Mobile-Net

Unplug and Unwind, Enjoy Your Weekend!

My fiancé Kyle and I are very attached to our jobs. We need to be constantly connected because our positions require us to be on call at all times in case of emergencies or surprise developments. That being said, we can usually be seen tethered to our Blackberry’s and laptops, which makes enjoying a weekend away quite a struggle. The fiancé was looking forward to the August long weekend, and suggested we head out of town and enjoy some much needed R & R.

Janine from marketing suggested that the Niagara-On-The-Lake region would be a relaxing, slow paced experience. We weren’t too keen on going somewhere loud and full of drunken teens, so a village getaway seemed more appealing. We were intrigued by the quiet and laid back atmosphere of a village with quaint shops and restaurants. Kyle had his sights set on wine tasting, but I made sure that we could fit in a performance of a play from the world famous Shaw Festival. Started in the 60’s, the Shaw Fest is a celebration of the works of Bernard Shaw as well as the works of his contemporaries and new plays about the period of 1856 – 1950 – Shaw’s lifetime – all performed in their three very different theatres.

The Thursday night before we were planning on leaving, I mentioned to Kyle that I had an interesting idea to enjoy the weekend at its full potential. I suggested that we completely unplug, bring no form of communication and detach ourselves from anything resembling our jobs. He paused for a moment, mulling over the one request I had placed on him, realizing this was going to be a bit of a struggle. “Let’s make a compromise,” he said slowly, trying to figure out what he could possibly bring to the table in regards to a counter offer. “We’ll bring one phone, just incase the world ends and we need to reach our loved ones”. I looked at him trying not to laugh and told him that I am his only loved one, and that I’d be right next to him if in the off chance THE WORLD DID COME TO AN END.

To ease Kyle’s paranoid mind we packed one phone, but nothing fancy: some Nokia brick from the late 90’s that neither of us needed anymore, you couldn’t even send a text message and the screen was a gross cabbage green hue. Neither of us could get the whole Friday off, so we left Toronto at around 1pm towards the Niagara region. For the first few hours it was a little tough, the urge to check my email and check in with the office was like withdrawal from some terrible addiction. Once in a while Kyle would pick up the brick phone expecting a text message or email to come through, you could see his heart sink when he realized the phone we brought was better off being used as a door stopper. With our emotions on the fritz, I decided to lay down some ground rules to ease the lingering pain of being detached from the rest of the world. This guide is what would become the saviour of trips to come, and something that I wish we had thought about before leaving for the weekend.

5 ways to unplug and enjoy, detach yourself from digital civilization:

1. Make sure everything is dealt with before leaving.
Ensure that any prep work or deadlines are met before leaving the office on Friday, that way you don’t have to worry about checking in all the time. If someone needs to reach you, leave them a number but stress that they only call in the event of an emergency. Using your own willpower, don’t try to call in and check either.

2. Plan time off when work volume is not at peak.
It’s a given that the summer months will be harder because people are taking time off. Setting holiday’s around long weekends or major calendar events is key because expectations are lower and there isn’t a rush to get work done. Kyle and I chose the Civic holiday weekend.

3. Make a deal with a co-worker.
Negotiate a system where someone you know at the office can cover for you while you’re gone. Return the favour when he/she goes on vacation.

4. If you do need your Blackberry/Laptop.
Set up a system where you only check specific emails, don’t reply to them either. You can be kept abreast on the on goings of the office without actually being involved. This one takes a little bit of willpower. Always remember to set an automatic out of office reply so that people realize you are away. Make sure to tell them when you’ll be back!

5. Expect Problems.
When being detached from your office, expect problems to happen. Before leaving, make sure all measures have been taken so that things can run smoothly during your absence. Figure out what could be potential problems while you’re away, and in some cases plan a month in advance just to be on the safe side.

We were at the Royal George Theatre catching a performance of “The President” when it dawned on me that because we had been so focused on following our rules, we totally missed the real purpose of the trip. With one night and a full day remaining, we decided to go cold turkey and turn off the piece of garbage we had packed with us. Whatever happened back at the office could be dealt with on Monday, so with that in my mind we turned off completely and enjoyed the performance, finally being able to relax our souls and minds. Bernard Shaw said it best himself, “A day's work is a day's work, neither more nor less, and the man who does it needs a day's sustenance, a night's repose and due leisure, whether he be painter or ploughman.”

