What would you do if the internet went down?

[sasvermont]

This past spring, my provider was not available to me for about 5 weeks. I did go to Starbucks a couple of time, just to open some emails and nothing else.

It seems that when the sap in the maple trees begins to rise up the tree, the density of the sap does not allow the "dish / internet signal" to be strong enough to reach my house.... I know, it sounds like a bunch of hooey but it is true. The year before, I had them switch my connection to dial up but this year, I have reconfigured my land line and have the lowest charge possible, not allowing any "message units" to call out of the area. So it would be a fortune to call / dialup for only a month.

Anyway, I didn't mind the cut off of the internet. It did have a few unexpected consequences to it......

1. My online banking statements were returned to the sender.... creating a problem with my banking.....because my "email message account was full"........

2. I missed two lunch invites..... a couple of folks just said, I'll see you on Tuesday at 12....and oh well.....

3. I couldn't do any banking on line....real problem, although the money stayed put....

4. Friends thought I had left the country because their messages were returned....due to the mailbox being full, even though I downloaded a couple times mid month.... You'd think they would have CALLED on the phone....but NOOOOOO.


By the way, although I own a cell phone, I seldom use it. It is there for me in the event I have an emergency. I am not fond of talking on any phone, let alone a cell phone. I enjoy long conversations with close friends but will go out of my way to avoid calls not necessary!

I enjoy my privacy and wouldn't want to spend my life on Twitter etc. - letting everyone know the last time I brushed my teeth or what I bought at the store....or where I am going tomorrow morning..... WHO would REALLY cares anyway? I don't get the "let me tell you all about myself in detail" that seems to be so important these days, on Facebook, Twitter, Myspace.

Enough. You might know too much about me right now!

Can I live without the internet? Yes, for a couple of weeks it seems. After that, things begin to shut down around me.