Do
you ever think about going "off the grid"?
I
do, once a day at least;
Traveling to a place no one will find me.
A remote place where there’s no accessing Facebook or Twitter or email or even phone calls, maybe.
It’s
like I want to exist but not, both at the same time,
Sometimes wanting to disappear.
Sometimes wanting to disappear.
So
I planned in advance to do just that
And taking not just me
Off the grid.
And taking not just me
Off the grid.
**************************
Every
year since my kids were babies, I'd wrap a present,
To:
Mom
From:
Santa
Something that hadn’t quite made my Christmas list (purposely maybe). Always using the same special, as if by gloved hand, big bubble print
in red and green marker and the same secret Santa paper.
As
our kids passed out Santa’s gifts on Christmas morning, they’d say with excitement, “Mom! He didn’t forget you or Dad!” Because, of course, Mom always included one under the tree for Dad,
too.
My college kids don’t believe in Santa anymore, obviously, although they believed until they were quite old. There are always presents under the tree from him still. They enjoy pretending.
And with Christmas working a bit differently this time, some gifts will be opened early in anticipation of our first trip together, just us four, in more than that many years. And while everyone else receives new swimsuits and books from Santa on Friday evening, I envision a wrapped note like this, for me:
And with Christmas working a bit differently this time, some gifts will be opened early in anticipation of our first trip together, just us four, in more than that many years. And while everyone else receives new swimsuits and books from Santa on Friday evening, I envision a wrapped note like this, for me:
To:
Mom
From:
Santa
Re:
Your Present
“For your trip to a far away island off the coast of a third world Central American country, I,
Santa, am granting your wish. There
shall be:
Cellphones,
Computers,
“i”Anythings,
Only books and playing cards and conversations.
Texting boys/girls,
Facebooking, Tweeting,
Or
Instagraming Mom in swimsuits.
Your family's complete and undistracted “presence”
Is your
present.
They're all you need.”
It's only a wish, my wish, but I'll anticipate and embrace life "off the grid" if even only for moments.
*********************
This week's Trifecta prompt is the third definition of anticipation: 3. a : visualization of a future event or
state
Ooh, are you going to Roatan?? Off the grid sounds absolutely fantastic. It has been sooo long since I've done it. I need to make that happen...thanks for the inspiration Santa :)
ReplyDeleteYes. Did I tell you before? Did you go when you lived on the mainland? It will be our second time diving there.You really need to go OTG. It's so freeing as you well know. There is not reliable service but the kids will try. Hopefully, there time will be otherwise occupied. Thx Santa, really!
DeleteSometimes we all look forward to that quality time together, don't we?
ReplyDeleteIt's been far too long with the kids having different break schedules. Finally, we are on the same page but that will change soon too. Can't wait for Saturday at 5:05am!
DeleteSweet post, Gina. I've spent a lot of time in Central America and for going OTG that's a great place to do it.
ReplyDeleteIt is a great place for it. Hopefully, everyone will be down with the tech-free component of our vacation. They'll be too busy but will undoubtedly go through texting withdrawal.
DeleteI was getting "the shakes" just reading this. I mean, really, I could skip the newspapers and TV, (easily), but not seeing emails from significant "others" or the office, for that matter, would put me in a panic!!!! Nice one, as usual, of course!!!
ReplyDeleteI won't even read or know one lick of world news. Or care for that matter. The TV will never be on (actually, can't remember if there is one). Emails, eh! I'll have everyone in my family with me. What more do we need? Thanks for liking, lumdog. Have missed your posts lately :-)
DeleteI neglected to say I really enjoyed the premise of your piece even if I can't actually do it myself. Instead of "off the grid", you could say I'm "off the hinges"! Have a great trip!!
DeleteI think I could go for life not being hooked up. I'm much more at peace that way. However, I do understand that it's not realistic. If you have the people you need with you. What else is there? Will do! CAN'T WAIT. I should be packing or wrapping or something other than sitting here, though.
DeleteI hope you get your wish and have a wonderful trip!
ReplyDeleteMe, too, on the wish. We shall! Can not wait.
DeleteThat sounds like a fantastic present -- I hope you guys have a great time!
