Things I used to do before I had a computer

Friday, September 11, 2009

I realized back in 1999, that I was a technology junkie! I have a computer, a laptop, an I-pod, an old xbox, and a wii; all equally entertaining. Earlier this year, I decided I didn't need so many books laying around the house and invested in a Kindle, which is an awesome thing to travel with.

Today, I have to admit that I have given up a lot in becoming so fascinated with technology. I used to crochet. I still have an afghan that is 3/4 complete. I love to stamp. I used to make cards a lot. I'm also a movie buff, but lately I listen to more movies than I actually watch.

I am not so blind to think that my situation is unique, but it really makes me wonder. If this generation is the technology generation, what hope is there for the future? We want everything easier and faster.

What things are becoming extinct because of the rise in technology? Will we be sorry some day that the old ways are gone and did the ones before us feel the same? It's no wonder we are becoming a society of couch potatoes! No wonder I'm overweight.

Microsoft realized the problem with this and developed the wii--I guess its okay to sit in front a TV all day as long as your holding controls and moving. Hmmm.....

As I start to develop my plans for scheduling my life, I have determined that I want to limit my time with technology and get back to some basics. I want to plan time to take up my old hobbies again, to play board and card games with my family and hey, let's get crazy and make a card of two. Now don't go thinking that I'm gonna go all crazy on this and that you won't get to read my silly rants any more.

I won't give up my technology, I enjoy it too much. But I can have the courage to put it where it belongs and focus on what's important......my family.....my health.......and my creativity.

And I thought scheduling my life was going to be sooooooo easy!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

PEGUS63 9/13/2009 7:46AM

It consumes a lot of my time, but at least Im educating myself and not watching TV. Report Inappropriate Comment

KING*GET*FIT 9/12/2009 4:26PM

I stayed away from computers for a long time. Now I'm making up for it. lol Report Inappropriate Comment

FROGGEE 9/12/2009 8:08AM

I loved your blog. I think about that occasionally. I have to have an end time for computer time so it doesn't overrun the other things I want to spend my time on. Report Inappropriate Comment

NANCY- 9/12/2009 12:27AM

What your schedule isn't on your computer???? LOL Enjoy getting back to real life. Report Inappropriate Comment

WLROSIE 9/11/2009 9:35PM

There was life before computers? Before SparkPeople? Report Inappropriate Comment

GINILEE4 9/11/2009 8:40PM

I spend sooo much time wishing I was better at tech. but I have such a love of books and music and hands on things that I never did catch up. I rhink , now, I'm happy where I am. Am I getting old? Gini Report Inappropriate Comment

LUCKYDUCK2 9/11/2009 8:37PM

Boy, do I understand what you are saying here. I cannot imagine NOT having a computer! I don't do any of the other things yet. My Grandson is a techno junkie and he is only eight. It is a real struggle to pull the DS out of his hands or the Playstation3 and get his buns outside. Once out there, he does not know what to do with himself. I remember imagination and what a great playmate she was. SIGH Report Inappropriate Comment

VGIMLET 9/11/2009 5:28PM

Great blog, and I agree. You made me think about how much I'm on the computer instead of doing other things. Yes, including rubber stamping, LOL. Hmm, I agree, maybe time to make some room for other things again. Report Inappropriate Comment

POSITIVELY_EB 9/11/2009 5:27PM

I LOVE your "rants!' This is probably one of the BEST ones I've read anywhere! And I would have to agree with you! What price are we paying for all this techno-stuff? Hugs! Beverly Report Inappropriate Comment

This, that, and the other thing......

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

Life has been such a hodge podge of circumstances lately. My youngest left the nest to live on his own and he is having a tough time of it. He moved into an apartment with his best friend and the best friends girlfriend. It's not going too well. There has been a lot of selfishness and imaturity going on. My heart goes out to him, not a great first experience living on his own. He is definitely learning from it. It is hard being the parent and not be able to swoop in and make it all better.

My step son is going through a divorce. That threw us for a loop. We didn't see it coming and it have been very hard on my husband. My hubby has been divorced twice and we are concerned that our son is making too light of marriage. They have been married 8 years and have a two year old. The divorce has been very amicable but I know his ex is having a hard time.

