I don't know about the rest of you but at times I definitely feel like a slave to the Internet. Though 'slave' may be a poor choice of word considering I am a willing participant in the relationship. Addicted may be a better description for it. I am addicted to the Internet. Though after a small bit of research I've come across some info explaining that the idea of Internet addiction was initially created as a hoax. And come to think of it, I'm not sure I would even classify my relationship with the Internet as an addiction. Simply because when I ever go on vacation, it is a welcome respite from all things WWW related. I relish that time, as a chance to break away from the stranglehold of email, news, sports, memes, blogs, social networking, videos etc. I don't think a true addict would relish time away from said obsession.

Guest writer Diana Schwaeble is a reporter, editor, and bike enthusiast. While not recommended for the novice smoker, she does know how to ride a bike and smoke at the same time.

I love smoking. I love the taste of it, the feeling of the smoke as I inhale it into my lungs. I love the focus it can bring on a particularly stressful day.

To me, it signifies beginnings and endings. There is a spark at the start, a cool burn in the middle, and a sputter at the end as the flame dies out.