ReplyDeleteI wonder how many grumbles I'll get when they realize what they won't be bringing. I bet they'll be just fine. Thanks, Annabelle.
DeleteThat is a gift like no other. Time with just you four minus the cyber world. Perfect.
ReplyDeleteHaven't had it in years due to High School sports schedules then college break differing from High School. We are finally on the same page this year. We do well together without the CW. Just hoping there's no bickering between any of us ;-)
DeleteFamily presence is the present......very well said. Absolutley spot on! Very well written. Merry Christmas, Gina!
ReplyDeleteI know it's the "right" priority always! Thanks for the comment, Tom. And Merry Christmas to you and your family!!!
DeleteEnjoy your time off the grid. Sounds WONDERFUL!! I'll be off the grid not by choice. My mother in law doesn't have the internet.
ReplyDeleteI will be! I'm so excited I can hardly stand it. But to me, the more remote the better or if no one knows where I/we are. Oh...that is off the grid for you too. Hope you'll be ok. Merry Christmas, Kenya. Have to say it now because I don't know if I'll get a chance!
DeleteYou too. Well my Kindle will work so I will have no excuse not to finish Dreams of Joy! ;-)
DeleteYes, finish!!! Hope you're liking it. Don't forget your charger.
DeleteThat sounds like a terrific trip. Instagrams of moms in swimsuits indeed.
ReplyDeleteThere will be NO Instagramming the mom under any circumstances. Mom ends up on Facebook often enough!
DeleteWhat a lovely present! You are going to have a blast!
ReplyDeleteWell, I hope it turns out as I'm expecting it to. We will have a blast and it will be wonderful to be together AWAY from all the chaos that is where we live.
DeleteSounds like a great present! I went off the grid once and spent the first 3 days in withdrawals. I guess that just goes to show how addictive a role technology really can play in our lives.
ReplyDeleteHave fun!
I swear I'm going to wrap up a box with the gist of this written on a note inside. I won't get the DTs at all, nor will my husband. The kids are the ones who are hooked on all the techno stuff, which is a good thing because they can figure out the underwater Go-Pro they're getting.
DeleteI love this.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Christie! Happy Holidays!
DeleteMay Santa grant you your wish, Gina!
ReplyDeleteI sat on his lap on Sunday. Hope he remembers what I asked for...
DeleteSounds like a great trip with the family. A few days unplugged will be good for you guys. Hope you enjoy your time together!
ReplyDeleteWhy in the world am I sitting here when I have so much to do. It's the master procrastinator in me. We will bring one phone for emergency use and that's it. Can't wait. Should pack.
Deletehow nice that you'll all be travelling together. my boys are still little but I hope when they're grown we can still be reunited.
ReplyDeleteWhen they're young, you feel like you have so much together time that often you feel in need of a break. Take them. Now that they are older and moving on in their own lives, you want that time or some time back. Having 9 solid days together, just the four of us, is priceless.
DeleteSounds like a great trip! My husband and I talk about going off the grid all the time. He owns a social media marketing and voice over ip company, so his work by definition requires him to be on the grid 24/7 which is just plain stressful for him, and doesnt really allow any flexibility for disconnected leisure time. The day he sells the business we are going on vacation for a month. No technology allowed.
ReplyDeleteWhat stress he must be under with his job being to be "hooked up" at all times. That truly takes a special personality. I can't imagine how inflexible it is either and you have a high stress job as well. The two of you, hopefully, find ways to chill. In your new house, maybe? I can't wait to hear all about your month away "off the grid". I'll meet you over there or wherever it is. I want a year off the grid.
Deletecount me in! - i could REALLLLLLLY use some time away from EVERYTHING right now in my life! - i've been dealt one hellva hand and well i need a new deck to play!
ReplyDeleteI wish I could send you a new deck for Christmas this year, Erika! I truly do! Book a last minute flight. Meet us down in Roatan. Bring your swimsuit and fins!
DeleteOh if only I was so brave as to get off the grid bu-ut...
ReplyDelete*replaces plugs back into neck port* :D
So funny, Draug! For me it is very easy and I am looking forward to it with great anticipation!
Delete