I'm an input junkie.  I've got the t.v. on for hours a day -- and half the time, I don't even know what's on it.  I just keep it on for noise.  Why, with three kids, I need noise is a mystery even to me.  I check my email obsessively practically every time I walk past my computer (it's in the kitchen, in a far too convenient location).  I love to read.  I love to listen to NPR.  I love to read the newspaper, usually on-line.  I love to read blogs, which are on-line by definition.  When the phone rings, I answer it.  Usually, I don't get through a phone call without my cell phone also ringing. 

For some time now, I've marveled at the serenity of Mrs. Motivational, Metro but Manly Man .  She has 5 kids, but whenever I see her, her clothes are pressed, her hair is done, and she looks utterly unflappable.  Apparently, she actually sleeps at night, in spite of having a child younger than my baby.  Her children are clean, beautifully clothed, and always have the most amazing hair-dos and bows and color-coordinated everything.  When you want to reach Mrs. MMMM, you must actually lift the phone off its receiver, dial it, and give her a call.  You can't casually fire off an email an expect a swift response.  She is blissfully and happily unaware of any and all homeschool support group drama.  In short, I want to be HER. 

I want there to be drama that I don't know about.  I want children with neat hair and clean clothes.  I want to be unflappable. 

Two weeks or so ago, I started a self-improvement initiative that I will now refer to as a half-measure.  I decided to use my oven timer to carefully alot myself only 30 minutes a day of computer time.  That lasted exactly one day and then poof!  It was gone with the wind at the first sign of trouble.  I'm sure that out of the last 2 weeks, I have spent an estimated 48 hours on my computer.  Two days of my life, my kids' lives, my husband's life, my dog and cat have surely even suffered.  I spent this time carefully drafting honest and open responses to the same questions over and over -- and usually to the exact same people.  So what was the use?  Email has not made my life easier and more convenient at the level I've been accustomed to using it.  It has, in fact, cost me much time and energy. 

So, for one week, starting at noon tomorrow, I can be reached at the same internet service provider as my role model, Mrs. MMMM:  queenofthehill@callmeonthephone.com.  And if I'm not too busy enjoying my newfound serenity, I'll answer.

• Post A Comment! • Send to a Friend!

Posted by eclecticityTia

I can't cut myself down to that little of computer time on a regular basis but if it works for you, great!! My own friendship with Mrs. MMMM somehow survives her lack of emailicity :-). You are doing the exact thing I wrote about while working on my book yesterday...living a deliberate life is looking at the exterior of your life, WHY you live the way you do, and seeing how it matches what your internal values are. It is making choices that align your external with your internal which leads away from frustration and disappointment and straight to peace. Now, I still am not about to break out the smocked dresses and iron BUT Mrs. MMMM has taught me through the years that it is indeed possible to value ways and ideas that transcend whatever the current fad of the day is, that a quiet(er) home is attainable, and that there is a smiling peace that comes with it.

So let us know how it goes!!

• Permanent Link

Posted by SmallWorld

i bet you would look SO CUTE in a smocked dress! ;-)

• Permanent Link