And so I survived.

Rather than jump into the thread in the previous post I figured I'd just start a new one announcing that I have returned and that I did not get eaten by a bear. I consider that a win.

It was a good week, and entirely tech-free. Turned off the cellphone when I got there, and it stayed off until I got back home. No handhelds, no laptops, nothing. It's kind of funny, because every time I do this (and this is my first "real" trip since 2006) the first night is always a bit of a panic-filled affair as I sit by the quiet firelight thinking, "What the hell have I done?" But it's always passed by the next morning and life is good again.

I have three young nephews and they're rarely without their PSP, DS, etc., even when they're off on some kind of holiday. (They actually went camping for a few days the same week I was gone.) I'm obviously not one to wag my finger and tell people to put down the consoles, but I do sometimes think that maybe it's a bit much. It's too easy to get too hung up on the things, to the point where you're uncomfortable when it's not around - or worse, where you end up missing out on other things because you're too busy catching them all. Does that sound preachy or hypocritical? It's not meant to. I just think it's a shame that some kids don't get to experience some really cool stuff because their focus is too firmly fixed on gaming.

(Of course, if you're 27 and doing the same thing, that's too bad too, but hey, whatever. Nobody to blame but yourself.)