I'm back!

My week-long, self-imposed 'virtual life' hiatus is done.

It wasn't so hard... and it felt good to take a break.

But the key thing was - it was on my terms. I didn't do it because someone judged me, decided I needed a break because I spent too much time online or criticized me for me so called 'addiction' to Facebook, Twitter, Blogging etc (although believe me -these three happen on a daily basis!). I did it because I personally felt the need to switch off for a few days and be a little less 'connected'. Ironically, the only negative feeling I experienced, was a felt a little isolated. I missed you all!

Ironically, I was more busy than every and after a week offline, I am exhausted!!!

In one week a lot can happen...

- I became a tea drinker! This one will make my family laugh because my mother has tried unsuccessfully for 30 years to get me to have a cuppa with her... this week I discovered Chai and have had a least one cup a day (with probably waaaay more sugar than I should be...)

- I missed the KONY phenomenon!!!! When the 7pm Project aired the documentary during the week, it was the first I'd heard of it... I felt like I'd missed out. I'm pretty sure you're aware of it - but if not, click on the link above to find out more and decide for yourself...perhaps there's a way you can make a difference.

- I 'missed' the birth announcements of two friends babies... both called Noah!

- I missed knowing my children's little mate Chloe (super awesome Heart Kid you can read about it my earlier post here) is in hospital and fighting Ventricular Tachycardia...CHD sucks.. we're praying for ya Chloe-bear! 

- I became the secretary of my daughters pre-school committee... Damn! The aim was the be organised enough to handle the load I have this year - not add to it! No-one told me no-one else shows to these meetings and you get stuck doing a job you'd never planned on adding to an already overcommitted to do list! It's pretty funny really - I did want to be more involved, but I'm not sure it was at that level!

- I went to an awesome night out on Wednesday and met some great local bloggers.. was so fun to meet some like minded chickies!

But while I missed a bunch of stuff & added to my to-do list, I didn't miss that feeling of 'i'll just check in on Facebook' to kill the time. I did seem to be twice as busy as usual, but I also didn't waste any opportunities to spend time playing with my kids. I filled the 'gaps' with much more productive things. I read more. I talked on the phone more. 

So now my challenge is to not allow it to get back to that point. I have really enjoyed being 'away' for a bit, but I know it doesn't need to be cold turkey all the time. 

I enJOY my online life. I love connecting with people this way. I enjoy writing. I enjoy learning new things. I enjoy having this part of my life to enrich my soul. I do not believe it is a negative in my life and I will never make excuses for it nor apologise for it. 

I will find the balance... or at least keep pursuing it til I get it right. 

In the meantime... it's good to be back. I missed you!

Have a great week!

Steph

'