Four creative things to do without internet
On 16 January 2023 from around 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., the WIFI at Passy was officially disconnected. Some said the router room was flooded. Others said it was disconnected wires. I said, “How am I supposed to watch The Bachelor Australia?” (Writer’s Note: There are THREE Bachelors this season!)
After playing Klondike for the first twenty minutes, I quickly realized that the WIFI was not coming back anytime soon, so I had to come up with creative things to do to pass the time. Here are four tried and tested, creative things to do with your time when the WIFI on residence goes out:
1. Do some digital (or hand drawn) design.
I love clothing/fashion design, but never find the time to do it anymore. Since I finally had nothing* to do, I could pull out my digital sketch pad (or physical sketchbook) and spend some much needed time on my favourite creative outlet. My go-to free apps are Windows Paint 3D and Apple Freeform. Beyond fashion design, you could do architectural sketches, portrait art, or even play hangman. Draw whatever you want, really.
* Truthfully, I had plenty of readings I could have been doing, but I can’t write an article on that, can I?
2. Play a random record from start to finish.
OK, this one might be hard without a record player or a bunch of random records you’ve never played. However, I collect random vinyl records and play them at odd times, so this internet drought was perfect. If you don’t have a record player, try downloading a few random albums on your music streaming app for the next time you’re in this situation.
Today’s play: Kansas – Point of Know Return
3. Write a haiku.
Yes, I resorted to haiku writing before giving in to any form of exercise (below). A haiku is a great outlet for people who are new to poetry and creative writing. This Japanese poetic form has a simple, easy to remember structure: Three lines with the syllable pattern of five, seven, five. Here’s mine:
WIFI, oh WIFI
Why fly away from me now?
“So you stretch, my dear.”
4. Full body stretch.
It’s true: As the haikuist wrote, this was the perfect time to check in on my wellness. Make a conscious effort to stretch every muscle in your body, head to toe. Do a home workout if you have one in mind (no WIFI to look one up, remember).
Of course, if you’re ever in this predicament, you could take time to write cover letters for recruits. These are just some suggestions.