Overly Thoroughly Modern Millie

Today may come off as kind of a rant, just FYI.

Technology can be a blessing and a curse. It comes in handy when we are lost, to get a quick reference, or to send off a quick email or text. But lately, I think technology may have hit the too much of a good thing area.

I'm going to pick on Facebook for this example. A few weeks ago they started this Facebook Places invention, where you can check in and show your destination. My question: is nothing sacred?! Do you like allowing yourself to be stalked? Do you think people actually care that you checked into Starbucks with another person? I, personally, don't. So I disabled it.

I have to admit that for a long time I was very much into updating my status, etc. But I have come to realize something: people generally don't care. I have deleted people for flooding my feed with rants and raves about things that maybe 5 people get, or with posting cryptic updates that people try and figure out what's wrong. Same with Twitter, which I have, and almost enjoy more than Facebook, because I can get links to things I actually care about.

It's the same with texting. I used to be a textaholic, and felt like my whole arm was missing if I didn't have my phone. Part of that was living in a different city than my significant other, and the majority of our conversations being via phone or text every day. Since the move, my phone isn't as much of a necessity. This past Saturday I left my phone behind and spent the whole afternoon downtown with Richard. I connected with people face to face, I had a conversation with the girl that made my sandwich instead of my face having the glow of my phone screen. I enjoyed the nice weather, watched a wedding party getting their pictures taken at Monument Circle, ate outside, explored a museum, and talked with Richard, instead of posting that I was doing each of those things. It was touching base as a couple, but for me, it was getting back into the swing of life.

I think because of being in such an intense program for so long, I became co-dependent with my phone. It was my lifeline for my emails, to get in touch with group members, etc., AND to feel the need to immediately respond. Now, I leave my phone on the charger and check it periodically, and I never take it into the gym. It's nice to just breathe and enjoy life without feeling so available all the time. No wonder people are stressed out and can't relax!

There was always a rule in my house(s) growing up: no TV on during dinner. I still instill that in my house, even though there aren't any kids there. No TV or cell phones at dinner. Also no cell phones when you are having a conversation with someone in person. I understand sometimes you can't help it, but when I'm talking to someone and their phone goes off and they immediately respond to it, it just sets me off and the conversation (at least on my end) is over. Put the stupid thing away! Focus on what is in front of you, really enjoy the moment, grasp the sacred, prize the privacy, and for God's sakes don't Facebook or Tweet about it.