My name is Sammantha, and I'm a 29 year old transfemme (she/her) living in rural Oregon. I'm vegan, I work in IT (because of course I do), I have ADHD and a panic disorder. I'm a musician - I play drums, guitar, and I sing, though I haven't had an outlet for that in some time. Oh, and I'm engaged!
As far as a technical background goes, I've been a Linux user since 2011 (makes this about 15 years as of writing this), though I've had my fair share of hand-me-down Macs and PCs throughout the years. I've used all of these platforms in a professional capacity at various points, working with enterprise and non-profit orgs alike. I self-host a couple of services (Jellyfin and Home Assistant for some accessible lighting controls) with a goal of hosting more in this "Low-Tech" journey. I do some hobby programming/scripting from time to time, this site included.
I started this website out as a means to keep my love of technology alive in a world where AI has been creeping into every corner. Through lots of trial and error, I've learned a lot about myself and what I need to be happy. And I accidentally found out that I don't really need much technology to be happy anymore. At least, not the technology I thought.
I used to be someone who was gripped to their phone constantly. I tried deleting apps and limiting screen time, but it wasn't enough for me. I'd find ways around it, or come up with some loophole as to why something was okay. I lacked the disipline to really see it through. So in 2022, I bought a flip phone: the one that you can see in my EDC section. That helped me out a lot, at a time that I really needed to focus on how I connect with people. I ditched all my social media, all my apps, and paired my needs down to essentials.
Eventually, the call of the smartphone in my drawer got louder and louder. With my band at the time needing to focus more on our social media presence and branding, I found myself filling that role, and falling into my old ways. I became so introverted and agoraphobic that the idea of going out would be physically painful because I was so comfortable with my screens. And to make matters worse, I felt as though I couldn't talk to anyone, so I turned to AI as a means to validate my feelings (fuck you, Proton).
It was in August of this year (2026) that I finally said to myself "enough is enough" and I needed to get my life back. I needed to get my brain back. I was forgetting things constantly, losing track or interest in active conversations with my friends (sorry about that, I'm doing better now), I was becoming a passenger in my own life. So I ditched the smartphone for good this time, and started the process of de-AI-ing my life. I wanted (and still want) nothing to do with that technology. I ditched Linux, I unplugged my Series S, I cancelled my Proton subscription and I started to write. Writing is something I've used in the past as a means of release, and this is no exception. It's a very good way to consolodate my feelings.
I normally type a lot of my writing because I'm fast at it, and my handwriting is garbage. But this was for myself, so I decided it didn't matter. If there was something I needed to remember, something I needed to get out, or communicate without voice, I would write it instead of typing. This little change has helped me a LOT with my cognitive function, as I was able to remember written notes far longer than any typed ones.
Keeping with the written notes theme, I've started using a planner instead of digital calendering. This is an adjustment I'm still getting used to, but I'm enjoying it so far. I found a nice one that fits in my purse, and I'm noticing that I'm remembering appointments more than I was previously. Sometimes I'd set three/four/five reminders for myself because the appointments would go in one ear and out the other. I'm not perfect at remembering to check it yet, but I'm getting a lot better. That's a start.
I've acquired a small and cheap collection of CD players, to make use of the CDs hiding away in a tub in my office, and to ditch Spotify and music streaming entirely. Now when I listen to music, I listen to an album front-to-back. If I'm not listening on speakers, I'm using both headphones, to really get the most of the listening experience. Some people will still wear by Vinyl, and I won't knock it here - it's a great sound for a LOT of music. I'm just not ready to give up on the conveniences of CDs. Also, I love the old iPod revival, but I have PTSD from iTunes + Limewire, and I don't want to figure all that shit out. I'll stick with CDs.
I did get a GPS unit recently - crazy that they're still around, I know. I'm going to hold on to this, but for my work rather than personal use. I travel a lot for work, and it's usually with short notice (day of or day before), so having a dedicated device for this still fills the intentionality I'm pursuing. I did actually by a small paper map. Yes, stores still sell those too. It was like $5, and it's just a map of the closest major city to where I live, which is perfect since usually that's what I'd need it for anyway. I'll still use a computer to look up directions beforehand if it's time-sensitive, but for just getting a general area, I've got no problem using an old map. I grew up with them, and it's kind of a nice creature comfort to re-introduce.
I'm also reading more now! As someone with ADHD I really struggle with reading. Before, and still sometimes, I find that there isn't enough stimuli to keep me locked in to a story or a narrative. Now though, that's getting a little easier, and I find myself looking forward to when I can continue reading a book. I've got a tiny copy of "The Odysee" that I found at St. Vinnie's that I've been keeping with me, and that's been a challenging and rewarding read so far. I've got plenty of "purse-sized" books in fiction in non-fiction, so if I fall out of one, I'll swap in another. Having a rotation is good for my brain too, it keeps things more interesting than just once story.
This all has had ripple effects in my life - I've been a better conversationalist, I've remembered more important details about my friends and coworkers, I'm happier and less cranky in general, weirdly my appitite has been better? I'm not pretending I found the secret to life over here, I don't think there is one. I think I've just found the secret to MY life and MY happiness, so I'm rolling with it for now.
All this is to say - this website will be a means to chronicle my movement away from technology as a whole, while still providing some fun content like the EDC and Thrifts pages, along with my Thoughts updates. Not much is changing, but you may see more analog things than digital ones. Am I becomming a luddite? Honestly maybe. But we'll see how things go.