Always Online

I'm sure many of you have noticed, I am always online.
I've been thinking about it a lot - why?
Why do I keep myself constantly connected?
There have been a few times in the past weeks that I've closed my computer, turned off my cell phone, and vanished.
But rarely.
I open my computer and gchat and AIM both automatically open.
I go directly to my email, see who needs me. I check Asher's blog, look at a few other blogs - old friends, classmates, people i dont know who have interesting things to say.

What's this need for connection?

Well that answers it. My dislike for this place leaves me wanting - to connect with the east coast. And so I always leave myself open for it. I know the 9 pm here means most people on "my coast" are no longer accessible. It's one of my down points of each night - i try to make sure to miss it.

Who do I want to connect with? Anyone, everyone. It keeps the connection alive. I know there's some part of me that's always hoping to hear from Karen - not sure what I would want - but what if she needs me? There's still that element that I like to be a good friend.

I've become really good friends with someone via IM since we got back from Israel. We have somewhat personal conversations, challenge each other on ideas, and comfort each other in our need for the east coast (NJite). It's what I've come to refer to as a "screen name relationship." I mean, we see each other almost every day at school - but we dont really know how to act with each other - we know each other on IM.

What's my point of this post?
To validate my decision.
It's ok to be online all the time.
Most people keep their cell phones on all the time.
This is my convenient cell phone.
I get to hear that my sister loves me
my mom too
how my puppy is doing
and everything else that matters.

Sure, i could pick up the phone, but why?