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Today I’m pondering the concept of time – how I use it, how I misuse it, how I could better use it and what things are a complete waste of it.
The last several days I’ve been following a thread on Twitter about blogging tips (#savvyblogging) which I’ve really enjoyed. I signed up on Twitter a while ago but never really used it because I never really “got” it. But after this last week, now I see how this can be such a wonderful way to connect with others and most importantly, learn lots of cool stuff (and offer a little help too).
But now I’m conflicted…
…because it has sucked up a lot of my time.
I’ve found myself constantly pulled to it and distracted by it. There have been these ever-present nagging thoughts: “I wonder if anyone responded,” or “Are there any new tweets,” etc. the last week. I’ve been over-eager to jump on the computer to “just check.” As much as I would love a cell phone with internet access *coughiPhonecough* I really think it’s better I don’t. Wow. I’m bad enough as it is.
Certainly I can’t be the only one, right? Right? I’m amazed at how many tweets some people pump out in a day. That goes for Facebook too. So. many. updates. When are you all doing this? That’s what I want to know. Because either I just haven’t figured out a good balance here or the whole thing is a tad bit disturbing. And I’m right there joking about it with the best of ‘em. But should I be?
I know how much time I’ve spent on Twitter the last few days. I know how many times I’ve told my children to “just wait a minute” or “hold on, I’m writing to someone” or “I’ll get you some water after I finish this.” I’m ashamed to admit I essentially turned down my daughter’s request to hang out with her the other night so I could instead interact with people on a computer screen who are “somewhere out there” many of whom I don’t know from Adam. Talk about a seriously wasted opportunity.
Obviously there is nothing inherently evil about Twitter or Facebook. There must be a “right” way to use them, but if so, I certainly haven’t found it.
I firmly believe life is a series of trade-offs. What occupies my time over here, takes away from something else over there. And the way I’ve got it set up now, it’s some never-to-be-seen-again family time I’m trading away.
Help me out here. What do you think? Any advice?
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Hi there. I'm Amy. I write here about my life and my issues. I also design blogs and websites at 
You are absolutely right. It is so tough to balance. In the beginning of anything new like Twitter or forums or whatever, I tend to go overboard. Then I taper off and learn to strike a balance.
Yes, these things are very useful, but they definitely can suck up all your waking moments. One rule I try to stick to unless there is something I really need, is to stay away from the internet until after lunch. Keeps my day in order better.
Blessings,
Amy
Amy´s last blog ..Breastfeeding: The Memory of Emily
I think it’s a balancing act. On one hand, we have our children and spouse to focus on, but on the other, we have a right to have our own hobby. I think all moms are inherently multi-taskers, so I use spare moments to blog and interact on the internet ie when making dinner or after the kids go to bed.
It can easily become a distraction and I have found myself trading special moments as well for blogging or facebooking. I don’t twitter though. That’s where I draw the line. I’m kidding. I was trying to sound discplined when I actually am just confused by the whole thing and haven’t figured out how to do it yet. I confess that I have an iphone and I love it but I don’t find myself accessing fb very much from it nor do I blog from it.It’s nice to be out and know when an email comes through but not feel bound to have to check it immediately.
I like your thought of not checking fb, twitter or blogging until after lunch. Mornings are my most productive time and it’s so very easy to get sucked in once I sit down to the computer. One post links to another which reminds me of a similar blogging buddy who I haven’t read in a while so I skip on over to their blog and they reference a giveway to another blogging friend and WAH-LAH there goes an hour before I even finish my coffee! I will try the after lunch goal. Thanks for the great encouragement and idea.
I have not joined for that very reason. I want to. You know, because all the cool kids are doing it. But I know how sucking such things can be for me, so I’ve declined. Some days I think I should so I can try to generate some traffic to my blog. Then I come back to my senses and know that I don’t need another attention suck. It really is enticing, though, because I live a fairly isolated life in my village and talking to anyone, regardless of whether I know them or not, has a draw to it.
I’m not much help. Just giving my thoughts on it…
@Amy – Overboard? Me too. That always seems to happen to me too at first.
@Cop Mama – Agreed. Some “me” time is so important. I think at the beginning of motherhood I always felt guilty about that until I realized I am actually a *better* mom if I have my own space. Finding it hard to strike a balance though.
@Melody – No confession needed at all for an iPhone! I think they are GREAT! And so useful for so many people; sounds like it works well for you. It’s like anything – a great tool if you’ve got some discipline but dangerous if you don’t. I hope to join you in the former group soon!
@Amy & @Melody – Yes, I’ve found the same thing too. If I turn it on in the morning, it generally doesn’t go well the rest of the day. However, I have been working on keeping to a schedule and pencilling “computer time” into my schedule. One of the times I do is early before the kids wake up. Gives me a chance to check email etc. before my day officially starts. Seems to be working so far…then again, it’s only been about a week.
@Carrie – “You know, because all the cool kids are doing it.” Oh man, so true, SO TRUE. Exactly how I feel. And then I feel like an idiot because I do. I suppose I can have a little grace for an adolescent to cave to peer pressure, but an almost 35yo? Man, I gotta pull myself together!
Thanks all for your input. So glad to know I’m in good company!
Hi Amy!
I enjoyed your post and have struggled with being mindful about my time on the computer, too. I like Twitter because it is SHORT! With only 140 characters you get a lot of bang out of your buck, so to speak. I have not taken the Facebook plunge yet, because I’m afraid that will be way too addicting. I’m caving, though, and will probably have a page before too long.
I came across your blog from Twitter.
It works well for me to be on the computer early before kids are up, too.
Thanks for your post! I will be back again to visit soon!
Dana, I agree with you about Twitter – it’s nice that it’s short – except when I spend WAY too much time trying to figure out how to say what I want to say but in only 140 characters.
That happens to me far too much. Gotta work on that.
Thanks for stoppin’ by!