Cathy Classics by Cathy Guisewite for June 03, 2013

2013 escape from Facebook, email, Internet, and all things connected.

I saw a story recently on a European news show about electronic free vacations. It not only banned the usual stuff, it banned the tv, and any music playing devices. People were flocking to these vacation sites. Most of them actually enjoyed being “disconnected” for a week. I think it’s sad that people can’t seem to function without the electronic gadgets they take for granted. I found it really difficult to go without a computer for several weeks after we had to move. Cable was unavailable and still is. For two weeks, all I had was a radio to keep me company. It was really tough, and something I’ll never do again. Yes, I admit I’m “connected”, but I never let it control me. These people allowed their devices to take over their lives. You get what you pay for. lol

I can’t get over how so many young people can’t sit or walk without constantly texting. Is it a psychological thing, as in “If I’m not ‘talking’ to somebody, I’ll look alone and uncool.”?

Walking while texting is bad, driving while texting is even worse and everybody is doing it — not just the kids.

While we do have the internet (and I have a 6 or 7-year-old laptop), I don’t: text, have a smart phone, cable t.v., a Facebook / Twitter account, an e-reader, computer tablet (or anything else with an “i” in front of it either) . . . and I think I do just fine without them!!! I’m happiest spending time with my family and friends, playing with my dog, reading a good book and creating something beautiful when I work on my latest cross stitch project. I may be a real “dinosaur” when it comes to not having the newest, latest, greatest electronic gadgets of any kind but I honestly don’t feel like I’m missing a thing because of it. How can you really LIVE life when you’re completely obsessed with always being so “plugged in”? Just sayin’!

Hi, rgcviper!

lightenup: Hope you’re having a great trip!

catsarge: That’s what I understood Eric Klein’s post to mean too . . . what the next panel of today’s comic strip WOULD say if Cathy Guisewite were writing it today.

Hello and Happy Monday, “Cathy” clan. Hope everyone had a really great day today!

I would miss the comics and advice columns, but I rarely read my work e-mail unless I’m at work.

@[last panel]Don’t trouble yourself. Really—DON’T.

HI, MOM. Greetings, Clan.