life without the web?

I was at my computer this morning doing my morning ritual of checking the news and diving into blogs. (Yes, I am a blog addict.) I came across an interesting story on decor8. I clicked on the link and over to this article I went: Life without the Web. My (probably crazy) plan to give up the internet. A man living without the computer and internet for 4 months.

First thought, I envy him. I sit in front of my computer more than I'd like to. I work from my computer, I get my news from my computer, I stay connected with family and friends through Skype on my computer, I even watch movies on my computer. (At least I can proudly say we do not own a television.) And, because many of my clients are in the USA, I end up checking my email right before I head to bed. I like to make sure I have taken care of last minute client needs before heading to bed-it is a sacrifice I am willing to make to be self employed and living in Europe.

I got to thinking, how can I manage my computer time so that this machine isn't open and staring at me for 15 hours a day? Lets face it, I get a ton of work done when my computer is absent. Remember that weekend escape I took last month? I left the computer at home and I ended up drawing more that weekend than I had in a long time. I actually created a whole fabric collection while I was off in the country side. (By the way, I have big news to share in a few weeks regarding this collection!) So, although I cannot give up my computer like James Sturm, I can manage my computer time a bit better. I am not sure how I will do this but maybe a good start is to not open my computer until after noon. That would give me all morning to draw and organize. That could actually work as most of my clients (and family) are 6-9 hours behind me.

I think this could actually work. Any thoughts? Do you feel you have too close a relationship with your computer?

PS. Ironically, I commented on a friends blog the other day....my comment, "what I like best about your desk, no computer". Check it out: SistersGuassa.