire to get a grip on your computer time. I too have struggle with a semi-addiction to the computer for a number of years. This may sound a little radical, but I had to decide not only what I wanted out of the computer, but I had to go on a couple of “FASTS” away from the computer to be able to pray and think about my decisions. What I came up with is going to one blog instead of my two, and cut back on some other computer groups I was in. I find that the connections with people is very important to me, and I had to decide if I was depending on internet friends, or seeking local friends with the same interests?~!
I LOVE your idea of the schedule for checking your blog and email, and also writing things down you might want to check when you do go on!
I KNOW your kids will appreciate a mom that isn’t connected to the computer at the finger tips. You know, when the kids are older, you wouldn’t want them connected to the computer by their finger tips, but to be busy interacting with you! NOW, I need to remember this with my grandkids! ♥♥♥
molly says
So glad we can comment again, Ginny! Blessings this Lent.
Rebecca P says
My husband bought me a Kindle Fire for Christmas, and for some strange reason, it caused me to unintentionally cut down on my computer time. It’s now become my habit to wait until the kids are in bed. I snuggle up with my Kindle and read my favorite blogs every evening. Usually I will alternate between them, so when I get to yours for example, I have about a weeks worth of blog posts to catch up on. Right now, I’m doing a little blog reading before the rest of the house is really up and moving. Then, I will close my Kindle Fire case and set it on my nightstand until tonight.
CrochetBlogger says
Hope it works out well with your computer goals. It can be a tough cookie to figure out in this modern life.
Beautiful photos!
Open Roads Mama says
I know what you mean about the lack of time and computer interruptions throughout the day. The fact that you are posting on your blog on regular basis is a gift to your readers all in itself! – I know it is to me! 🙂 Thank you! I truly enjoy reading your posts. Your photography is stunning too!
Frances P. says
Hi, I was wondering if Seth would be interested in doing a tutorial on coin cleaning. We recently got a metal detector and the coins we find are so filthy. Our online research has given us so many different options and all contradicting each other!
Ilse says
Are those pictures taken today? I’m so jealous, here we’re longing much for spring. Have a nice weekend!
Missy says
I struggle with the exact same thing. I especially don’t want my time on the computer to take away my time from my children. For a while, I turned off the router during the day to help me gain some self control. That worked pretty well because it is in the basement. I even titled my blog “the end of the day” in thinking that it would be the evenings I would work on it. But, I sway back and forth on this computer stuff. I really like the idea of a list, so you remember all those little questions that need checking. You’ve inspired me to do this during Lent, as I haven’t “given up” anything yet. Perfect idea.
Stacy @ the World of Wiedz says
So glad you took the time you needed to figure out a plan that would work for you. Glad comments are back.
Heather says
I struggle with the al or nothing mentality at times. My years have shown me that I do better with moderation. I am sure my kiddos tire of me say”Everything in moderation”. My laptop died this week (okay, I killed it), and I am much more cognizant of my online behavior. I too try to keep a list of my searches to streamline the process. It does definitely help.
Tell Seth that my son will be getting a metal detector from his great-aunt this weekend. He doesn’t know yet, but she is cleaning out her cupboards and thought of him. I know he will be pleased.
Oh and it is so hard when you turn around and notice the growth in your children. Mine are getting so big so fast, and I don’t have any more coming along.
amy says
Recently I started keeping a list of questions/ thoughts to return to when I have more time because I can’t rely on my memory anymore. This list will now expand to include computer-related things in an effort for more flow in my days and less chopped-upped-ness. Thanks for the idea. I do so look forward to your blog.
Lisa G. says
It certainly does take time to check on favorite blogs and look at email, etc. And one isn’t always necessarily wasting time, either. Although that can happen, too. 😮
Jennifer says
The comments above me have put my thoughts about you and your blog into much better words than I could have done. Just yesterday I went through my blog reader and deleted a lot of blogs in an effort to try to reduce mindless internet time. I’ve realized that it can be very easy to covet the “perfect” lives that others present online, and that’s not good. However, I never get that feeling with your blog (in a good way!). You present a much more honest, humble, friendly life. I read your blog like I would a good friend’s. [As much as I enjoy some other blogs, their lives seem much more unattainable.] So anyway, thank you for being you, for having such a lovely, beautiful family, and for sharing your journey with us.
meghann says
I have the same problem, and have come to the same conclusion. Unfortunately I don’t seem to have as good a grip as you do on actually *doing* what needs to be done. We’ll be out at Old Sturbridge Village all day today, so I literally *can’t* just pop in to check my e-mail. Maybe I’ll count that as *something* & consider this the day I get started. Thanks for the inspiration! xo
Lauren says
You have good ideas on how to achieve ‘computer discipline’ Ginny – I need to take a leaf out of your book!
