Compulsory Shutdown

My computer cut out on me less than an hour into Saturday, March 24th. (Yes, I was on the computer on a Friday night but don't worry, I made up for it Saturday.) Ironically, March 24th was Shutdown Day. I wasn't planning to participate because I had work to do over the weekend but I was thwarted by a suicidal motherboard. So while I didn't actually manage to "power on" my computer, I did spend most of the day trying to figure out the problem and buy replacement parts.

During my "compulsory" shutdown day I did notice how much I rely on my desktop computer. For example, when looking for a computer dealer I would normally have loaded up Google Maps but had to dig out a dusty phone book and map book instead. And that doesn't even take into account the computers in my cell phone, my building's elevator, or those controlling the traffic lights. I don't think our reliance on technology is harmful but it is interesting to see how your everyday life changes when you try to unplug.