My internet crashed yesterday. Although I live in the middle of nowhere, I am blessed to have fiber optic service. It all started when I took my computer station apart so the workers could install a new floor in my office she-shed, an activity that has been traumatic, to say the least.

I unplugged something having to do with the fiber, and when they finished, I couldn’t get it to come back online. I called the remote tech person and followed their instructions, but sadly, it did not work. Because they were backed up from a recent storm, the internet provider said it would be late the next day before they arrived.

The whole thing was driving me crazy because, not only was I antsy about being kicked out of my office, but my husband kept bugging me every hour or so about whether we had service.

 NON INTERNET ACTIVITIES ENGAGED IN

These are in no particular order.

Gossip with friends. I spoke with two friends to pass the time; however, it was interrupted by the worker who needed a part to install the new toilet.

Running errands. Boy, was I thankful I had to go into town for the part and to pick up my husband’s medicine.  

Sitting on the couch watching TV. I tried this but became filled with guilt. What a waste of my time. I should be writing, at least a blog, but had no clue what to write about. Soon, the guilt was so strong that I forced myself to take constructive action.

Writing this blog. Thank God I finally came up with something. However, I had to go outside to my party porch as my husband was watching TV, the woman who cleans was busy, and the guys were banging away in my office.

Snake watching. Surprised you with this one, didn’t I? I surprised myself, too. I came out to the porch to write this blog. I looked at the far corner and noticed something wrapped around the post. Upon closer inspection, I realized that it was a rather long (fish long? At least 5 feet?). I took a few pictures and decided to leave it alone. The killer instinct was not in me.  Eventually, it had enough and slithered down the porch and off into the grass.

Bird listening. The truth is that my bird friends are fair-weather friends and don’t come around unless there is food in the feeder. There is nothing for them to munch on so they lurk in the trees nearby where I can’t see them, only hear them.  Here’s what the Merlin bird app identified: American crow, white-eyed vireo, Carolina wren, tufted titmouse, blue-gray gnatcatcher, northern cardinal, and Carolina chickadee. Before I turned it on, I swore I heard a red-tailed hawk.

NON INTERNET ACTIVIES I COULDA SHOULDA ENGAGED IN IF I WEREN’T SO LAZY

Confession time. I have moved piles of stuff that I did not get rid of into a storage barn and the office bedroom. These piles need to be sorted, and I need to decide whether to build a new bookcase or reassemble the old one. I did try yesterday to find some income tax papers that needed to go to the accountant, but no cigar. Today, I didn’t even try.

NON INTERNET CHEATING

1. Did you really think I could make it a whole day without sucking up some stuff on the internet?

I did use my phone to scroll Facebook, to determine whether the snake was a moccasin, check email, and read the newspapers. My general morning routine via my phone is to scan the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the Houston Chronicle. I also make it a point to read Heather Cox Richardson.

LAST THOUGHTS ON NO INTERNET

I have lived most of my life without the internet. Now I can’t work or entertain myself without it. Dang nab it! To add insult to injury, Alexa wouldn’t even help me this morning by turning off the air purifier or flipping on the lights.

How did we live without it?

Oh, got to go! The internet provider is on the way!

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