They are sharing custody but I can already see that the back and forth has been hard for their daughter. It is tough. There is also a new girlfriend (happened after the separation). My husband is having trouble accepting her, but I really like her. I understand my son's reasons for the divorce, even if personally I'm not an advocate of divorce, and I really care for his ex.

In addition to that my husband has been depressed and very negative for the past year. It has been very frustrating to be around some one who is negative all the time. We had a long talk about it this weekend. We usually like to take road trips. We have a great time talking and sharing. But in the last year, I have started taking my IPod and reading when we go places, because I get tired of being the sunshine on a cloudy day.

So we had a long talk and I agreed to limit the IPod and reading if he will try and can the negativity. I don't know how he can keep up the negative.....it's exhausting. We ended up having a great day. We were able to discuss everything without anger. I'm so glad as we were starting to drift apart a little; each doing our own thing. And we have never been that way. We have always been able to make each other laugh and have a good time.

So now, I'm trying to schedule my life more. I think living by schedule might be just what I need to ensure a good fitness routine. I also informed the hubby that he is going to have to learn to use the wii! He's a little old school and 11 years older than me. I think he'll like it as long as no one else knows about it!!! So this is my goal today. Organize and schedule-----eliminate some chaos! Is that possible? I guess we will see!

Lose weight today, ok?

P.S. Just to clarify--DH and I are okay, never in any danger. Just a little bump.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

GINILEE4 9/10/2009 1:34PM

I hear you. Drifting apart after a lot of years happens and you have to catch it quickly. I'm so glad you and dh talked. It seems to me that so many people could solve so many problems if they would just take the time to talk and LISTEN. Great job on getting organized and it will help. I am trying to do the same. I am the old fashioned one with us. DH is very progressive. Take care and have fun on WII Gini Report Inappropriate Comment

ORANGESERBERT 9/9/2009 11:16PM

That is a lot! What does DH=? I noticed a lot of people seem to have this DH on sparkpeople.. o.O It's great you were able to talk to him. 11 years apart.. Rob and I are 11 years apart :) He is "old school" too lol. I think it's hilarious when he mentions something and I go huh because its a reference from his generation not mine. What fun you two must have on those "sunny" days. You can do a routine it may be difficult with all that's going on (I have that same issue when there is a lot going on) but I know you can do it! Report Inappropriate Comment

ELLENIRENE 9/9/2009 7:05AM

It's good your DH and you can have open discussions. That is good. Life always has to throw curves. I guess that makes us appreciate the good times. Report Inappropriate Comment

POSITIVELY_EB 9/8/2009 11:01PM

We all have bumps in the road we have to deal with! You handled yours very well! Hugs! Beverly Report Inappropriate Comment

LUCKYDUCK2 9/8/2009 10:50PM

You and DH are more then OK...it sounds like a very solid relationship built on good communication skills by both of you. Awesome! You both talk and listened to each other. I am so sorry to hear about your sons and what is happening. It is hard to stand back and watch. As parents, we do want to make their lives less bumpy too. I hope they listen and learn from both of you . Report Inappropriate Comment

AMBERROGUE 9/8/2009 5:40PM

So glad you two were able to compromise! It's such an important part of a relationship. So sorry to hear that your step-son is going through a divorce. Even if it's amicable, it's not an easy thing to go through. And your youngest with his growing pains will pull through, even if he has to resort to hiding his things or whatnot. I roomed with my best friend after college and I maintain to this day that it was the worst possible move I could have ever done. We had a falling out and even though we talk now, we never did talk about what happened. Live and learn, huh? HUGS to you! I hope everything works out! Brightest Blessings, Kitten Report Inappropriate Comment

MAINLADY 9/8/2009 5:03PM

Sounds like you have a plan. It's always difficult when we see our kids unhappy or struggling, but we have to let them go and hope everything turns out okay. I'm glad that you and DH are able to talk things out. It's always sad to see marriages in trouble. Talking is the best medicine if we can do it without anger and really listen to each other. Hope things will continue to get better. Hugs, Sharon Report Inappropriate Comment

P316LEIA 9/8/2009 4:53PM

Glad you talked with your husband and are working through the issues. Report Inappropriate Comment

Becks Solution and Laura Ingalls Wilder??

