May 22, 2008 | In: Blogging, Tech Stuff
Why I Gave Away My Computer
Today I decided to I give my computer to my husband.
He took it with him to work and I told him not to let me have it back unless all the kids are sleeping.
Lately, my desire to “just do a little bit of work – just for a second” has pulled me away from giving my kids my full attention. I’m not cool with that, so I’ve decided not to be on my computer while my kids are around.
And since I don’t have the will power to do that on my own, I’m giving my computer to Jimmy every morning.
See you after bedtime.
(Confession: I do still have my Palm Centro. I couldn’t go completely cold turkey…)
16 Responses to Why I Gave Away My Computer
Blake
May 22nd, 2008 at 7:08 pm
If he drops it do you get a new MacBook Pro?
Kat
May 22nd, 2008 at 7:11 pm
Um…Jimmy? Do I?
fivecentstand
May 22nd, 2008 at 10:21 pm
When you get the Macbook Air… that’s when I’ll really start praying for you. And as far as when you ever getting an iphone… well… Lord have mercy.
April
May 23rd, 2008 at 2:46 am
I can relate to this struggle. I am learning to TURN IT OFF while they are awake. I get so much more done around the house and get to spend better time with my girls! But it is so hard some times.
andira
May 23rd, 2008 at 2:55 am
oh, i admire you for that. i don’t have kids, but i am way addicted to my computer and find it hard to pull away from it most times while i’m around the house.
let us know how that works for you!
Lisa H
May 23rd, 2008 at 3:29 am
Way to keep your priorities straight, Kat!
That is why I love reading your blog.
brandon.marler
May 23rd, 2008 at 4:34 am
my wife did the same thing for Lent…we saw a big change.
WARNING: it’s easy and quick to slip back into the routine! ; )
Always in Training
May 23rd, 2008 at 4:55 am
THAT IS HUGE! Wow- how long will you do this for? Maybe jimmy can buy the girls their own computers so you can have “computer time” together? And the smallest person can go chew on something.
Jimmy
May 23rd, 2008 at 7:30 am
I won’t drop it. I am more likely to spill something on it than drop it.
ryan b
May 23rd, 2008 at 8:22 am
Good job, Kat. I feel you on this. I deal with the same struggle.
Kids are so precious. And, we really don’t get this time back.
Ok. I’m going to play with Sophie.
Jeanine
May 23rd, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Jimmy
– drop it, she gets a MacBook Pro, spill something on it, a MacBook Air 
.
Stephanie
May 23rd, 2008 at 4:24 pm
The best thing that happened to me, computer-wise, was an accident. While moving kids’ rooms around, we forgot to plan for the computer, and I had no internet access until my husband came home with the laptop for 6 months. It was great. It built a new habit – one that did not include the internet. We just now returned to the desktop, but by now I’m so busy with the things I’ve gotten used to doing with my kid that I don’t fool with it until nap time.
Kat
May 23rd, 2008 at 7:31 pm
fivecentstand,
Well, I don’t have an iPhone, but I do have a palm centro. It keeps me connected during the day but it’s not distracting like my computer…
April,
You are a better woman than I. I’ve tried turning it off – but then I turn it right back on. So it’s been banished…
Andira,
So far so good. It’s been two days and I haven’t missed it, really. For me it’s so much easier when I don’t have the option.
Lisa H.,
You’re always so encouraging…
Brandon,
That’s why it’s staying in Jimmy’s office.
Always In Training,
I plan for this to be relatively permanent. The weekends might look a little different, but for the most part I don’t want to be on my computer when I could be with my kids.
Jimmy,
You’re so cute and funny. Keep it AWAY from your coffee.
Ryan b,
Glad I could bring you a little morning conviction.
Jeanine,
I like that deal!
Stephanie,
That’s great!
If only all my kids still took naps. I’m pretty much without my beloved laptop from 7am to 7pm….
Kristin
May 26th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Honestly, I lack the ability to focus on anything on the computer when the kids are around! So I am either on it at nap time, or when they are in bed at night.
Kyle Chowning
May 28th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
Dadgum laptops. It seems that every time I sit down, it cries like a baby … “please, let me sit on your lap! why do you think they call me a laptop?” Lest I succumb, I look away but the pulsing glow of the sleep light catches my attention. How can I deny it? It’s waiting … pulsing … begging to sit on my lap.
Okay. so maybe I have a problem too.
brandiandboys
June 12th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
This might sound corny, but that is so inspirational. I’ve been toying with the idea of turning mine off from 10 AM to 8 PM for that very reason. I am a SAHM who some days spends more time tending the computer rather than the kiddos!