Nepper's Unplugged

Well, I did it. My 24 hours without the computer. No e-mail, no blogs, not even checking the weather. Was it hard? Absolutely! I think prior to the challenge, I really truly believed that I didn't use the computer that much. Boy, was I wrong!

About halfway through the day, it occurred to me just how many times I nearly walked over to the computer and turned it on. Way too many. Its such a habit.

And I was grumpy. The Hubby can attest to that one! I'm not sure I was entirely grumpy due to the lack of computer, but I was definitely grumpy.

So what did I learn? Well, I spend way too much time on here, no matter how "productive" I might think that time is. I think I often use my computer time as a time to unwind and zone out. Somehow I feel like I have "earned" this time. With two little people taking up the majority of my day, I truly feel like I need some me time. And I suppose if that's spent on the computer, watching TV, reading a book, on the phone to a friend, whatever - that's not necessarily a bad thing.

But I do think when it starts taking up the time I should be spending doing other things, that's when it becomes a problem, and a sign that my priorities are out of line. If I use the computer right up until the last minute in the afternoon, and I don't have dinner ready for Rob when he gets home, that's out of line. If I let Abbi watch too much morning TV so I can spend more time on the computer, that's out of line. If I eat my lunch or dinner at the computer while my family is at the dinner table, totally out of line.

So yeah. I admit I am a computer addict. Some days more than others. And so I need to try to not be on here when the kids are awake. When Rob is home, and not otherwise occupied. And basically when I have other housekeeping things to take care of. Rob told me once that I need to treat being a stay-at-home-Mom and a housewife like its a job. At the time I was highly offended. But I do get what he is saying...

This is where I am at in life, my lot. Its quite a nice lot really. But one that I need to treat with high regard, and take pride in. My home, my family, my children, are all a reflection of me. And hopefully one that can reflect Jesus at the same time. Obviously I'm not perfect, and I do fail, daily. But I think this challenge kind of reminded me of where my priorities are a bit off, and how I can fix them.

So I can't say I did anything really spectacular with my "free" time, but I did get a few things done that I had wanted to.

First off, I finally hung this gorgeous picture that Ruth gave me for Christmas. Its not in its final place, but I'm happy where it is for now. Isn't it beautiful? Before Christmas the only clue she gave me was that it was something she bought 11 years ago. She bought it on a cruise to Alaska. It had recently occurred to her how perfect it was for us, and so she gave it to me this past year for Christmas. The artist Marianne Wieland. Its called "On The Wings of a Prayer." I love it for so many reasons, including all of the Christian and Native American symbols used in it.
I also tried to organize this mess. I'm trying to sort through all of our pictures to see which ones are doubles, and which ones need to be added to the albums. Its bad when you let it go for so long...not to mention a giant mess!I also finally got the baskets under the side tables. The books look so scattered and messy. So Rob used his handy dandy new spray gun to stain the baskets. They didn't go as dark as I wanted them to because there was some kind of clear coat on the basket, but I think the color looks a lot better. Plus, it looks way more organized.I also got a sweet pic of our little man. So serious! The hat says "Little Peanut." Courtesy of my friend Amanda.
We went out for our first Spring walk. It was a mess. I told Rob we should have a 5th season here in Alberta called "Mud and Potholes." Driving is nuts the way you are swerving to avoid the massive potholes. And then the melting snow means mud, mud, and more mud (from the sand they use on the roads to create traction, because its too cold for road salt). So yuck. Today I got Abbi some splash pants, so she can truly enjoy all that the season has to offer (Mom shudder!). So here are some pics from our walk, and Abbi enjoying the puddles.