Sunday, September 06, 2009

I've recently started the Becks Diet Solution; I'm on day 12 to be exact. I must admit, I was a little worried to start my day. I read my next days challenge before bed so that I'm ready for the day. When I read that I could have breakfast and dinner but no lunch----my jaw dropped and the panic set in. How in the world would I be able to succeed at that?

We decided to drive up to DeSmet, SD for the day. Laura Ingalls Wilder grew up there and most of her books were based on this homestead. They have a real interesting set up. You get to see dugout homes, shanty's, Ma's first house and the stable. Then you take a covered wagon ride to the school house and the teacher is there and you get a 15 minute lesson. It was quite entertaining and involved quite a bit of walking....bonus.

About half way through the day, my blood sugar made a dip. It was a warm humid day and that didn't help. I wasn't sure I was going to be able to make the rest of the tour. I sat down for awhile and then forged on. We had a nice time and really enjoyed ourselves.

I thought for sure I was going to have to eat something. We went and got a Diet Coke and that made things tolerable until we got home and had dinner. I DID IT. And really it wasn't that bad except for the small dip. It really put things in perspective. And that is what it was supposed to do. You may be hungry, but it is not an emergency. You can survive with less.

I'm really enjoying this project and the most important thing is, it is helping.

Doesn't mean I'm not nervous to read tomorrow's plan!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

GINILEE4 9/8/2009 2:19PM

OOOHHH Is not having lunch something you will continually do, or was this just to show you that you can do with less food? I question any diet that leaves you hungry. Gini Report Inappropriate Comment

DEEGIRL50 9/7/2009 9:30AM

And what will tomorrow bring? I three meals a day. Sometimes I eat according to the instead of my stomach. That's probably what I need to learn from Day 12! You did Report Inappropriate Comment

REDHALOANGEL 9/7/2009 12:56AM

what is this becks diet that ur on? and what is with the challenges? is it part of the becks diet??? Report Inappropriate Comment

NANCY- 9/7/2009 12:26AM

You did it! You'll do great with Day 13. Report Inappropriate Comment

POSITIVELY_EB 9/6/2009 11:55PM

Interesting! I will be following your progress! So keep posting! Hugs! Beverly Report Inappropriate Comment

MAIZZY 9/6/2009 10:30PM

Way to go girl! Don't you feel great when you reach the end of the day and find that you really did stay on track? I love Laura Ingalls Wilder. I've read all her books (even have them autographed by Garth Williams(illustrator)). I've been to DeSmet many times. Have you every been to the pageant? Good Luck tomorrow! Report Inappropriate Comment

I love blogging. Whoda thunk it?

Thursday, September 03, 2009

There is something quite theraputic about blogging. I've tried it before but found I didn't have a whole lot to say. I guess I didn't have a reason to blog.

Now, I feel more focused when I put things in writing. It pulls me back from the edge, when I may be bordering on doing something I shouldn't. It brings attention to things I'm concerned about. Then an amazing thing happens....Sparkers appear from everywhere.

There is always help right at your fingertips. So many people give of their time with advice, sympathy, and encouragement. It's so heartening! Who knew someone could have so many friends and people who are feeling just like them!

I have already traded messages with so many great people here! I feel so blessed. Some people are going through so much........I just have to count my blessings. I love sharing with you, reading your blogs, and becoming a part of your life. It truely helps.

I'm thankful to my doctor for showing me the way here. I am thankful for the Spark teams I am a part of. I am especially thankful for those of you who have stopped by to say "Hey", or to share a kind word, advice, and the encouragement I need to make progress in my task.

I'm gonna sign off or you will think I've taken too much allergy medicine! Have a great day! I wish you all weight loss!

