Summer Unplug

Today is Thursday, the fourth official day of  my summer unplug. Back in the Spring I had decided it would be good to give myself the sort of isolation/separation from other American folks that I originally desired when joining the Peace Corps. I recall talking to my boyfriend at the time about my mother expecting to speak with me weekly. I thought she was so out of touch for thinking this was a possibility. He told me that I should expect regular Internet access, and I thought he was also crazy.

Little did Carolyn know that they were both closer to reality than she. Yet none of us could have predicted that not only do I have access to the Internet at all times but I carry around a cell phone that almost always has service. The sole difference between how plugged-in I am here in Armenia versus America is that I don’t use a Smartphone. (Which definitely is a big difference when you consider all the ways a Smartphone can be utilized).  So, what’s the big problem?

The point I am making is that I still place value in spending more time in the present, whether it be while you are alone or when you are with others. Over the last month and a half I have spent most of my time with other Americans. While it was great meeting Armenians from all over the south of the country during the Border2Border walk, my social and downtime was only with other volunteers. I guess you could say I hit my point of capacity recently. While I was heading home from a weeklong conference with the group that I came here with back in May of 2012, the light bulb went off in my head, shouting: UNPLUG!

I was so excited to remember this intent, especially after the past few emotionally intense weeks. In fact, I was so excited that I nearly texted my friend just to tell him I wouldn’t be talking to him for three weeks. I realized that seemed odd, so I waited until I was back in Malishka to send out an email to friends that I am in touch with a few times or more a week just so they knew that I was turning off my phone and did not intend to check my email. I Skyped my parents, my brother Andrew and friend Raivis just to get some last licks and tell them what was going on so that they didn’t become concerned when our Sunday skype sesh didn’t happen the next two weeks. (Speaking of, ya’ll make my Sundays with those calls). 

Monday I kept myself busy cleaning the house to prepare for the upcoming long and slows days that I knew would be a result of the unplug. I am well versed in summer uplugs. My family’s home in Lake George, New York has been without reliable Internet and cell phone access forever. (Though, there is now access to these things it just feels wrong using them). Ever since I was in high school and could appreciate what it meant to be away from a computer I have always looked forward to my time at the lake to unplug. It’s so nice not feeling that you need to answer emails or check your phone every 30 seconds to make sure you haven’t missed a call, Facebook notification, text message or forwarded email. 

While I have used my phone and the Internet, it has not been for American social purposes. I made plans with the student from my village (do you remember that post about my ‘gem’?) who will fly to America on August 5^th to spend a year as a transfer student at an American high school in Texas. I made plans with my counterpart to go visit her tomorrow and of course have been in touch with my host family.

The rules are as such:

No calling/texting Americans (exception: birthday phone calls)

Phone is on only to make outgoing calls, then is switched off

Facebook is only for contacting Armenians; check/send the message – get off

You are allowed to post on the blog (but not obsessively check your stats)

You are allowed to return phone calls to your country Director

You are allowed to get needed work information

You are allowed to make plans to visit someone or for someone to visit you

You are allowed to watch a television program or movie only if:

            You have journalled

            You have practiced yoga / ran/ walked

Quotes Of The Week:

“I am SO happy you now know that there’s still time for you to fill out the survey, Ms. Rodgers!”

“Am I supposed to know what that means by the words you said?”

“Right now, I’m like a 6 but when I arrive I’ll be about an 8.5. You need to confirm that later, okay?”

“Can I ask you a personal question?”

“WHAT IS THIS?  I MUST PAY MORE THAN $20 A MONTH TO RENT AN APARTMENT!?” (Expectation to re-adjusting to American life)

“Ah – that was nice.”

“What, making a man cry?”

“No man, being in love.”

Songs Of The Week:

Gravel – Ani Difranco

Hyperballad- Bjork

Green Light- Florence + The Machine