This is what I spend my time doing in my "free" time. Sitting in front of the computer, laughing, smiling, pecking away at the keys. I read jokes that make me laugh, watch TED videos that make me cry. I catch up on most of my friends and relatives and their families. I read reviews of books and movies and I pin photos of beautiful ideas onto my Pinterest (a baby obsession that I fear will continue to grow and develop into a demanding teenager). I do all this alone. In my room, or family room, or at the kitchen table. Yes, I interact with friends, posting comments to comments, or chatting in boxes. But I'm still alone.
I find it surreal to think that when I was 15 it was a privilege (that a rich aunt afforded us) to have my own Princess phone in my room so I could call and talk, in real time, with my friends. But only after homework and dinner, and definitely before eight. Now I can be in almost immediate contact with anyone, literally anyone, I know around the world. I can even see their face while I speak to them. My kids can get a hold of me any time, any place via the magic mini-tablet I carry in my pocket. Oh, and it plays music, too. No more planning a meeting place or agenda for the day so that I know where they are or how to reach them. No longer do I ask for the phone number of the house they are visiting. That is a memory, a shadow, from a former life, a former generation.
No comments:
Post a Comment