Disconnected

Over the last few weeks I've been experiencing difficulties with my laptop. It was running slower than usual (which is already slow enough), and a couple times the screen just went blank - minor heart attacks on the way to the big one.

So yesterday, when I plunked myself down in the library to do research on the state of the field of Public Relations in contemporary Japan, I wasn't too surprised when my laptop let out a pitiful sigh before turning itself off for what I believe is the last time.

I have an appointment on Monday to see if a revival is possible, but it looks like I'll be in the market for a new computer over the next month. Any suggestions?

With finals approaching (they're 9 days away), I got anxious while lying in bed last night trying to figure out in my head what I was going to do sans a computer. The important stuff - all my Word documents - are on a USB drive and easily transferable.

But while I was thinking about school, my computer and the like, I couldn't help but feel anxious, empty and scared. Am I that connected to my computer? Do I really rely on it that much? I had this same feeling when I lost my phone early in the summer in New York, and it just feels gross to me.

How human am I if part of me exists in a computer?

As cliche as that sounds, I completely and utterly mean it. For all intents and purposes, I'm trying to live a simple life that is centered around family, community, hope and faith, not keyboards, URLs and mousepads.

So with the weight of school on my shoulder and a computer in the waste bin, I've decided to take a little blog break. I'll be out of commission for most of the rest of the year, focusing on school and other important things while gearing up for the 2008 tennis season.

Thanks to all of you who have been reading over the last 11 months - especially to you lurkers who don't comment much - and I look forward to being back in action come January 1.

Cheers,
Nick