First, I don’t have a a Blackberry or (gasp) even a regular cell phone. Most people look at me like I sprouted a second head when I mention this but it’s true. How do I manage? I live in a small town. Ninety percent of the places I go I can WALK to in less than 20 minutes. Plus I work from home.

That said, I am getting a cell phone, this week. However, it’s because my son is now old enough to be left home and I want him to be able to reach me in an emergency.

I don’t eschew all technology. I love my laptop! Her name is Lola And although I fought it, I’m now using an electronic calendar and can’t imagine my life without it. It’s not that technology is making me forget things – time is taking care of that. But the calendar is a little like getting a memory upgrade for my middle aged brain.

I could see moving to a PDA or – yikes – even a Blackberry just so I can have my calendar with me where ever I go. In fact, if anyone invents a wireless calendar so I can have my calendar on the wall in the kitchen as well as on my laptop, I’ll be first in line to buy.

The biggest problem technology has created in my life is that when I’m working on a big project, I’ve had days go by without ever leaving the house. That’s just wrong.

However, because I have a laptop, I can now go and work where ever there’s an electrical outlet and an internet connection. I can work at the coffee shop, the library, my backyard or even another city.

Overall, I think technology has enhanced my life, not hurt it.

Andrea

Oh, yes, I think about all of this, too. Not to mention attention spans, manners, ability to spell without spellcheck (or to know when spellcheck isn’t catching something)….

I was just commenting to Amy about this subject. I try not to start too many of these new connected habits, for fear of losing too much of my humanity. And my kid… how will she stay fit, healthy, connected to real life in 2.0 times? Warning, indeed!

Regards,

Kelly

What a great post.

I’ll admit, I don’t like humanity very much. Or rather, I prefer to deal with people from behind a screen rather than in person. I suppose that’s bad, isn’t it?

With my iPhone, I have access to email, internet, phone, ect.. and I do check on things, but that is because I choose to see what’s up. I do not however open every email or reply to them, mostly because I can type so much faster on a regular keyboard and I know it will be inefficient.

I however do shoot off quick one sentence replies to acknowledge the sender or respond if something is needed.

I think that I am definatly more addicted to people being brief, but I’ve always looked for the best way to build the mouse trap.

I enjoy my access when I am waiting for an appointment or having a smoke. I am picky about who I use technology with which I think is a great point, I know a lot of ppl don’t get the full impact of the technology or are overloaded because it’s overused and it’s not used to be a quick communication. My 2 cents.

Great post Terry!

I have been endeavoring to unplug for a time each day. It’s a huge rush and truly seems to slow the march of time. I think it is our responsibility to find ways to blend the incredible tools we have to make work easier with the fundamental things we need to do to balance our health. I Tweet, I am rarely without my laptop, I carry a cell phone, I also walk to the market, exercise, sit without tv and live by a buy local credo. It is, for me, a great mix.