New Year's Resolution: How to Unplug Your Internet Lifestyle in 2009

Perhaps, I should be writing this on paper and then posting it on the refrigerator under a magnet. But instead I using my laptop, a piece of equipment that I have often referred to as one of my best friends. Sometimes she seems to come first and I am certainly cheating myself of a million other interactions and relationships that I could be building. Therefore, my New Year's resolution is to unplug, to disconnect from the up-to-the-minute nature of the Internet. Here are some things to consider if you want to live a little simpler in 2009:

1) Keep a list of what is important. I cherish time spent with my dog and my family and constantly wish that I was more fit. Why not walk the dog more often? Perhaps go for a jog along a peaceful route. These are much more refreshing activities than watching the latest YouTube video.

2) Fill the vacuum with meaningful social activities. I love to cook so I am going to do that more often. Cooking not only saves money but having friends over to enjoy it with you is intimate and engaging and across-the-table banter bypasses the need to constantly check their Facebook updates.

3) Shop at brick-and-mortar stores. Not only will this allow me to make wiser, less impulsive purchases, but it will also allow me to interact with the things that I buy.

4) Carry a book or newspaper. Books that are read on the bus often end up on your nightstand while a quality newspaper, if available, should help with impulsive urges to check CNN or other breaking news websites.

5) Turn off the wireless. Since I often need to do legitimate work on my laptop, I am going to turn off the wireless for when I am processing photos or writing documents so that I can focus without impulsive urges to check my email. Getting things done productively benefits everyone.

I am never going to rid myself of that good friend that sits on my lap each day. But I think even she would agree that seeing a little less of each other is probably in our best interests.