That Time I Forgot My Laptop

I was sitting in the car with my husband Daniel when I had a sudden realization.

“Oh no,” I said, panicking. “I forgot to pack my laptop.”

“Good,” Daniel said. “You don’t need it.”

“But what about my work? What am I going to do? What if I miss something?”  

“You can use your phone if it’s really urgent. But you need a break.” 

We were on a two-day family vacation to San Diego. My husband and I work six days a week, and I have my laptop on me at all times, except for Shabbat. I was planning on getting some work done while on our trip, but now I couldn’t.

How would I go two whole days without my computer? After all, I was working on my computer the morning of my wedding. I was working while I was in labor and brought my computer to the hospital when I gave birth.

How would I go two whole days without my computer? After all, I was working on my computer the morning of my wedding. I was working while I was in labor and brought my computer to the hospital when I gave birth. I’d taken approximately 10 vacation days in 10 years. 

I was feeling extremely anxious about not having my laptop with me. So, I did what I always do in moments of stress: I prayed.  

“Hashem, please don’t let any work come in over these next two days,” I said in my head. “Let me enjoy this time with my family.” 

I then looked at my two beautiful girls and my two cute dogs sleeping on the backseat and Daniel, my loving husband, and thought, this is what really matters. I braced myself for two days of fun. 

And Hashem delivered.

We fed wolves frozen yogurt at the California Wolf Center, where our 3-year-old screamed “Doggies!” with glee and made our 10-month-old laugh her head off. We took adorable photos at a pumpkin patch and drank the best apple cider ever. We ate a delicious home-cooked meal with our friends in La Jolla and checked out the incredible kosher section at Ralphs. We rode kiddie rides at SeaWorld and went to a bubble show, which mystified my baby and got splashed by a gigantic killer whale, which made my toddler squeal with delight. We all slept together in the hotel bed and gave each other lots of kisses and hugs and we pet our doggies. 

A few clients emailed me and I told them I was on vacation and I’d get back to them soon. I buried my phone deep in my bag and didn’t check it for hours at a time. I let the battery run out on purpose. 

And I didn’t miss my laptop at all. I was having too much fun.

On the way home from our trip, my husband, daughters and I saw the gorgeous San Diego sunset and listened to Raffi songs together. We talked about the big whale at SeaWorld and the pumpkin my toddler picked out, and we finished the last of the apple cider. I sprayed the car with the lovely new scent I got at Bath & Body Works. Its name? Endless Weekend. 

I realized that God put a mental block in my head so that I’d forget my laptop and could really enjoy myself. There is no other explanation for why I forgot it that time. 

He knows what’s best for us. I certainly didn’t … but now I do. 

Want to get in touch through your laptop, phone or tablet? Email me at Kylieol@JewishJournal.com.

Kylie Ora Lobell is the Community Editor of the Jewish Journal.