Spring Break Road Trip, Wired

Saturday, April 12, 2008  by Lynn Wendyger
Category: Technology, family, spring break

I've been away for a week, doing the spring break thing. We took a road trip to visit family in the Detroit metro area. But road trips of today are distinctly different than road trips of the past where your choices were primarily radio or reading.  

Picture this. My husband is jamming to his 30 GB iPod, which he has plugged directly into the van stereo system. My daughter is sitting as far back as she can so that his music selection doesn't drown out her own iPod nano, while she texts to her friends on balmier trips to Florida and South Carolina. My son is playing his Nintendo DS. I'm catching up on DVDs of TV shows I never get to watch. We all live in our own little bubble if we want to. Together, but apart.

It's good we were staying at Grammy & Grampy's house, because if we were in a hotel, it would have been hard finding enough electrical outlets to support using and recharging all our stuff. Three cell phones. One DS. One Wii. Three iPods. One laptop. One DVD player. One digital camera.   

I didn't really mind, because we did do a lot of family activities that didn't involve electronics. A tour of Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan for our daughter, conducted by our two nieces who are students there. A visit to Canada and Point Pelee, the southernmost point of Canada. And of course, the Detroit Zoo. 

If you are getting away this spring, enjoy. And be sure to spend some of your time unplugged.  

 

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Comments

# Over It said on April 14, 2008 2:32 PM:

Are you obsessed with material items? Sure seems like it. Get a life, and get your kids off their duffs and outside getting exercise. Hope Grammy and Grampy can afford your power bill.

# Lynn Wendyger said on April 14, 2008 4:02 PM:

Dear Over It:

I had to laugh when I read your comment. You sound like me talking to my kids....especially my son who prefers video games to sports. Do you or anyone else have ideas, beyond time limits on video games, for getting your kids outside to play?  

# InspireWithGrace said on May 5, 2008 5:12 AM:

On the topic of how to get your children "outside to play" -

I would have to say that the answer is always at the beginning of the equation when it comes to setting the example for those you wish to lead. In building this business, in training those in your office environment, and in raising children; actions always speak louder than words and good intentions. Mentorship is setting the example of active pursuit of something tangible whether it be mental or physical and preferably in the positive direction! I believe through repeated example and interaction (playing WITH your children regardless of age) you can develop in yourself as well in them the habits you want most to have.

I am not sure how to set the example of "unplugging" without actually doing just that..."unplugging".  I have yet to master that one as you can see by my post... I know that I am also searching for ways to simplify when it seems like we are getting busier and busier with those things that are supposed to save us time and give us energy. Meanwhile we can be stealing precious time form those people that we want most to spend the time we have with. So I guess if you find the 'answer' - please share with all of us!!!!

Meanwhile, I am once again inspired to action...

# Lynn Wendyger said on May 21, 2008 8:39 AM:

Dear inspirewithgrace:

Thank you for your supportive and graceful comments.  

I too am searching, and have no answers, but find inpsiration in others like you. A book that opened my eyes to graceful living is called "To Be A Graceful Giant". I've given it to my kids to read too.  

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