Keri

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

LUCKYDUCK2 9/6/2009 11:58AM

Isn't it great not having to do this on our own but with the help and advice of "friends"? It really does help one stay focused or continue after an "oops". Report Inappropriate Comment

DEEGIRL50 9/5/2009 9:06AM

"Hey!" I hope to see you in the September BIO. You're fun to be around! Report Inappropriate Comment

MAINLADY 9/4/2009 12:33PM

We're all here to help each other through the hard times and rejoice with each other when we triumph. Spark people are the best extended family that we can have. Keep blogging and keep on sparking. Report Inappropriate Comment

AMBERROGUE 9/4/2009 12:14PM

And I'm thankful for your willingness to read about my life and support me in struggles and triumphs! I'm so glad you're here on spark! Brightest Blessings! Kitten Report Inappropriate Comment

NANCY- 9/4/2009 11:07AM

Keri, I never considered myself to be a writer. Keep a journal? The computer helped bring out a writer in me. It is indeed nice to get feedback. I like your style. Report Inappropriate Comment

POSITIVELY_EB 9/4/2009 12:09AM

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KING*GET*FIT 9/3/2009 6:27PM

I feel the same way! Report Inappropriate Comment

Allergies

Tuesday, September 01, 2009

Is anyone else having trouble with this allergy season? I spent time putting on makeup this morning and by noon, I had rubbed it all off. My eyes are driving me crazy!

I've never been hit this hard. I take Claritin D on an irregular basis(more regular at the moment), but I've never had the itchy eyes like I do now.

The dieting has been going pretty well this week. I'm not getting enough protein though. I'm not a big meat fan. I'm not a vegetarian but I'm not so crazy about meat. I do like eggs, but not every day.

My mission for the week is to investigate more protein options to round out the diet. Any suggestions?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

WASABI601 9/2/2009 12:21PM

Allergies suck. I take zertec D which seems to work great but right now I can't take them, so I'm suffering a little, especially with all the fires burning and soke in the air. As far as extra protein, I take powder protein and make a shake or use a meal replacement. There are a lot of great protein supplements for women out there! LuckyDuck had some great ideas two. Cottage cheese is a great source as well as peanut butter, plus peanut butter is a source of good fats. Keep up the good work!! Report Inappropriate Comment

LUCKYDUCK2 9/2/2009 1:20AM

I don't really seem to deal with allergys. I hope yours improve! I like melting a little peanut butter and using it for a dip when I have an apple. Good source of protein and complex carb. Other good source of protein for me is fat free cottage cheese. I will mix a 1/4 cup in my yogurt to up the protein levels. I know you don't care for meat but fat free hot dogs are not too bad. Very low in calories and not greasy tasting. In the search engine here at the top of your sparkpage, type in protein or good sources for protein and you will find articles with suggestions. Also...go to the nutrition articles . I use them all the time when I get in a slump. Have another great day tomorrow. Report Inappropriate Comment

POSITIVELY_EB 9/1/2009 11:38PM

Sorry to hear about the allergies! Out here in Nebraska it is ALWAYS allergy season! I'm doing the MRC (Metabolic Research Center) weightloss plan - lots of protein. Basically, I eat 3 meals with lots of protein in each and 2 snacks that are pure protein. Then with each of the meals I have a protein supplement with 15 grams of protein in each one - so that is 45 grams just with the supplements alone. You might try looking for a protein powder that supports weightloss - most are for adding muscle. But it's something the think about. Hugs! Beverly Report Inappropriate Comment

KELLYC_14FAN 9/1/2009 7:35PM

My allergies have been going crazy lately!! The hubby's too!! Itchy eyes, sneezing, puffy eyes, itchy throat!! Nothing seems to help. As for protein, I am the same way. I try and eat yogurt and cheese and nuts to get more protein. Report Inappropriate Comment

ROLLER-GIRL 9/1/2009 7:22PM

Sorry to hear about the allergies. There are a lot of protein sources other than meat. Try things like beans or lentils. Also, many foods made with whole grains have more protein than those containing white flour. Personally, I really like lowfat cottage cheese and nonfat yogurt as well. I'm not sure if you have Trader Joe's where you are, but where I live the Trader Joe's sells a great Greek yogurt that has much more protein than regular yogurt. And then of course, there are soybeans and soy products such as tofu. I'm not a huge tofu eater myself (I don't despise it the way some do), but one of my favorite snacks is edamame (soybeans). Report Inappropriate Comment