It's one of those days when you don't go outside, if you don't have to. And fortunately, I didn't have to, much. Walking out the door is like walking into a blast furnace. So, I'm inside....
Since I'm still on physical restrictions at work, I spent the afternoon at home. On the computer. I think I've logged seven hours online today. That's more than I have done in a long time. But then, it WAS work....
I am doing a report for my manager. I have been reviewing a list of patients she gave me and adding the pertinent information from our data base. I can't tell you what it is about, of course, but I can tell you that I lost those seven hours.
It was fascinating. I looked up the information and read and read and read, until I found what I needed, for each patient. I then took the data and transferred it to a spreadsheet. Really, it was fun. The information was much more interesting than vital signs.....it was more about the people and how they act and react. To nurses, to physicians, and to life, in general.
I am very glad that I will be compensated nicely for my seven hours. That's seven hours of my life that I can never get back. I am also glad that the information I am spreadsheeting has value to the agency and to the rest of the nurses.
I'd hate to think I wasted all that time online.
I haven't been spending that much time online recently. In fact, I have downsized both the amount of time I spend, and the size of my computer screen, so to speak. I am now checking in on Eons, reading my email, and leaving status updates on Facebook via my iPhone.
I love the iPhone apps, too: I have Fandango, so I can check what's playing at the local theaters. I have TV Guide, so I know what I'm not watching on TV. And Solitaire, to entertain me when I'm waiting in the doctor's office. And for my grandsons' enjoyment: a lightsaber, complete with Star Wars music. And, for Aidan's football games: an air horn. Cool stuff.
Yup, less time online and only 2 inches by 3 inches of screen space. I can touch the screen, spread my fingers, and make the printing larger. But I can't read it for very long. So, I don't. I go do something else. Like read. Or write. Or clean. Or take a walk. Or play with the dogs.
As much as I enjoy my online friends, I am happier when life is large and the computer screen is small. I know that, for some people, being online becomes a refuge. A connection with kindred souls. Something to do.
I have plenty to do. And a lot of it wasn't getting done. By downsizing the distractions in my life, I have made more room for living. Really living.
I am sure that, come winter, I will spend more time online. Or not. Whatever I do, or don't do, is my choice. Just as it is your choice, too. I ebb and flow with being online. It is fun, and then it is a distraction. It is fun, and then it is too much work.
Besides, it's football season....
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