News-Record.com

Hello, My name is Carol and I'm an internetaholic. Like most who are addicted, I do not want to change. I spend a lot of time on the computer, but when you are retired you have a lot of time at your disposal. I don't like TV and you can only read so much. The computer probably keeps me too connected to the outside world.

So, until my addiction causes me problems, I will continue. See I have spent a while on the computer already. Nice thing to have on a cold and snowy day.

I'll drink to that Carol :)

Does your husband mind you spending time on the Internet chatting with the rest of us?

My wife sometimes does so I try to avoid key times like meals, getting kids to bed, etc.

She isn't big into politics, so I don't get to discuss all the stuff we do with her. The kids are more of a focus, rightfully so. They are for me too, but seems even more so for her.

She prefers talking to her mom, sister, and girlfriends than being on line. I prefer here. If she grumbles I tell her hey at least I don't hang out on porn sites!!

No, he doesn't mind. Doesn't understand it though. We do a lot of political talking, fortunately we agree on most things.

And, hey, it keeps us off the streets.

The group we go to the Keys with each year went down last Sat. We decided to stay home this year. It is beautiful down there they say. Too windy to do a lot of fishing, but they caught enough for dinner on Tuesday.

Have a safe trip.

Too bad you're not going to the Keys, we coulda met for lunch or a cup of Joe. We are going to Naples for a few days and then to the Keys on Tuesday. Fishing day is next Friday. We've used the same guide several times and he produces. Nothing like eating fish for dinner that was caught the same day. Mmmmmm.

Stay off the streets.

Dan,
Now that you've turned the corner on the war, I'd love to have a cup a'Joe with you down at Papa Joe's place in Key West. Heck, we could fish together and sing Kumbaya too! Hope you have a great trip down and back. And if you're like me, you want it to be freezing cold back in Greensboro so you can really enjoy the climate change of south Florida. As a history buff, I've always wanted to visit the fort down there where President Davis was sent after the civil war. Imagine sitting behind bars staring at the turqoise waters surrounding you.

----------------
Collette,
Internet addiction? Oh, I can quit anytime.

Been to the entire state of Florida many many times, but have NEVER been to the keys. Have fun!

DD - then you have NOT been to the "entire state of Florida"

Miss Waddell, any behavior that adversely affects your life can be labeled a disorder. And in fact, smoking IS labeled a disorder in the DSM-IV (and probably the revised edition as well); it's nicotine addiction.

That said, if hanging out on the Internet isn't a problem for you, then it isn't a problem. But if your relationship with your parents, siblings, or friends suffers because of the time you spend on the Internet, then it's a problem. If you get edgy when you can't get on the Internet, such as a camping trip or a broken computer, then it's a problem.

Guess I have a problem then, BB. PANIC when computer is down. Scared the freezing rain will make us lose electricity...not worried about cold (we heat with a wood stove) and light (have kerosene lampa and candles) but using the computer...woe is me.

BYW, are you at the Jamestown campus?

Angie, the Keys are another world. Only part of Florida I do like.

Angie,
You are correct...If I've never been to the keys, then I HAVE NOT seen all of Florida. The Talahasse and panhandle area is the only "Southern" part of Florida left. The rest seems to be more of New York and New Jersey. Being a fan of Hemmingway and history, the Keys are on my short list for visiting soon.

Quitting the internet is the easiest thing in the world.

I've done it a thousand times!

Same here, Rufus..I quit every night about bedtime. But I wake up with a craving, that's when I know I am hooked.

Carol, I wish I were at the Jamestown campus; it would be a lot shorter to commute for me. I work at the East Wendover campus. GTCC doesn't offer Basic Skills classes in Jamestown, only Wendover, High Point, and a few off-campus.

My parents hate for the electricity to go out for a different reason: no water! They don't have city water, only an electric-powered well.

"If ever I wanted to stop spending countless hours on the Internet, I could."

Is it me or does that sound exactly like every addicted smoker and alcoholic you've ever met?

You need to get past step one before going through the other 11.