About the Author

Abbey Parkes is a freelance writer and cat lover living in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. A journalism major from Toronto’s Ryerson University, she enjoys lounging about with her two cats Lady Wolfe and Jane, and is notorious for weekend getaways and writing about them.

BlackBerry Niagara 9630 Hard Plastic Case - Blue

US Auctions Australian Auctions Austrian Auctions Belgian Auctions Canadian Auctions French Auctions German Auctions Irish Auctions Italian Auctions Dutch Auctions Spanish Auctions Swiss Auctions GB Auctions

Best Match Items Ending First Newly-Listed Items First Price + Shipping: Lowest First Price + Shipping: Highest First

Silicone Gel Skin Case Transparent Clear For BlackBerry Tour Niagara 9630 $4.24 Time Remaining: 28d 13h 57m Buy It Now for only: $4.24 Buy It Now

Silicone Gel Skin Case Protector for Blackberry Tour 9630 Niagara BLACK NEW $3.47 Time Remaining: 6d 9h 56m Buy It Now for only: $3.84 Buy It Now

BLACK Ruber Hard Case Cover+LCD FILM for BLACKBERRY BOLD 9630 Tour 9630 Niagara $3.09 Time Remaining: 19d 2h 57m Buy It Now for only: $3.09 Buy It Now

Rubberized Case Black For BlackBerry Tour Niagara 9630 $4.48 Time Remaining: 23d 12m Buy It Now for only: $4.48 Buy It Now

Rim Blackberry HDW 23471 001 Black Rubber Skin Case for Niagara Tour 9630 $6.19 Time Remaining: 27d 7h 20m Buy It Now for only: $6.19 Buy It Now

Oem Blackberry Premium Stereo 35mm Headset w Carry Case for TOUR 9630 Niagara $16.99 Time Remaining: 25d 7h 41m Buy It Now for only: $16.99 Buy It Now

Silicone Gel Skin Case Protector for Blackberry Tour 9630 Niagara BLACK NEW $3.15 Time Remaining: 12d 17h 51m Buy It Now for only: $3.15 Buy It Now

RIM BlackBerry HDW 23471 004 White Rubber Skin Case for Niagara Tour 9630 $5.98 Time Remaining: 27d 7h 26m Buy It Now for only: $5.98 Buy It Now

RIM BlackBerry HDW 23471 002 RED Rubber Skin Case for Niagara Tour 9630 $5.98 Time Remaining: 27d 7h 28m Buy It Now for only: $5.98 Buy It Now

RIM BlackBerry HDW 23471 005 Pink Rubber Skin Case for Niagara Tour 9630 $5.98 Time Remaining: 27d 7h 32m Buy It Now for only: $5.98 Buy It Now

RIM BlackBerry HDW 23471 003 BLUE Rubber Skin Case for Niagara Tour 9630 $5.98 Time Remaining: 27d 7h 40m Buy It Now for only: $5.98 Buy It Now

BlackBerry Tour Niagara 9630 clear TPU Case $9.99 Time Remaining: 20d 8h 32m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 Buy It Now

BlackBerry Tour Niagara 9630 green Clear Hard Case $10.99 Time Remaining: 2d 14h 47m Buy It Now for only: $10.99 Buy It Now

SLH SMOKE TPU GEL Case Blackberry Tour 9630 NIAGARA $1.98 Time Remaining: 29d 3h 2m Buy It Now for only: $1.98 Buy It Now

HD CAR CHARGER+VERTICAL LEATHER CASE FOR Sprint Rim BlackBerry Tour 9630 Niagara $7.99 Time Remaining: 13h 8m Buy It Now for only: $7.99 Buy It Now

CAR CHARGER+VERTICAL LEATHER CASE FOR SPRINT RIM BlackBerry Tour 9630 Niagara $6.99 Time Remaining: 3d 16h 49m Buy It Now for only: $6.99 Buy It Now

CAR CHARGER+Leather Clip Case POUCH FOR SPRINT RIM BlackBerry Tour 9630 Niagara $6.45 Time Remaining: 25d 13h 11m Buy It Now for only: $6.45 Buy It Now

CAMOUFLAGE CLIP COVER CASE POUCH FOR SPRINT RIM BlackBerry Tour 9630 Niagara $6.95 Time Remaining: 8d 23h 14m Buy It Now for only: $6.95 Buy It Now

