What would you do if the internet went down?

**gini** · 08-09-2009, 11:41 AM

A few years back my computer crashed! I was trying to have it repaired and it became clear I simply needed a new computer.

I was without one for about two weeks. I could not believe the things that I got done during that time. It told me that I spend a lot of time
aside from work time on the Internet.

Having it go down once in a while can be a good thing. Only problem is it makes a mess for me for my work. Seems my clients want immediate answers by email. It is almost like they don't believe that my internet service was down.

**sasvermont** · 08-09-2009, 01:01 PM

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.

**Hellow** · 08-09-2009, 01:05 PM

Originally Posted by sasvermont

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.

Your area of Vermont does not have DSL or cable internet? Dang, I couldn't stand dial-up, even though every one of my computers has a modem Just In Case :P.

**RICHARD** · 08-09-2009, 01:37 PM

Originally Posted by gini

I was without one for about two weeks. I could not believe the things that I got done during that time. It told me that I spend a lot of time
aside from work time on the Internet.

I bet you had a lot of time to think about that on the long drive from home to work and back again?

**blue** · 08-09-2009, 07:34 PM

Originally Posted by Reggie

So, what would you do if the internet went down?

After trying for a few hours to reconnect Ild curl up in the corner for a while.

Either that or take the dogs and the big raft and go fishing.

**CountryWolf07** · 08-09-2009, 08:57 PM

Spend some quality time with Mike - walk Hank - Clean around the house - Draw - Go out photograph some things... Pretty much stay busy!

Of course, I'd freak out at first - I rely on it as it's my communication due to my deafness!

**krazyaboutkatz** · 08-09-2009, 09:48 PM

I'd do more cleaning around my condo, watch more movies on tv or dvds/videos, and I'd definitely get more sleep because I'd go to bed earlier each night. I'd also go outside more often.

I do rely on the internet to pay my bills so that would be a major problem.

**Medusa** · 08-09-2009, 09:57 PM

Since we all seem to agree that we'd do more things such as go fishing, walk the dogs, draw, do photography, etc., why not do them then? We all rely on our computers; that's a given. But do we need to be on them as much and as often as we are? Why not give it a whirl and do all those things that later in life we may regret not having done?

**ChrisH** · 08-10-2009, 04:23 AM

Originally Posted by Medusa

Since we all seem to agree that we'd do more things such as go fishing, walk the dogs, draw, do photography, etc., why not do them then? We all rely on our computers; that's a given. But do we need to be on them as much and as often as we are? Why not give it a whirl and do all those things that later in life we may regret not having done?

Let's see ... don't go fishing but I walk the dog, draw, take photos, garden, read, Photoshop, watch tv/dvds, do all the boring housework stuff I need to and use the internet. I love it, would miss it terribly but am no slave to it.

**Alysser** · 08-09-2009, 09:59 PM

I spend alot of time on the internet, to be honest, but I can live without if I am busy. If not for stupid "child labor laws" I'd be picking up double shifts at work and all. I do try and stay off, but I can't deny I'm on for at least 4+ hrs a day. Facebook is my main site, if I didn't have it I wouldn't talk to alot of people as much.

**kitten645** · 08-09-2009, 10:14 PM

"Since we all seem to agree that we'd do more things such as go fishing, walk the dogs, draw, do photography, etc., why not do them then? We all rely on our computers; that's a given. But do we need to be on them as much and as often as we are? Why not give it a whirl and do all those things that later in life we may regret not having done? "

I agree Mary. I actually got rid of cable tv because I spent way too much time watching it. Unfortunately, I replaced it with internet time!
A few months ago I decided to declutter, get organized and keep the house in some semblance of neatness. I read Sink Reflections and bought a timer. It's made a HUGE difference! I set it for 15 minutes, check email, PT, HP but when the timer goes off, I get off the computer and do something else. Go for a walk, do some knitting, take out garbage. Anything not PC related. I love my timer!

Claudia

**Twisterdog** · 08-11-2009, 10:58 PM

Cry.

My internet has actually been down for three days. It sucked. I went to bed at 9:00 every night. Sounds nice, but the caveat is that I can only sleep about six hours a night, so I was awake at 3:00 am. Grrrr ....

I am SO glad to be back!

I justify spending every evening on the computer by the fact that I never watch TV, ever.