Do As I Say, NOT as I Do

Something every parent teaches their children is internet safety. At least when they are old enough to understand it.

A few months ago Mike (husband aged 43) broke some of those rules. He became friendly with a friend of a friend. A man who had a common bond with Mike, he was on the same submarine... 20 years before Mike! Mike and him have become friendly through Facebook.

Gannon McHale, is currently acting in the play Tuesdays with Morrie at the Barter Theatre in Abington, NC. He contacted Mike last week to see if we would be home, on Sunday, so that he could come for a visit. Although Gannon feels he sits center left on many political issues, I knew for a fact before meeting him his opinions are FAR left of mine and Mike's. So, I promised Mike I would be a decent hostess and not start any political conversations.

It turned out to be a good visit. He brought his guitar and had a jam session with Jacob and Adam (visiting friend from CT).

Even the dog enjoyed the visit.

We managed to stay clear of any hot topics for the visit, but I just couldn't resist, when at the last minute he announced he was planning on leaving I just had to bring up one! My bad, I know!! We had a brief discussion on the Arizona Immigration Law. I won't bore you with the details, but as suspected... he has it ALL wrong!! LOL!

So, all is well that ends well. (Is that the saying?) Mike and I however, are being diligent to continue teaching our kids what NOT to do with strangers on the internet.

How do I spend my time?

I'm sure I've mentioned it before, we live out in the middle of no where. This was, I realize by choice, so I can't complain.

A disadvantage to living so rural is there isn't high speed internet readily available, nor scheduled to be in the near future, through the phone lines. As a result we have to get it through satellite and pay handsomely for it. Even more of a hassle the internet satellite company has structured their plans so the less you pay the less you are allowed to download in a 24 hour period!! (I'm not giving you the name of the company, because if I do I may really go off on a rant. Have never been happy with them.) To top it all off they get you into a contract for 2 years!!!

When we moved here, almost 2 years ago, we found the expense justifiable. The kids need it for school. We can continue to do our home banking. The adjustment to living in the boonies won't be as drastic. The cost of gas to drive all the way to town for free wi-fi wasn't really an option.

As a result we have settled in quite nicely to our routine. Using the internet and paying the bill. However, recently Mike and I have realized we are ALL spending too much time "staying connected". Both computers stay on the kitchen table all day connected to the internet. My computer even gives a little alert signal when email comes into my box!! I'm quick to sit and send off a reply.

We have 4 months left on our contract with the satellite company, but I've reduced our plan significantly. Download amount has been cut drastically. But, this is all for the best! We have set up an hour limit per day for each of us. 30 minutes at a time or however you want to break up your time. The hour rule is more to get us realizing the time we spend using the internet, and hopefully break our poor habits. We have also started shutting the computers down in between, so the temptation isn't there.

It is amazing how after just a couple days of this new routine to realize what a BIG part of MY day I spent just reading and replying to email or reading things on Facebook! I'm disgusted with myself!

This is a positive for all of us, and I'm pleased that Mike and I are setting the example for our kids and correcting the problem. Will keep you posted.... well if I allow enough time for it...