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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Digital Detox (04/24/14)
My name is Macy, and I am a computer addict. I may be looking for a rehab center soon. I can't seem to leave my computer alone. After my morning prayers, my morning ritual is to grab a cup of coffee and reach for my laptop. With much anticipation, I read my emails from my Christian friends, and happily answer their inspirational letters.

I so look forward to this, because being somewhat of a homebody and, yes, quite a loner, their reaching out to me is like having coffee with my dear, dear, friends. They always tell me they love me, and that God loves me. What a rush!

Sometimes my friends might have a problem I can help them with, and other times they help me with mine. We encourage and pray for one another. This is an integral part of my morning, and makes for a wonderful sense of doing God's work. I get high from this feeling.

If I stopped at this point, I might not be considered an addict. But, no, I go on to my favorite writing sites and check my messages. More friends are leaving more messages. More communications of the spiritual kind to leave me feeling warm and fuzzy.

Facebook has become something else I can't seem to avoid. I see so many posts pertaining to my faith in God. They lift my spirits and make me think of all the positive things in my life. I do limit the number of friends I have on that site, but the ones I do have are prime. I found long lost friends I went to high school with over forty years ago. Friends and family members on Facebook keep me in touch with what is going on in their lives, and it's the next best thing to actually seeing them in person.

I am also addicted to writing, but I have no desire whatsoever to stop. My time for writing can be anytime. Often I wake up in the middle of the night, open my laptop, and start typing away. Some of my best works have been written at two o'clock in the morning.

Then there is the editing I eagerly do for friends. They send me their stories, and I do my best to help with them by correcting punctuation and sentence structure. I love doing this, It makes me feel important, and at this time in my life I need to feel important. It also gives me confidence, something I tend to lack at times.

Right now, I am considering buying a new car online. Yes! Online! I am wheeling and dealing with several different dealerships, in hopes they will make me an offer I can't refuse. It's the new craze for car buyers. You just tell them the kind of car you want, they send you an offer, and you counteroffer. All done within the comfort of your home. I'm still waiting on that offer that will make me walk into one of their offices and sign on the dotted line.

I do most of my shopping online. All of my clothes are mail order, and I find that most of the time, they are a perfect fit when I get them. Seldom do I have to send any back. I also shop for my granddaughter's Christmas and Birthday presents online. No fighting the crowds at Toys R Us!

If my computer should happen to die today, an hour later you will find me at Best Buy shopping for another one. Normally, of course, I would just purchase another online, but in this case I would have no other choice but to put on decent clothes and go to the Mall.

On second thought, I don't really need that rehab center. If I need to detox for a while, I'll go for a walk in the woods. I can commune with God there, and think about the stories I need to write. Another thing I do to “dry out” is to work in the yard. Planting new spring flowers really gets me in touch with the wonder of God's nature and inspires my writing.

I do take a day off when my granddaughters come over. Why? Because they take over my beloved computer! I fight the withdrawal symptoms, and as soon as they leave, I rush off to that wonderful world of Cyberland once again.

No rehab for me. I'm perfectly happy being a computer addict.

*True Story
Name changed
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This article has been read 823 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Lois Farrow
05/01/14
Great story, I like the way you have portrayed this person being so hooked on their on-line life that they would find it hard to detox. Well done.
George Parler 
05/02/14
OK. Put down the mouse and slowly step away from the computer. It's time for an intervention. Of course I realize I'm saying this from my computer. LOL

Good job with the topic. I think we all can relate to the addictive hold of technology in which you captured so well in your writing of it. Nice job! :-)
Chris Goglin
05/02/14
I am also a "night owl" when it comes to creating in the middle of the night! I have to get up and grab my laptop when the Lord gives me an idea...no matter what time. This was a fun story to read...good work!
C D Swanson 
05/02/14
What an excellent approach to the topic!

Clearly authentic and it captures the reader's attention by infushing humor and sentimental emotions with an important message to bring it all together.

A candid and clever way to bring the topic to life!

Well done! I pray this does well.

God bless you abundantly~
Joe Moreland
05/03/14
This was such an endearing, authentic and refreshing piece. You captured the voice of the everyday pc user that I'm tempted to call your MC Marcy Cyberspace and see if she can't give Job Plumber a run for his money at endorsing candidates next election.

Great job!
Robert Douglas Brown
05/04/14
Great article no doubt! I think it is perfectly fine to be addicted to using your laptop and any other technology for the glory of God. It has to make the Lord smile when we use computers and any other type of digital technology for his honor and glory!

God Bless!
Joanne Sher 
05/05/14
Such a fun piece - and I KNOW you are not the only one with this condition. Great details.

Thanks for sharing!
Mar
05/07/14
Excellent story, told so well, understood by so many of us addicted technos!
Graham Insley
05/07/14
Loved this confessional. Like many others I share the need for "Onliners anonymous". Also like you, I often find myself writing into the wee hours of the night or waking in those hours with the need to write.

As for red ink, which I love to receive and share... I have none.

Blessings.
C D Swanson 
05/08/14
Oh Lynn, congrats. I loved this and would have rated it higher if it were me!

Great job my friend.

God bless~
Lillian Rhoades 
05/08/14
Congratulations, Lynn, for this beautiful and honest story that so aptly describes many of us. Well deserved "Commendations."
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
05/09/14
This is awesome. Until you got to the granddaughter part, I thought you were writing about me. You really did a nice job with this. I felt like you were speaking to my heart. Congratulations! Happy Dance!
Sheldon Bass 
05/10/14
I like this good take on the digital age. I see so much about the negative aspect of the internet. Thank you for an enjoyable read. This should do well.
Sheldon Bass 
05/10/14
Congrats on the HC Lynn! My last comment, I forgot which week I was commenting on. Senior moment perhaps? I like this piece and I bet you could make one of your great poems using the material here.