fbpx

Check out our new merch today!

April 7, 2014

Life Outside the Box

When people speak about living “life outside the box” they are usually speaking about a grand metaphor I’m not smart enough to understand. But for me, today, the term is much more prosaic. The “box” I’m speaking of is my computer, which ever-so-kindly decided not to turn on Friday morning.
When people speak about living “life outside the box” they are usually speaking about a grand metaphor I’m not smart enough to understand. But for me, today, the term is much more prosaic. The “box” I’m speaking of is my computer, which ever-so-kindly decided not to turn on Friday morning. I stared dumbly at the blank screen. “My entire life is on this computer!” I protested, hoping the computer might feel sorry for me. “Now what am I supposed to do!?” I demanded. For several frustrating hours I troubleshooted the problem to no avail before bringing it to the shop where I’m hopeful for a full recovery. Until then, I’m running off of my old laptop which has just enough juice to let me take care of essential tasks, but not enough to let procrastinate the day away. It has been a frustrating few days, but it has also been a nice reminder that life is what happens when I’m not on my computer.

Now this is living!

I work from home, so I spend a large part of my day in the same place staring at the same spot. Who knows what Eko thinks about this bizarre ritual of mine, but I am certainly glad he only tolerates the practice for so long. He is my perpetual reminder to leave the digital world and embrace the real one.

On Friday, with my desktop out of commission and my laptop not yet up and running, Eko and I enjoyed a long walk  through the neighborhood. I pushed deadlines, duties and all things computer from my mind. As we sat down for lunch, I thought only of enjoying my time outside. Eko similarly had a one track mind.

“Oh look, the table is perfect height for me!”

He really turned on the puppy dog eyes when the pizza showed up

“No Will, but seriously. Let me get a slice of pizza”

I have a new video, new photos and plenty of other good stuff to share once the desktop is up and running again, but this week may be a bit of a digital patch-work. The good news is that it leaves plenty of time to head out and find new adventures.

So next time your pet is bugging you while you’re on the computer, remember to thank them for reminding you what’s important in life!

Comments for Life Outside the Box

  1. Thank YOU for this reminder! While I soooooooo know what you are going through, (I work from home too and have had the same thing happen), it DOES make us listen to a message that is being sent that we have to go and do more things! I know that I rarely move away from this screen and I need to!!! Hope your desktop is up and running again soon!

  2. I agree with you, we should do that even without a killed computer :o) btw: in worst case you can send the “box” to my dad :o)

  3. fredrieka says:

    we had fun outside yesterday and today the weather is finally nice

  4. Emmadog says:

    My mom lives in her “box” too. We sometimes have to pester her to get away from it and do something fun. Hope your computer isn’t too ill and is fully recovered soon. Mom is not pleasant to be around when she has computer trouble!

  5. Sam has to remind me to get off the computer during the day – he just screams at me from the doorway or downstairs until I do his bidding…LOL…but I’m almost always glad he has done it because I wind up playing with him or reading a book or something OTHER than staying hooked to the keyboard. Animals know how to MAKE us change priorities don’t they!!

    Pam

  6. Tiffany F. says:

    I’m glad I’m not the only one who still has a desktop. Hahha Granted, the majority of my computer use is via the laptop, but I still have the deskptop for “heavy duty” tasks.

  7. I do sometimes wonder what would happen to us all if the www went out of commission?

    I discovered how much more activity I could achieve in a day when my laptop died last year and I said ‘never again!’ Meaning, I won’t get sucked back into reading blogs and writing posts and fb and online shopping and watching videos and playing games – but then I got my new laptop! 🙂

  8. I keep Mom jumping when she’s on the computer. She never gets to sit there for too long. I’m jealous of Eko at outdoor lunch. When the weather gets nice, Mom says she will try taking me again. Maybe I will not try to rip her arm out of the socket or trip the waitress this time.

    Love and licks,
    Cupcake

  9. Dottie and Tuffy-Cat says:

    It’s true, our pets/sidekicks are guardian-angels put here to help keep us in line. I know Eko must be, anyway, since he comes with his own wings and great personality.

  10. OhMelvin says:

    Some of my best moments with the dogs have been when something (or they) have forced me to unplug. Now, I almost always take a drained battery as a sign to walk away! Good for you!

  11. Sometimes we need to “step away” from the box, and not feel guilty about it. Life’s too short.

  12. Jorie says:

    My computer has been on the fritz the past month, and at first it was completely frustrating. But slowly, it became liberating! Sorta like forgetting your phone at home. Granted, I finally got a new computer, so I’m back in front of that blue glow again… 🙂

  13. We couldn’t help but notice that there were THREE plates on the table: one for Will, one for Emily and one for EKO!!
    Wally & Sammy

  14. That’s so frustrating, hope it all gets sorted out soon. Though if it doesn’t, I think you could spend many a happy day with Eko. By the way, the photo of him putting his paw on your arm is just priceless! “Come on man…just give me my fix. You know I need this!” Hehehe too cute! 🙂

  15. Misaki says:

    Hope your computer is fixed soon, we don’t realise how much we rely on them until they break. But in the meantime enjoy your techno-free time – make the most of it 🙂

  16. raisingdaisy says:

    I so totally agree. I work from home too, so I know what you’re talking about. On weekends I never turn on the computer unless I really have to, and I so enjoy living “outside the box”. When we had no power for a week after the hurricane, we actually all enjoyed rediscovering round-the-clock non-computer entertainment. So much so that we continue our non-technology times even more often now. I love that straight-on photo of Eko as well as the one where he has his paw on your arm – Daisy does the same thing when one of us is having an apple, pear, or orange. It’s like she’s saying, “Hey, don’t forget about me!”

  17. mollieandalfie says:

    OMD I would be near death if my computer stopped working, and all my things on there . xxxooxxx

    Mollie and Alfie

  18. AGGHH…I hate when that happens for two reasons, I can’t get anything done…and it reminds me how reliant I am on it.

  19. pawedblog says:

    Hmm. I had the same realisation recently when I had to send my computer away, it’s a tough but needed wake-up-call! Although… I think my pups wouldn’t mind it being sent off again now everything ahs returned to normal again!
    Hugs, Carrie (Myfie, Ellie and Millie) x

  20. Boomdeeadda says:

    Loved your photo’s. I’d have to totally work on my willpower to resist those pizza wanting eyes at table height.

    I really relate to your post, not because my computers down but because yesterday I spent a fair amount of time on it. Load photo’s, edit photo’s, write post, answer mail…….before you know it, 1/2 the day has vanished. Good to have a break and that’s what I’m planning today. But first, I’m glad I caught up with you and Eko, great start to my day! Have a good one guys 😀

  21. Eko’s bored look is adorable hahaha….

  22. Here’s hoping the computer has a full recovery.

  23. I change rooms around the house to make me feel like the walls are not caving in when I work from home constantly, which is al ot 🙂

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Follow Us on Instagram

@markingourterritory