My internet went out yesterday. I didn’t worry because such things happen, especially in times of high winds, but when I wasn’t reconnected after an hour or so, I braved the labyrinth of the company’s automated phone system. Eventually I was transferred to a real person (at least I think she was) and after enduring multiple sessions of being put on hold, I was informed that it wasn’t an area problem but isolated to me. I didn’t even worry when she said that she’d schedule a service call, but when she gave me the day and time — sometime during the day next Wednesday, I panicked. Seven days without the internet? Not possible.
Well, it will be possible since there is no other choice, and I do have my phone, but still, I spend a LOT of time on the internet, playing games, researching, and various other things, and suddenly, all that time will need to be spent doing . . . who knows what. I already read too much, and because of the heavy rains we’ve been having, there isn’t much I can do outside unless I want to slip and slide in the mud.
I am sure I will be okay, it just takes a mental adjustment. After all, I spent most of my life without the internet, and I always found things to do. Of course, I was working full time, which filled most of my hours, so reading was a much-treasured luxury, not a way of life, and afterward, there were the years spent writing, but now? I guess I’ll find out if there is, in fact, life without the internet.
Luckily, I have things planned — working a couple of afternoons, taking my car in for a tune up, going to a farewell lunch for a friend who’s leaving the country for a year or two. When the ground dries a bit, I will
have a huge amount of weeding to do. And there are various projects I’ve been putting off that I can get finally get around to doing.
When I lost the connection, I was in the midst of trying to decide what seeds to buy to plant in my raised garden, which is supposed to be filled with soil next week. The internet going out seems to be a sign to wait on that purchase; after all, I’ve been through this before where a scheduled job was put off indefinitely. And if the garden is actually filled, well, I don’t suppose waiting a week to order the seeds will make much difference. And anyway, having an extra week to plan the garden isn’t a bad thing. It will give me something to think about while I am going cold turkey.
Bertram's Blog 
May 12, 2023 at 9:38 am
What a nightmare to have to be in the labyrinth — I really like the way you phrase it— of these automated voice services and the awful music when put on hold. At least you have a date set for repair. It will be interesting to look at life without Internet. I would be a bit panicked.
The flower is beautiful. I live in an apartment in nyc but have a few plants. My Amaryllis bloomed twice. Last year, in the final weeks of my husband; this year two flowers just appeared.
May 12, 2023 at 10:20 am
So far, in the 14 waking hours since the internet went down, I have read a book, watched two movies, wandered around my yard picking a few weeds, cleaned the whole house including scrubbing the floors, wrote a blog. I am exhausted, and I still have four full days and two partial days still to go.
Amaryllis are beautiful. Interesting that it bloomed in the final weeks of your husband’s life.
May 12, 2023 at 11:40 am
I’ve had times that my internet goes out, but it’s usually due to storms. Good luck. And to think that we didn’t know what it was in school.
May 12, 2023 at 2:59 pm
I know. It’s amazing how quickly it became part of our lives.
May 12, 2023 at 6:10 pm
Did you get the brakes on your car right?
May 13, 2023 at 7:33 am
Yes. The brakes are good. The warning light still comes on at times, but there’s nothing wrong with the brakes. The whole brake system has been redone.
May 13, 2023 at 11:39 am
Glad you were able to finally get it fixed.
July 17, 2023 at 8:45 am
Hello. .. just found you .. “grief.. the inside story “. Wonderful .. where did you move to ?? It’s been 51/2 years since my brother died and I’m still adrift … still living in my friends homes and not able to decide where to b. Where to continue my life and to live those experiences – to grow around the wound .. I’m pretty much alone .. 1 family member and 1 friend … just put my last cat ( ( 23yo) to sleep .. I’m older , a loner .. living on long island and nyc … a welcoming community Would b great Thanks for your insights .. looking forward to reading your blog ! Susan
July 17, 2023 at 10:43 am
It’s hard being alone when you’re getting older, especially when there are so few important people in your life. It took me almost ten years to find a new life — I moved to southeastern Colorado, not far from where I lived most of my life. It’s good to be in a place that feels right without all the memories of people who are gone. Maybe someday you’ll find your place. Wishing you peace.