I waffled about writing a post for today. I just moved (yes, it FINALLY happened). I’m sick. And I have no internet. But I decided I wanted get out and see the community and see if there really was a Starbucks with internet close by. And I was in luck!
Today’s Writing Prompt: How has the internet changed your life – professionally and/or personally?
Here we go…
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I was reading someone’s Facebook page just a bit ago and something she said struck. Nothing has changed and yet everything has changed.
She meant it in a more serious way but I really thought about it. So much has finally changed in my life. We’re now living in a new state, in a new house. Everything is different and yet it’s not. I have the same furniture and dishes. And I guess I’ll remember all of that once I unpack the 927 boxes I have.
But I decided to take a spin out into our new little suburban town to see if I could find some free wifi. Although my husband promised we would have it the day we moved it, Comcast (which seems to have quite the reputation) didn’t follow through on their word. So we have no internet. Let that sink in. NO INTERNET.
It’s not like we’re on vacation or something. The internet is my lifeline. It’s my social community. It’s my profession. It’s how I stay connected to the world and to people. And, yes, I have a “real life” in which I do that too.
So I set out for that free wifi. I had heard that was a small STarbucks in the Safeway grocery store and so I thought I’d check it out. But I felt weird carrying my laptop into the grocery store. So I drove around and found a freestanding Starbucks. I think it must be new. Super friendly people. So I sat down in a comfy chair with my iced green tea latte and logged on. I feel at home. I feel connected. Everything has changed and yet here you all are.
I’m so excited and I can’t wait to get living my new life.
Yes, you’re right. Everything has changed but we’re all here. In some ways the Internet being a constant helps us all stay connected and when I don’t have any connection it feels very strange – some days it’s disconcerting like I’m missing so much and other times it feels wonderfully liberating. I hope you settle in nicely in your new home and good luck getting your Internet very soon.
I know what you’re saying. When you CHOOSE to be offline, it’s a great feeling. But when you WANT to be online and you can’t, it sucks!!
I wrote my post but I don’t see a linky thing. I will put my link here and check back for a link later:
http://juliejordanscott.typepad.com/julie_unplugged/2012/05/socsundaymay13.html
I added your link!
Thank the universe for wifi hot spots.
It’s what I’m using right this very second.
I’m excited for you! Newness and change! You also sound pretty good with it all. Comcast is always a stinker in my opinion. Have a great day and will cross my fingers that you get connected soon!
Gina
Thanks, Gina. Yeah, I haven’t heard good things about Comcast but I’m at their mercy. Soon I hope!
I sometimes think it is really crazy how quickly we have adjusted to the reliance on the internet for our work, our lives, and our entertainment. Â I heard the other day that the current largest phobia in the world is the fear of not being connected. Â This is why so many people are lost if they forget their cell phones or cannot get on the internet.
You know what? It’s true. But a few days away and you kind of forget. Of course, it could be because I’m busy with other things like unpacking boxes.
Thank God for free wifi! I freak if I can’t find it!
I should have said Starbucks is my constant 😉
Oh the internet – a lifeline to so many people! I don’t know how i’d live without it now and I have no idea how I ever lived without it! And Starbucks is almost as necessary 🙂 glad you found both in your new town!
Oh – it’s a brand new Starbucks! I feel like I’m set! Almost…
Hope you’ll be able to settle in quickly and enjoy living this “new” life… hopefully, with internet access very soon. I was gone all weekend and didn’t have a chance to sit and do my usual internet browsing, blog reading/writing until we got home tonight… I was never happier when I finally sat down with the computer in my lap.
Yes – that’s what I miss. My time. I’m getting bits and pieces but I know I’m missing out this week!
If I am being honest, I am somewhat envious of your recent move. I watch House Hunters alot. (Probably too much) and ofter dream of moving to a new place. I know it’s not glamorous and really love where I live now, but sometimes I feel like I would like a change. I hope all it going well, that you feel better soon and you get internet soon. For now I will live vicariously thru you.
I am obsessed with House Hunters. But I’m glad I was never on that show. I couldn’t pick between 3 houses. I’m just working on  my “after” shot. I have to tell you, I loved where I lived too… until I moved. Now, I’m pretty excited for all the new experiences. Not homesick one bit (yet)!
Thank you. I love reading yours too! Got your link 😉
I’ve never heard of a starbucks in a safeway! How odd!