no screen night

Recently I was reminiscing with a few girlfriends about the days without cell phones and computers.  We shared stories about bag phones our parents gave us and how they then threatened us within an inch of our life if we ever used them.  We assumed they must have cost $1,000 a minute.  I remember dial up internet, phones that didn't text, and being assigned an email address my first day of college and being annoyed that I would have to track down a computer lab to check it.   It was also in college when I saw the first ad in INSTYLE for a leopard Nokia phone, and longed for the day when I would be rich enough to buy one.  Needless to say, times have changed.

I realize the above paragraph is the equivalent of our grandparents "walking barefoot in the snow" stories, but I kind of love knowing life in both worlds.  I think it's because I knew a day without all of this technology, that I long for it from time to time.  If you are anything like me, you don't even realize how much you look at it.  My phone has become this thing that compels me to "check it", and it's embarrassing how second nature it has become.

Mr. Matty and I decided we needed a "no screen night".  NO cellphones, NO computers, NO television.  Every Tuesday we turn it all off, cook dinner together, listen to vinyl, read books, and have long talks. It's been amazing, and sadly a little tough, which is why we are planning to keep it up.  Do you find yourself needing a technology detox? What are some ways you are screen free?