death of the computer

dear world wide web,

Last week i made the fatal mistake of dropping my computer on the floor. I haven't had a big laptop in a long time. For the past two years I have had the baby computer that is known as a net book. So for some reason, when I dropped it, I thought it would be okay because it was so small, how could it break? However, now I do not have a computer. And to make matters worse, only two of my housemates were home this weekend and their computers do not leave their rooms.

I have become detached from the computer. I have become the outcast. Not only is not having a computer royally screwing up my role as a student, because I have not been able to get to the library between work and class this week, but now it is ruining my role as a member in this college society.

Of course while people were out getting wasted all weekend, I was working from open until eleven o'clock at night. When I got off of work I went home to a house full of bunnies, cats, and a shark. Everyone was dressed up and knew what was going on at what bar at what time. Facebook let them all in on the times of costume contests, the specials, etc.

Then, I overheard a group talking about a bunch of girls and what they were being for Halloween because pictures had already been posted to Facebook. Some people actually changed their costume so that there were not too many people dressed up as the same thing.

I began to realize, what is going on here? Is it normal to know all of these things, to want to know them? Is what we find on Facebook considered news? I, without a computer, was a stranger to the topics these girls were talking about because I did not have the opportunity to find out what everyone was being for Halloween 2 hours before everyone went out.

Does this become news? I realize now, how much useless information I retain when I do have a computer and end up being on Facebook for hours. Do I really need to know what my best friends brothers friend's cousin did last weekend? No, but somehow with a computer, I do.

I realize how much I actually enjoy not having a computer. It allows me to do things that are a bit more important. I am more willing to go for a walk, go meet up with friends I have not seen in a while, rather than Facebook "IM"ing them. Instead of doing my homework on my computer while in front of the TV with 4 other people having conversations around me, I am forced to go to the library in between my classes and before work.

I am getting a Mac for Christmas, because although I enjoy not having a computer because I am less distracted, ultimately it is convenient to have one at your fingertips. I am simply going to have to use it for basic needs and let Facebook fade away from my habits.

Kiersten