HD CAR CHARGER+Leather Case Pouch FOR SPRINT RIM BlackBerry Tour 9630 Niagara $7.99 Time Remaining: 9h 41m Buy It Now for only: $7.99 Buy It Now

BlackBerry Niagara 9630 Case Midnight Tree Faceplate $9.99 Time Remaining: 26d 4h 39m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 Buy It Now

VERTICAL LEATHER CLIP CASE POUCH FOR SPRINT RIM BlackBerry Tour 9630 Niagara $5.95 Time Remaining: 8d 21h 59m Buy It Now for only: $5.95 Buy It Now

Leather Belt Clip Side Case Pouch FOR SPRINT RIM BlackBerry Tour 9630 Niagara $4.75 Time Remaining: 8d 12h 24m Buy It Now for only: $4.75 Buy It Now

RUBBERIZED ROSE PINK RUBBERIZED CASE FOR BLACKBERRY NIAGARA 9630 COVER SNAP $6.59 Time Remaining: 24d 13h 26m Buy It Now for only: $6.59 Buy It Now

For BlackBerry Niagara 9630 Tour Argyle Blue White Accessory Hard Case Cover $6.49 Time Remaining: 28d 12h 13m Buy It Now for only: $6.49 Buy It Now

For BlackBerry Niagara 9630 Tour Black Silver Stars Protector Hard Case Cover $5.99 Time Remaining: 17d 11h 32m Buy It Now for only: $5.99 Buy It Now

2 CHARGER+FILM+PINK CASE FOR BLACKBERRY 9630 NIAGARA $5.15 Time Remaining: 1d 6h 26m Buy It Now for only: $5.15 Buy It Now

For BlackBerry Niagara 9630 Tour Laser Cut Tree Silicone Gel Stone Cover Case $6.99 Time Remaining: 17d 21h 5m Buy It Now for only: $6.99 Buy It Now

2 CHARGER+FILM+PINK CASE FOR BLACKBERRY 9630 NIAGARA $5.61 Time Remaining: 27d 11h 9m Buy It Now for only: $5.61 Buy It Now

For BlackBerry Niagara 9630 Tour Deluxe Tiger Shield Protector Hard Case Cover $9.39 Time Remaining: 17d 14h 41m Buy It Now for only: $9.39 Buy It Now

For BlackBerry Niagara 9630 Tour Clear Smoke Faceplate Accessory Case Cover $5.99 Time Remaining: 28d 12h 13m Buy It Now for only: $5.99 Buy It Now

New For BlackBerry Niagara 9630 Tour Titanium Hot Pink Protector Hard Case Cover $5.49 Time Remaining: 18d 1h 5m Buy It Now for only: $5.49 Buy It Now

New For BlackBerry Niagara 9630 Tour Lizzo Chain Plaid Protector Hard Case Cover $6.69 Time Remaining: 17d 21h 9m Buy It Now for only: $6.69 Buy It Now

PINK CASE+DC+AC CHARGER+LCD FOR BLACKBERRY 9630 NIAGARA $5.15 Time Remaining: 29d 6h 24m Buy It Now for only: $5.15 Buy It Now

PINK CASE+DC+AC CHARGER+LCD FOR BLACKBERRY 9630 NIAGARA $5.61 Time Remaining: 21d 5h 1m Buy It Now for only: $5.61 Buy It Now

PROTECTOR+CLEAR WHITE TPU CASE+AC+DC CHARGER FOR BLACKBERRY TOUR 9630 NIAGARA $4.92 Time Remaining: 27d 2h 57m Buy It Now for only: $4.92 Buy It Now

New For BlackBerry Niagara 9630 Tour Solid Blue Clear Gummy Plastic Case Cover $10.09 Time Remaining: 17d 15h 14m Buy It Now for only: $10.09 Buy It Now

For BlackBerry Niagara 9630 Tour TPU Smoke Zebra Silicone Skin Gel Cover Case $6.99 Time Remaining: 18d 1h 24m Buy It Now for only: $6.99 Buy It Now

PROTECTOR+CLEAR WHITE TPU CASE+AC+DC CHARGER FOR BLACKBERRY TOUR 9630 NIAGARA $6.23 Time Remaining: 23d 23h 53m Buy It Now for only: $6.23 Buy It Now

Leather Case for RIM BlackBerry Tour 9630 RIM Niagara $15.67 Time Remaining: 17d 23h 13m Buy It Now for only: $15.67 Buy It Now

