plug it in, charge it up!

In a world of laptops, ipads, netbooks, e-readers, cell phones that do everything for you but breathe for you I can't help but think we are missing something.  I get progress I really do but I still wonder if we are missing something in the midst of all the advances.

Before I get alot of naysayers I am not anti-technology.  I love the doors that have been opened through the use of the Internet how easily I can get an answer to any question within seconds.  I love knowing that I can reach a loved one so easily by the use of cellular phones.  I have to say though that I cannot see me using an e-reader.  It is not about convenience for me.  Shopping for books is a hobby, it is a date night, it is so competitive that you can buy bestsellers on line for $.02. 

Where am I going with all of this? 

While I love some of these advances, I feel losses at times as well, even with the changes I love.  The Internet is awesome I agree and it has opened so many doors for me, however have you ever thought of when you were growing up and you did not have the world at your fingertips?  Just the fact that I have a good memory about using encyclopedias shows it had a lasting affect on me.  I am not sure if it is the idea that your parents invested in them for you that makes it a warm memory or how important I felt "researching" something.  Now you type in a few words and you have more search engines than you need with a plethora of information.  ( Not a bad thing) but I know that my 9 year old is not unique in knowing how to do that on his own.  He does not need me to sit with him and help him sift through all the information so is he losing out on a special memory?  I like to think that his memories will just be different but still special. 

I can't really say many negatives about the benefits of instant connection with the use of our cell phones.  I have to admit I love that my son can reach me anytime.  I know that when 40 years ago when I was 10 it was unheard of, but my son carries one in his pocket so I can be available to him at a moments notice and I like that.  I guess I would have to wonder though if  the little device in his pocket had made him more independent of me.  Having the ability to reach one another while he rides his bike all over the neighborhood makes me feel safe and I still make sure he has clear face to face expectations so not to lose that communication.
I am also saddened by the misuse of phones and how it has shaped our society.  I recently was out to dinner with my husband and son and watched a family of 3- mom, dad and teenage daughter eating as well.  Throughout the entire meal the dad and daughter were texting while to mom glared out the window, what a loss of time together. 

I have to add though that I do think there are some amazing opportunities because of technology.  I smile when my 29 year old son who is living in Saudi Arabia can get on his x-box and play a game with my 9 year old while talking through a set of headphones. 

Wow- I started this blog with the idea of breaking out of all the stresses that life brings us and be a kid.  How did I end up here?  I guess I was thinking of the changes that are so prevalent in our lives.  So the idea I had will grow with tomorrows post.