Friday, August 5, 2011

Disconnected = Connected

Well, I deleted my Facebook account.  At least I hope I did, those Facebook people can be tricky, you know.  I'm afraid to check to see if it's really gone for fear that I will re-activate it.  I haven't received the final word from them saying that it's officially been deleted, but I read online that that can take up to two weeks to happen.
It feels even better than I thought it would.  I had been considering deleting my account for about six months but something about being pregnant with my fourth baby pushed me over the edge.  I realized that this new guy will be here in four months and I need to practice putting more of my attention on the kids, without meaningless distraction.  I did enjoy keeping up with people on a daily basis, but it's pretty obvious that not only are things going to get a lot busier here, but that time is going to fly by and I doubt that when I'm on my death bed I'll wish I had spent more time on Facebook.
I did get some grief from a few people, but for the most part, everyone has been supportive and understanding.  It's not too hard to understand the importance of undivided attention.  Plus, I still have this blog, for goodness' sake, it's not like people can't find me.
Along the same line, both Chris and I are cutting back our cellphone plans for just emergency use after this month.  We had a land line installed (what a headache that was) and this has freed me up even more than leaving Facebook.  I didn't even realize what a part of me my cellphone had become.  Chris had the same feeling, like his iPhone was in someways an extension of himself.  Talking on a land line feels a lot different.  It's not in your pocket, for one thing.  You can't leave your house when you're on it, which means you aren't "multitasking" as much.  There's no talking on your phone when you're heading out the door, or while driving, or in the grocery store.  I feel like I'm more in the moment, more present, actually being there instead of only half there.  I want to shout it from the mountain tops!  PEOPLE!  GET OFF YOUR PHONE!  Engage in what you are doing!  Especially if you're a parent.  I hate thinking about the number of times I've told my kids, "Just a minute" because I'm on the computer or the phone.  What a waste.
This little boy hasn't even arrived and he's already done something for the family.  I KNEW we needed another baby!  I believe he's going to bring balance to this family of ours (and chaos, I know, I know.)
On another note, I bought myself this swimsuit.  (The internet has it's place after all.)  I'm sure I'll look just like the model when I wear it instead of a bloated, swollen, overheated pregnant beach lady.

2 comments:

  1. Sounds like a great plan to simplify you life! I still don't understand what is so important for so many drivers that they need to talk about it RIGHT NOW while driving. I should probably reevaluate my device usage too.

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  2. Julia, I support your decision. I do not have a Facebook account and don't plan on getting one any time soon. However, it is clear from your blog that as a mother, your kids get so much love and attention from you. You put others to shame. XOXO

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