New SeeThru Hard Cover Case with belt clip for blackberry Tour 9630 Niagara $9.99 Time Remaining: 27d 23h 38m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 Buy It Now

New For BlackBerry Niagara 9630 Tour TPU Purple Butterfly Flower Skin Case Cover $46.99 Time Remaining: 18d 1h 23m Buy It Now for only: $46.99 Buy It Now

Heavy Duty Case Bag Belt Clip Loop Holder for BlackBerry Tour 9630 RIM Niagara $15.51 Time Remaining: 27d 12h 12m Buy It Now for only: $15.51 Buy It Now

Leather Case For Blackberry Tour 9630 Niagara Torch NEW $4.49 Time Remaining: 18d 16h 25m Buy It Now for only: $4.49 Buy It Now

Heavy Duty Case Bag Pouch Belt Clip Holder for BlackBerry Tour 9630RIM Niagara $15.83 Time Remaining: 1d 13h Buy It Now for only: $15.83 Buy It Now

Leather Case Bag for BlackBerry Tour 9630RIM Niagara BlackBerry Curve 3G 9330 $17.81 Time Remaining: 1d 16h 50m Buy It Now for only: $17.81 Buy It Now

Armband Case for Blackberry Tour 9630 Niagara Torch NEW $3.98 Time Remaining: 22d 13h 10m Buy It Now for only: $3.98 Buy It Now

Blackberry 9630 Tour Niagara Hot Pink TPU case with Hexagon Sale Price: $8.88   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description A tough yet flexible case made from TPU silicone gelLight, bendable and tear/abrasion resistantPrecision designed '(access to all ports and functions')

BlackBerry Silicone Rubber Gel Skin Wrap Case for BlackBerry Tour 9630 (Pink) [Bulk Packaging] List Price: $9.99 Sale Price: $2.96 You save: $7.03 (70%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description Blackberry Silicone Rubber Gel Skin Cover Wrap for BlackBerry Tour 9630 (Pink) [Bulk Packaging]

Clear Silicone Skin Case for Blackberry Niagara 9630/9030 (Verizon) Sale Price: $0.90   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description *Side Note- Niagara 9630/9030 will be released next month May 2009 (Verizon Wireless)

New silicone skin case cover for RIM Blackberry Tour Niagara 9630 (Available in Black, Blue, Green, Pink, Purple, Clear) Sale Price: $1.89   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product

High QUALITY Invisible Full BODY GUARD Shield Screen Protector for Blackberry Niagara 9630 - COMES with 2 pieces Sale Price: $26.02   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description A clear film that covers the body and screen of your unit providing scratch protection from outside elements. Designed to custom fit each particular device, these protectors are made from the same material that is used to protect the front of automobiles from stones and other abrasive elements.

Red Silicone Skin Case for Blackberry Tour /Niagara 9630/9030 (Verizon) Sale Price: $0.35   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description This silicone skin case fits your Blackberry Tour / Niagara 9630 / 9030 perfectly. Use the skin as a protector for your cellphone or you can use this as a fashion accessory.

Amzer Snap On Case and Holster for BlackBerry Tour, Niagra 9630 (Black) List Price: $29.95 Sale Price: $15.38 You save: $14.57 (49%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Enhance your BlackBerry experience with a unique Snap On Hard Case and Holster combo that offers you the best of both worlds. Designed with contemporary sleek lines, this Snap On Case is made of an all-new impact resistant, flexible plastic shell, which covers the back and corners of your BlackBerry...

Black OtterBox Defender Series Case and Car Charger for Blackberry 9630 Niagara Tour Sale Price: $35.95   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description The OtterBox Defender Series for the BlackBerry Niagara Tour 9600 series offers rugged protection for your smartphone. The Defender Series case will keep your phone protected from drops, bumps, dust and shock...

Hot Pink Silicon Skin Case Cover For BlackBerry Tour 9630/Niagara 9030 Sale Price: $0.46   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product

Premium Black Silicon Skin for the Blackberry 9630 Tour/Niagara List Price: $19.99 Sale Price: $0.89 You save: $19.10 (96%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description This premium silicon skin will protect your wireless device from scratches and scuffs, keep your wireless device looking like new. This long-lasting durable skin is made with top grade silica gel, not only protects your wireless device, but also giving it a nice soft comfortable surface...