For the past week, I have finally moved to my new home. This was actually my old house. In fact, most of the stuff were left here, when I went away to California for a while. So, it was more like moving back home, which was strangely unfamiliar. I've been living out of a suitcase for too long, where my belongings consisted of my basic necessities and books. Now, it feels strange to be able to settle down and unpack, and to be able to get acquainted with so many things I had left behind.
One shocking experience I had during this week was not having internet at home. I suddenly found myself with copious amounts of free time. I actually got bored, which was a sensation I had not felt since the summer between 10th and 11th grade. In addition, I was literally out of the loop. I was not able to check my e-mails or access other resources, which I needed to get to to keep up with things happening in school, and with keeping up with the few household appliances I purchased. Eventually, I had to go to school, in order to get started on a project which was explained on the school website.
The point is this: ten years ago, it was not a big deal to go a day without the internet. There were many other things to be done: watch TV, read books, play sports outside, etc. But, through the years, the internet has gradually become a dominant part of my habitual lifestyle, that now, it is nearly impossible to voluntarily go a day without it. That was a scary thought.
Written on May 30, 2010