Late last week, due to winter sickness, I took a day off work to stay in bed, rest up and drink hot-gingery-lemony drinks. I was feeling rather sorry for myself, but happy that I’d get to be lazy all day and maybe watch a nice movie on my Apple TV or surf the Internet for pretty and interesting things, in between bouts of sleeping.
Setting off on my plan to lie down between cosy blankets and do eff-all, all day long, I was rather frustrated to learn that my Internet connection was not working. I set off to problem solve, involving pretty much everyone who lives in my household, and the “Telstra guy” to help me. I needed to solve this. Like I said, I was sick and feeling rather sorry for myself.
All bills had been paid, the month had ticked over, so we had full Internet speed, and so it was suggested that I turn all modems, computers etc off and back on. After turning the modem off and on, the Apple Extreme off and on, and the Apple Express, off and on….uh….I don’t know…..7 times, I had to admit defeat.
I was extremely frustrated, I was angry that I couldn’t get it working, and I may have sworn at inanimate objects (which is very silly when you think about it… The TV can’t hear me)
I jumped straight for my phone, which had an Internet connection. I needed to quickly Facebook something, Tweet something. Damn it, INSTAGRAM SOMETHING!!! Did. Then I was suddenly awash with the realisation that hey…. I didn’t HAVE TO be on the Internet all day. I could even maybe, who knows?, it sounds crazy but… I could read a book!
I’ve always been aware of it, but it really highlighted to me, that as a Designer I spend most of my work hours in front of a computer, and having a blog which I care about means I also spend most evenings on the computer, researching, editing photos and coming up with content. I’m often on my phone, checking what’s going on with my friends on Instagram or reading articles that have been recommended by the people I follow on Twitter. It’s so easy to just reach for technology when it’s all around us. Which is why it is so important to make the time to step outside and get involved in activities which do not directly involve a phone, a computer screen, or an internet connection.
Now I am completely aware that as I write this post, I am in front of my laptop typing away, and that to post it I will need my (sometimes) trusty Internet connection. I get that posting this on my blog is somewhat hypocritical. But you know, I’m ok with that. I love that the Internet gives me the opportunity to communicate with others, the fact that I can access information from all over the world. I like having the option of being connected. But my little, experience made me realise how dependent I can be on being “connected”, and made me question, what are some of my favourite things to do that do not directly involve being connected to the interwebs?
So here goes…. here are some of my favourite things to do, which do not involve my computer screen.
1. Last Sunday, with the help of some sunshine, and my fella, I set off to the park to sit under a tree and read a book. It was a really relaxing and lovely thing to do. If you add a picnic blanket some olives, dip and cold cuts…it’s pretty much the best day ever. Currently I am reading Grace: A Memoir
2. Often when I am bored and need to get out of the house on the weekends I will head to NGV or ACMI to catch an exhibition. There are always so many great exhibitions in Melbourne. At the moment there are three which I am very keen to see. Hollywood Costume at ACMI, Dior & Yamamoto and Monet’s Garden both at NGV International.
3. I am definitely a novice, and have a few projects that need finishing, but sewing has become a new little hobby for me. I try to make it a rule to invest in a short course or two every single year wether it be, drawing, sewing, crocheting, painting etc. I like that it keeps me learning new things, helps me practice existing hobbies, and allows me to meet new people with similar interests. I often do my short courses at RMIT and CAE.
4. Another new hobby for me is jogging. Although I don’t really feel like I can call it jogging yet (I’m currently doing a program called Run 5k which slowly builds one up to running 5k (no surprise there). I’m really enjoying it and find it’s a really nice way to clear my head and be active. My current motivation is the fact I will be running the 5k run at the Melbourne Marathon this October.
5. Music has always been a massive part of my life. I grew up in a household where there was music playing every single day. When I was living with my sister one of my absolute favourite pastimes was to sit outside in our back yard and play music together. She plays the guitar, ukulele and keyboard. I however have stuck only to the uke in current times. And although I am a complete newbie at it, and very rusty as I have not practiced in a while it was such great little hobby. I love that we would teach each other songs, share ideas, interpretations and create all these different sounds. Something, which now I’ve written it down, I should really be getting back into. You should watch this video because it is awesome!
So there are some things, which I love doing, that do not need wi-fi. And although I will still be spending time on my phone instagramming, and on my blog typing away, I’d like to think that I will now be a bit more aware and take the time to do some of these important activities, which get me outside and make me happy.
I’d absolutely love to hear what some of your favourite pastimes are too! So please, go on, leave a comment below.
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