Technology vs. Me...

Porcupine in a Balloon Factory ©SJaye 2013, This post 

     As you no doubt know by now, I go NUTS dealing with technology.  

     I even fail to see the benefit of having a huge television.  Yet, having to own the latest phone where you can watch the exact same thing, on a teensy-weensy screen... AIE AIE AIE.

     I constantly misdial, mistype, or somehow, get to some unintended person or screen, only to let rip a stream of obscenities~ you probably will not see here.

     In fact, it is quite common for my husband to walk into a room, only to hear me swearing at an inanimate object, that he doesn't bat an eye; he knows better than to laugh.
 
     I often say, "for every thing that technology helps; is causes another 2 headaches."

     There have been many medical advances, as well as other types of progress, that without technology, would only be a dream.  I know that.  That is why I strive with the finesse of a porcupine in a balloon factory to learn and keep up with the latest kryptonite. 

     Writing this blog has been quite an adventure for a non-techie like me.  I have a Mac computer with a big ol' monitor that is larger than our family television.  Boggling I know, that we only have one tv. However it suits us.  I love my Mac, and since beginning to spend more time on it during the last year, I have begun to understand what all the hubbub is about.  Still, there are times that I still roll my eyes.

     If you read my post, The Perks of Being Fired, you'll recognize this picture:

Yes, I modeled for this.

     While I know this contraption is used in many fields, and different professions; I am not a fan.  I understand fully the need for it if you are protecting the President or another person of equal stature.  

     I also get it, that it helps when communicating across a large area, such as a restaurant, sports arena, or stage.   However, in these scenarios, where it's not a matter of national security; I think it's important to realize the impression the wired ear pods give, to what are paying guests/customers.  Those are who keeps businesses in business. 

     I humbly suggest to think long and hard, about WHO REALLY NEEDS TO BE WIRED?

     There are public service announcements, that are showing with more frequency, about the loss of loved ones due to texting while driving.  Pretty sure it's illegal now in most places.  Still, it's unnerving how many drivers, I witness doing exactly that; not to mention how many who are obviously "on a call", while driving.  Either that, or there's a lot more talking to one's self going on these days.

     Think about all the ways technology has affected us.

     I grew up in a time, when one learned how read body language.  When conversing, looking someone in the eye was a sign of respect.  With people looking constantly at screens of one kind or another, looking someone in the eye today, makes people uncomfortable.  

     Last weekend, while dining with a friend at a nice local restaurant, the what I presume was the manager stopped by to check on us.  After the initial "good evening," his eyes scanned the room instead of meeting with either of ours, for the remainder of the query.  My friend had sent her entree back, and when he stopped we assumed it was due to that, but then he didn't mention it or ask about it.   My friend, (who's in sales) and I got a kick out of it.  I think we could have told him Martians had landed, and he would have given us the same slick, rehearsed spiel.
      Dating has changed as well.  Gone are the days of the "smolder" or "look of longing".  Now,  after finding each other through a site, be it Hot Singles, Match.com, or Christian Mingle, I would be surprised if the two individuals in question actually found time to have an actual conversation amid the "tweeting" about the possibilities of their date; who they googled extensively prior to the date to find out all pertinent info.

     On the matter of technology that's less obviously "wired"- remember the good ol' days when you decided when you were finished on the pottie?  In the attempt of saving water, most public places now have toilets that flush automatically ... still figuring out what the "cue" is.  

     Then you move on to washing your hands.  There are times I swear, there must be a hidden camera complete with an audience laughing uproariously as I try to find one spigot that will bestow water onto my hands, as well as anticipate what direction the automatic soap dispenser will spurt.  Finally, drying your hands: the new dryers- you might as well wipe your hands on a piece of clothing (I suggest your own); or if it is working- be sure to hold on to your hat.  Checking the mirror before you leave the restroom might be wise as well.
   
     Keeping this topical, where would some politicians be without technology?  On one hand, (naughty, naughty) without it they may have kept their fantasy lives "closer to the vest".   On the other hand, (I admit, I am smirking as I write this) since they are endowed with technology, it's not in the same realm in my opinion, as other polititians who've committed various acts (and what variety!) mano a mano, or au naturel; so to speak.

    Going forward, this old fashioned porcupine will try to walk the fine line/tight rope between being digitally literate, and overwired.  However there are some of the old customs that I hope remain, so I vow to continue-   
     When I meet someone new, look them in the eye, and smile.  If the mood strikes, shake hands.
     Enjoy and engage in actual conversation.
     Remember how fun it is to laugh with another human being.
     Because no matter how advanced technology gets, it will never satisfy all the senses.  

     Lastly I will still read,  books.  I love the smell, the history, the je n'sais quoi...  that jumps out from my 1911 edition of J.M. Barrie's,  Peter and Wendy.  It's old, heavy, and lovely.  No Nook, nor Kindle, nor whatevah, can hold a candle to that.  And I also love the smell of a wood burning fireplace; no flippa switch for me, thank you.

    

This post was originally published on 7/31/2013!  Ten years ago, yet I still get miffed by technology.

