Are laptops absolutely necessary? Probably not, unless you are me.
When I received a laptop a couple of years ago, my whole world changed. I became less stressed, grew three inches taller, lost 20 pounds and developed sparkling white teeth. Well, maybe not, but I did grow less stressed.
Getting a laptop is a definite choice to be made. Laptops are generally more expensive than desktops and may have some limitations in terms of power and capabilities. They also tend to become appendages, never far from their owner. I know one full time employee of the corporate world who got reprimanded for bringing (and using) a personal laptop computer on company time.
I can understand that employee’s position exactly. For me, the computer was already an appendage. I keep everything on it, from household appointments to work contacts, recipes, home design ideas and article assignments. I work from home and am still responsible for child care and running the household during the day. I try to make it all work and the laptop is a big asset to me.
While writing a 1,000 word article about diapering a baby, while actually diapering a baby hasn’t gotten any easier, at least there are no cords to get in the way of the poo. And yes, I have been known (sorry honey) to lock myself in the bathroom with the laptop, five-and-a-half seconds after my husband gets home from work, when I am on deadline.
The biggest reason, and the inspiration for this article happens to be occurring right now as I type. It is six am. The rest of the household is still sound asleep, a prime time to get any work done. Instead of sequestering myself in the dark basement that is also known as Mommy’s office, I am here sitting out on the back porch. The view before me, when I look up from the screen, is an expanse of woods, where dark hawks are flying overhead and morning doves are cooing their songs. The sound of the creek in our backyard is soothing and peaceful.
A few moments ago, our resident family of deer had their twice daily walk through our backyard. And there is no baby poo.
These are just some of the reasons I love my laptop.
Mary Ann Romans writes about her family’s money saving secrets in the Frugal Living Blog here at Families.com
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