I discovered something last week. Actually, calling it a “discovery” imbues it with significance and something akin to magic. That’s not what I’m talking about. And to say that I came across something new and unique isn’t really the truth, either.

But, I did finally admit that spending most of my week out in nature and not looking at a screen was really good for me. I think I spent about 5 minutes in Zuckerland, and limiting time with Fakebook was especially positive.

So as I move forward into the summer months, I’m planning to spend as little time online as possible. If I read blogs, I will have a routine and try to keep to just a handful of meaningful sites.

I am planning to continue with the blogging, but I’m not sure what other writing I’m going to be doing.

I begin a new part-time job with a local credit union this week. Efforts to connect with projects and nonprofit options have led me to a dead end. I feel like I’m transitioning into a new phase of life.

When I’m not working, or umpiring, I’m going to go out for rides on my bike, hitting the beach twice a month, and maybe I’ll even take up hiking—something I haven’t done in years.

For nearly 10 years I was connected to a lot of people. Then, over the course of the past couple of years, those contacts have fallen away. People have proven that when you can’t do the heavy lifting necessary to make them look good (so they can take the credit), it’s pretty certain that they’ll kick you to the curb, or worse, forget about you.

In my last book of essays, I titled the final one “Goin’ Back,” a nod to a song I loved by Nils Lofgren (written by Carole King). That essay was about my hometown and the changes that have been taking place there since I grew up.

I can’t return to the place in time that once existed. But I can get back to some things that are more genuine and personal than what technology is capable of delivering.