Last Thursday morning, my work was suddenly interrupted by one of the loudest claps of thunder I think I have ever heard. The flash of lightning lit up the overcast day simultaneously with the noise. I jumped, knocking papers off my desk as I flailed about. Miraculously, our electricity didn't even flicker. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for our internet connection. From about 10am on Thursday until mid afternoon the following Monday, our internet worked for a few minutes at a time then stalled for several. It was next to impossible to get anything done for work, for personal or recreational purposes.
During that time, I was reminded just how dependent I have become on the internet. I pay my bills online. I do most all of the research I perform in my business online. I write and post to sites online. I service customer's websites online. I even keep up with what is happening with my friends and family online. This weekend, I was trying to make final plans for vacation online. But for four days, it was nearly impossible to accomplish anything in a timely manner due to the issues we were experiencing with our internet.
This dependence is alarming. I realized just how much of my life is tied up with the computer and my ability to access the internet. Fortunately, my computer still worked and I could access the files saved to it. But the experience of losing the internet for those four days caused me to evaluate how difficult it would be for me to access essential information if I were to lose not only the internet, but my computers as well. If the files stored on my computers were to suddenly become inaccessible, I'm afraid I would be at a loss as to how to function. I wouldn't know essential account numbers, phone numbers of friends and family or emergency contacts, where my business accounts stand or a myriad of other important factors which I need at my fingertips daily.
I want to be ecologically friendly and I'm trying to cut down on my use of paper. So I save things on my computers. But now I realize I must find ways to store my essential information in ways I can access it even if the power were to go out.
Actually, I'm grateful for that close lightning strike that took place last week. It was a wake up call to prepare for the very real possibility of life without all of our electronic gadgets. I'm looking for ways to balance my dependence on computers and the internet with some kind or kinds of ways to keep my essential information accessible even in the absence of electricity. This may be an exercise many of us should embrace.
During that time, I was reminded just how dependent I have become on the internet. I pay my bills online. I do most all of the research I perform in my business online. I write and post to sites online. I service customer's websites online. I even keep up with what is happening with my friends and family online. This weekend, I was trying to make final plans for vacation online. But for four days, it was nearly impossible to accomplish anything in a timely manner due to the issues we were experiencing with our internet.
This dependence is alarming. I realized just how much of my life is tied up with the computer and my ability to access the internet. Fortunately, my computer still worked and I could access the files saved to it. But the experience of losing the internet for those four days caused me to evaluate how difficult it would be for me to access essential information if I were to lose not only the internet, but my computers as well. If the files stored on my computers were to suddenly become inaccessible, I'm afraid I would be at a loss as to how to function. I wouldn't know essential account numbers, phone numbers of friends and family or emergency contacts, where my business accounts stand or a myriad of other important factors which I need at my fingertips daily.
I want to be ecologically friendly and I'm trying to cut down on my use of paper. So I save things on my computers. But now I realize I must find ways to store my essential information in ways I can access it even if the power were to go out.
Actually, I'm grateful for that close lightning strike that took place last week. It was a wake up call to prepare for the very real possibility of life without all of our electronic gadgets. I'm looking for ways to balance my dependence on computers and the internet with some kind or kinds of ways to keep my essential information accessible even in the absence of electricity. This may be an exercise many of us should embrace.
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