I have a new post coming that will air my thoughts on AI 😉

If you enjoy my blog and donate $, I'd be ever so grateful! 

Happy Holidays! 

What I've Learned!

     In honor of my oldest daughter, turning 21 today! 

     I'd like to share what I've learned thus far from being a parent!  Originally posted this on 9/11/2015, when my darlin was 11.

     Now, as I've told relatively new parents; you're kids are kids for about 10 years... then... when their bodies begin to change in many different ways... they'll remind you of your teen years... and they will be more like roomies(roommates), than your children.

     When I was a teen, my mom told me, my hormones would even out, in around my mid 20's; and I would not view anything as dramatically terrible, as I did when I was a teen.  

     I remember rolling my eyes to her, whenever she mentioned that point ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 

     Then, I moved to Chicago, in '91, after I graduated from WVU.

      I worked at a Futon Store, for a couple of years and made a couple of friends there.  

     Also, when I sold a futon to a woman, who'd just graduated and moved from Boston; and she lived around the corner from my studio apartment; we became friends!  We were roommates for a few years.  

     Then once, while in our first apartment; I'd gone out with a nice young man, named Pete; he took me out to dinner and we had a fun evening!  When he dropped me off, we kissed for the first time; and he said he'd call me, and we'd go out again!  I thought then we'd be dating for a good bit. 

     Then a couple of weeks later, my roomie asked if I was going to go out again with that hot guy; and she asked, 'What is his name?'

     So, this is what I replied: "Pete, is the name of that guy I went out with.  He said he'd call me, and we'd go out again.  Yet... since it's been 2 or 3 weeks... I guess he either lost it, or tossed my phone...so, no more time with Pete..."

     "Oh my God!  So sorry... "

     And I said, "Who gives a sh*t... there's so many other hot guys in Chicago!"  Then we laughed! 

     Then I called my mom; told her about it; told her "YOU"RE RIGHT!!! I DON'T GIVE A SH*T" and Mom laughed!  

     Then I apologized for all the fits I through as a teen; and she told me, 'Babe, you were easy...' and I replied, "May be because I was an only child," ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 

     If you're a parent, I'm sure I have nothing on you.😉   

Why Are Social Media Not Social?

Rolling my eyes.  Yet again.

     Think you know by now, I am not the most tech savvy.

     Let's begin with my blog.

     I try to change the picture for the "cover" and it rarely comes out how it shows it in "Preview".  Never know what size it's going to come out.   Not sure what determines it.

     Then, as Sadie's is a fairly young blog, I try to build my audience, by asking friends to check the blog out and joining.  I have had more than a couple of people tell me, they couldn't, for some reason, it wouldn't let them, etc.  Yes, I too suspected passive aggressiveness, but then I sat with a friend while she tried to join, and witnessed Google or whatever kicking her off, and saying that option was not available at that time, and to try later.

     Whether it's Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Pinterest; just as I have the format close to figured out, they change it.

     Since there's never a freakin' human being to find to help- how can they call it "social media"?

NEW PAGE, SNL Sketches...

SNL Sketches I'd Like To See

     Just would like to let you know there's a new page here at Sadie's Gathering.  Hope you enjoy it!
I had lots of fun thinking about it.  I am working on an image to serve it as the recipe box serves "The Recipes", but wanted to go ahead and share.  Till I get the image the way I want, this fella will serve as an ambassador of sort.

This page will be subjects that I believe would make good Saturday Night Live sketches.  Maybe some day Lorne Michaels will stop by.  Any ol' hoo, these are fun to think about. 


-Martha Stewart's long lost or "black sheep" sister.... white trash, but very creative with a variety items.  Lots of possibilities I think.

-Parody of Caillou.  Caillou, his sister, all the characters, and don't forget the saccharine sweet narrator. They did a brilliant parody on Dora the Explorer entitled Maraka and Mittens.  If you haven't seen it click to watch.

-Right now it's summer and I am seeing lots of toys promoted. However there are the "As Seen on TV" toys like Flashlight Friends, Seat Pets, Stuffies, and Tummy Stuffers, that you don't know what you get till you get it and may be more gimmicky than other toys.  They always say "great for all ages"... well imagine a college age kid, an adult, or an elderly person with a Flashlight Friend, Seat Pet (maybe a Bum Bud, for the tush) or a Stuffie-  great for hiding whatever you don't want your spouse or kids to see... different paraphernalia can fit!  

-On the same line as the "As Seen on TV" toys-  gimmicky toys that enable adults to carry things discreetly.  

-Chuck E. Cheese's How-to Video for the Say Cheese! App.  Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader would have done it phenomenally, but I know there's others that could do it justice as well.

-A take on Ana and Christian from the 50 Shades series.  Shows them after 50 Shades Freed.  Does Christian load the dishwasher correctly?  When Christian starts to get "bossy", what used to turn Ana on, now causes her to suspect he's trying to get out of doing the mundane things she's asked him to do.  Hows about does either one get the "7 year itch"?  Maybe Christian is a little too nice now, and she gets the hots for the plumber?  Again, think there's lots of funny potential scenarios.