Michelle says
It seems so foreign to me to see your crocuses up already and to hear you talk about gardening notes. Here, in Saskatchewan, it is much to soon for that. Although we have had the mildest, snowless winter that I have ever experienced, today we have plenty of fresh snow for Athena to play in. But it will all be gone so soon so we will enjoy it while we can. Your blog is lovely. I had to laugh at the ashes picture. I remember getting those every year and I would ‘discreetly’ try to wipe them off on the way back to the pew.
Heather says
It is so easy to get sucked in. I do try to turn my computer off most of the day, and instead get up super early to have my time without ignoring my babes 🙂 But, it is definitely hard. Most recipe inspiration comes from the internet for me, I request all of our books through our library’s online system, my banking is online. And what happens is I turn on the computer for one of those things, and while a web page is loading I might check something else, or turn on facebook. And then it is a downward spiral. I’m glad you are starting to get a handle on things! Hopefully I can as well!
annita says
Well, I do not comment on every post or say anything terribly wise or witty, but I really do enjoy reading everyones comments. I am glad you have turned them back on! Happy weekend!
teresa c says
I missed the somewhat conversation the comments permit, but I undesrtand that it takes a lot of time reading and answering. I’m on a quest to limt my screen time as well, especially at home (at work I must be at the computer anyway). We’ve been doing with the TV off for almost a month, and I don’t miss a thing about it (we watched just a couple of nights every week, so it wasn’t a big loss anyway); in fact, I would like to take the TV ou of the living room (more space for books or music!)
I wish you a blessed Lent.
Annie says
I don’t have small kids to contend with any more, just all grown up kids and lots of dogs. 9-10 in the morning works for me as a blog catchup hour and I often do the same after the house is settled in the evening, dealing with emails then as well. But so many days I do something different because no two days are the same. I’ve found the best way of gaining control is to actually, once I have begun, set a time to stop, even if I haven’t finished. All those comments and messages will still be there next time, to pick up where I left off, and I’ve learnt that folk don’t think any less of me for taking a little longer to reply sometimes. Good luck holding on to that handle, you’ll find the best way x
Colleen says
Blogs are very addictive and I think we all strive to find that perfect balance. I too, am trying to find a happy medium. Its a work in progress……
Marj says
Do what you have to do for Lent and then do it forever if it works. You’ll find the balance. Love your blog. People say the nicest things to you in the comments and I have to agree with most if not all of them. You are funny, frank, honest, open, and truthful. Do you have one of Mother Teresa’s books I could borrow?
Nicole Spring says
I’m right there with you. .. especially the madness of the mind part. In fact I posted about it earlier, too!
heathermama says
i am so glad i found your blog. your openness to being human is so refreshing. it is interesting that you are writing about your computer time as my husband and i were just talking about it today (my time, not yours). he was so sweet to get me a laptop for christmas, but honestly it feels like a bit of a mistake. before the little boys and i had to share one, so there was just no way i could be on it all the time… now, well, i am on it alot. alot more then i like at the end of the day. i am not really sure what to do about it, but i like seeing that i am not the only one trying to find a happy medium.
a little crafty nest says
Dear Ginny, I think the biggest draw for me to read your blog, religiously, is how frank and honest and humble you are. Sincerely, you make me laugh out loud (a lot) at your reflections on your own human-ness (is that a word?). So, it is with no surprise that this post inspires me to reflect on my own computer time, and as you say, it is not a unique thing at all. But, I also find I creep over to the computer more and more lately, and I think a little self-control is a good thing. So, thank you (once again) for being real, keeping it real, and being so darn funny. Like that last photo ~ love it!
xo Jules
Nicole says
Ginny, my name is Nicole and I have started reading your blog recently…I have just been rethinking and figuring out how to get my computer time in, without it disrupting my flow with the kids or pulling me in for longer then I intended. I am currently trying, trying to look at blogs after kids are asleep…as a start. Good luck 🙂 BTW, love your blog!
Grace says
Such a balancing act. I’m not doing very well with my Lenten computer goals. At all. Sigh.