Guilt and Frustration

It has happened with my daughter. I tell her a "live" sports score or comment on a game's final score. Then she says something to the effect of

Thanks, Dad! I was recording it.

It happened again last evening with a friend. We were at band practice and I checked the score of Monday Night Football and told him.

Yep, he got upset at me because he was recording it. He says he never watches live anymore. Too many commercials.

Guilt flowed around me as I was sorry I had spoiled his football enjoyment.

Frustration then came along. Now I can't even talk about scores when I check them. I might be ruining someone's enjoyment.

Oh well. Just be quiet, keep a poker face and refuse to talk. Let them enjoy themselves. After all, I'm a nice guy and considerate of others.

Off the Grid

Yeah, that was me last week. Almost entirely off-the-electronic-grid for four days. Where I was, my cell carrier had no signal that I could get. There was no Wi-Fi except at the local library which I did not have time to get to but once on Tuesday. To be 95% unconnected, unplugged, and uninformed was quite an experience.

There were moments when I started into withdrawal. I took a couple pictures on my cell of flowers and wanted to post them on Facebook.I couldn't. I wondered what the weather was going to do. I had to wait.

For most of the time, however, I was satisfied to not worry about it. Mostly. Since I didn't have any choice that did make it easier.

Two things I noticed when it was all over.

1. I survived.
2. When I finally did check the news headlines, there was nothing new. Same Stuff, Different Day.

I know what that says about my compulsiveness about the iPhone, computer, Facebook, etc.

I just don't want to admit it. Denial is a wonderful thing.