As a communicator, I feel that I always need to be connected: connected to people; connected through voices. So the Internet is a way that I'm always connected to people.

When I wake up in the morning, I turn on my computer (sometimes it's already connected through Verizon DSL) and check my e-mail (personal and work). Although I have slept for almost eight hours, I must know who has tried to contact me through the night. Even though it may be junk mail, I must know who has put another message in my inbox.

Forty-five minutes after I leave the house, I turn on my computer at work. My Novell account instantly goes on. You would think that I wouldn't check it since it has only been 45 minutes, but guess again.

At work, I have an alert service that tells me each time I receive a new message in my inbox. Crazy? Of course not. You see, I am a communicator and this e-mail thing is just like the telephone.

Time to go home. Usually when I get home, I check again. OK. OK. I'm hooked. By this time my wife has put my son into my lap. She jokes that the computer gets more time then they do. Of course that's not true. A few more hints and I do turn off the computer.

Later that night, before going to bed and after spending quality time with my family, I give the inbox one more glance. Gotta see who needs to talk to me. This is the life of a junky. . .

Now that I have realized my habit, I just have to make sure that I have set aside enough quality time with my family and not let the internet take over their time. Or, maybe they will just have to e-mail me to be able to speak to me! LOL (a little email humor!)

_________________________
George Johnson, Jr., is the Communication laiason for the North American Division