I found myself without a working DSL modem a few days ago after the recent storms that passed through my region. As I left for work that Friday morning, two phone company guys behind my house were working on the overhead cables, which they said had taken a direct lightening hit. But they didn't seem to think that my sudden lack of Internet connection was related at all.

I felt a serious problem coming on. In addition to my full time job, I am enrolled in a couple of online classes in Web development and upload assignments on a regular basis. I do a bit of moonlighting as a freelance writer. No Internet? That has potential to cause a minor panic.

A happy coincidence was that I received my new laptop later that day – a 13-inch Macbook Pro. Timing couldn't have been better. I transferred my files, retrieved my login info, and headed off to a restaurant with free WiFi. There, I was able to download a free FTP program and upload my assignments. You can imagine my big sigh of relief. I swear, I will never live without a laptop again.

So I am considering a new challenge: living without a home Internet connection for two months. My DSL service through AT&T costs me 49.99 per month (I do not have a landline telephone).

I would probably spend that much at a café, considering that a cup of coffee or tea costs about $1.50. Multiply that by 30 days, and you get $45.00. Add tax and voilà, it's the same as the DSL fee.

The advantage? I can be as mobile as I wish and not be stuck at home in front of the computer. Not to mention the fun I have eavesdropping on people's conversations. The disadvantage is that my battery has a limited lifespan (although I know where a wall plug is at the café).

The phone company says they will have someone out Tuesday to look at the DSL line. If it is not their fault, it might be the wires in the house. Or the phone line. Or the Ethernet cable. Or the modem. Do I feel like spending money on any of those things? The answer is no. So if it is not the DSL line outside, I am going to cancel my subscription and spend my summer out and about with my laptop, having a little fun.