Relaxing and getting away from it all is how almost everybody likes to enjoy their vacation, and I am no exception. There is a trend to go totally gadget free, and leave all the tech at home, and I was ready to take that challenge during my escape from the everyday routine . So how did QVC’s tech guy fair for 10 straight days unplugged? Not very well.
Don’t get me wrong. I get it. The idea of totally disconnecting and getting away from technology is a noble pursuit, but it didn’t work for me. The Super Smith Vacation 2014 began with a trip to a water park. My daughters and I spent the night before scoping out the slides thanks to YouTube videos and the park’s website. Battling brutal traffic on I-95 required the maps on my iPhone to be in a constant search to find a road that didn't resemble a parking lot. There was also plenty of reading, and all of it was done on a Nook. Then in the middle of all the good times and laughs, there was the passing of Robin Williams. I found out through a random conversation, not some text or email alert, but once I learned this sad news, I needed to connect and learn more. For a couple of days, I spent several nighttime hours watching old Robin Williams’ movie clips and reading dozens of articles. I felt a need to connect to what was going on, and I was glad to have a tablet and WiFi connection to make that happen.
So the idea of being totally tech free was a failure, but I certainly did take a break. Did I spend more than a few fleeting seconds on Facebook over those 10 days? Nope. Did I read an email? Not a single one. In fac,t my phone and tablet spent the overwhelming majority of my vacation sitting on a non-descript countertop while I conquered water slides, margaritas and fun in the sun. When that big fireball in the sky faded to the west, my family and I played epic games of cards instead of clicking the remote, and it was great. Then when the morning sun returned, we were on our bikes and off to the next adventure whose only tech specs I was concerned with were SPF numbers. For a pale skinned guy like me, that means SPF 15 or above, and I’ve got the sunburn to prove it.
Did I get away from it all? No, but I don’t want to. However, I do see the importance of taking some kind of a break. At QVC we have a phrase called “Be here now,” and for those 10 days I absolutely was. As I make my way back to work, the connection to emails, news alerts, and text messages will go back to normal, but I also hope to unplug more when it’s time for family fun. Finding that balance is key, and its not an easy balance for any of us to get just right. I will absolutely keep on trying.
As always, feel free to connect with me on Facebook at Craig Smith for QVC.