To FB or not to FB

I'm self-imposing a break from social media and frivolous screen time in general. The other day I was asked, in a survey, if I check social media and email within five minutes of waking up (yes), before going to bed (yes), and how many times per day (5-10). When I thought about it, that sounded at best more than necessary, at worst like the beginnings of an addiction. I usually like seeing what friends are up to on Facebook, interesting topics my favourite authors are tweeting about and how many new emails I've got (since we hardly get real mail anymore).

But since the survey I've felt overwhelmed by the never-ending downward scroll of information and uncaring of the depersonalised communication. So instead of using my phone as a social media hub, ebook reader, games console, jute box, weather advisor and more, I'm going to go cold turkey back to the simpler days of having a phone that makes calls and sends texts, all the other stuff was added bonus features. I'm going to try going a week without checking in with social media (while trying not to think about the status updates and invites I might be missing or the huge accumulation of pointless information to scroll through, if I choose to, when I go back). I will read paper books, even lugging it onto the train, if I want to read there. I don't need to stare at a tiny screen playing games, I can enjoy people-watching or meditating on my journey to work. As for the music component, I may still listen to music on my phone because I don't stare at the screen for long while it's on. I will go back to looking out the window in the morning and guessing what I need to wear – I'm sure no great harm will come to me, even if it's hotter than I predicted or I get rained on without an umbrella.

Would St Valentine be up for role reversal?

I think my husband started a new Valentine's tradition yesterday. He made me a delicious dinner, not even letting me in the kitchen while he was cooking it. So now I'm thinking role reversal makes a great Valentine's gift. I'm not saying we have to celebrate Valentine's every year (it is a bit of a sham), but every so often, whether it's February 14th or not, a little pampering, overt spousal attention and role reversal can go a long way. Perhaps this one felt so special because in our sixteen or so years together, we haven't done much about Valentine's Day, especially not last year. It marks a renewal, it felt like last night – in a low-key, no-pressure, lovely sort of way. So I'm grateful to my husband for a wonderful, creative Valentine's and I'm recommending that others try a role reversal afternoon or evening, however long and elaborate you want to make it. I got an appreciation for how nice it is to sit on the couch while dinner is being made; my husband might have more of an appreciation for the effort it takes to shop, then create a beautiful meal while working a full day.

Cats are gurus

Once again I am grateful for my cat's ability to relax and be peaceful in the present moment. This helped me the other night when I wasn't sleeping for the third night in a row. I could feel her lying between me and my husband, and she was purring. I reached down to stroke her and found that she was reclined in the middle of the bed like a sultan on vacation. Using my husband's leg as a pillow, she was sprawled belly-up.

She was so comfortable that, even though no one was petting her, she kept letting how little sighs. Hearing and feeling her complete relaxation reminded me that I could mimic that, even if I preferred to actually be asleep. Soon after that, I did fall back to sleep.