Communication

While I had a computer at work, I bought my first home computer in 1995 and had a dial-up line and a second line for the fax that started taking over my kitchen counter.

I put the computer together, knowing nothing about it,  but everything worked.  Tried several internet companies.  That was when Microsoft and others wanted to control all the content.

Experienced in email once I landed on the spot I’ve been on for 16 years, the next step was high-speed, which my husband set up for me at the place I found for him 1,000 feet away from my home.

Then when blogs were still cool, three years ago, he set up a blog for me.  Over 41,000 visitors have been here and I thank you for your patronage.

Then Facebook came out and all my friends wanted me to get on that bandwagon, that I quit for a year and came back to because they don’t email anymore.  Then Twitter, no way I’m going to do that.

Then everyone said I had to go on LinkedIn.  I finally did it and made a joke profile.  I didn’t think I belonged there because I’ve been out of the serious working world for a while.  But I know everyone in it, and the best thing I do is bring people together.  Yes, I cook, too.

So, if you’re my friend on FaceBook, you might know that I check the site twice a year.  My friends call or email.  Same with LinkedIn.  Now I’m getting so many updates and don’t want to deal with it.  If I’m looking for a job, or can help a friend get one, that’s great.

For now I’ll stick with email and my blog.  As the numbers go down, you’ve got to know who are your friends and who are not.  I know (adult wisdom) who they are.  They visit seldom, but regularly.  They appreciate a birthday card in the mail.  When they buy a hand-made fabric bookmark at the fair, they buy me one, too.

Companies are hiring people without bringing them in for an interview.  The interview is by phone or now by Skype.  We were lucky as my husband’s employer never brought him in so when we got here I found a place for a couple of months so we could look around.  We’ve been here 2 1/2 years.  Yes. all our stuff is in storage half a country away.

Face-to-face is the only way communication works for sensitive issues, like finding a spouse, a job, a home.  We’ve actually bought a car sight unseen and had it shipped 1,700 miles.  All online and by phone.  Don’t think we’re rich, it’s from 2005 and is the only sedan my husband can fit in because he’s very tall.

One of the problems with our children these days is that they come home, go up to their rooms and get on their computers and get on crazy sites where their safety is compromised. Of course teens and tweens are going to go against whatever their parents say, and unfortunately, that sometimes leads to bad situations for these kids.

You see or call or perhaps email grandma and grandpa.  Same with aunts and uncles, if OK with parents.  You don’t share information with anyone online.

New technology can be good or bad, if used in a harmful or hurtful way.  I was physically assaulted on a school bus by neighbor boys, they made fun of me then stole my hat and kept it from me then ripped it in half.  I was eight years old and a shy kid and marched to the Principal’s office and reported them.  Others on our bus had told me not to report them because they’d beat me up.  I was never touched by them again.

Kids don’t have that luxury these days, and I believe that anonymous emails and many cyber attacks that make kids consider suicide are more powerful because of bullying and bullies always being cowards, so a computer is a weapon against defenseless children.  Parents and schools have to be part of the solution, not the problem.

I came home and did my homework or helped with dinner or dishes.  My sister  tied up the land line (they just called it the phone back then) all night with her best friend who lived 100 feet away.  Sometimes one wants the old days, but not when you can research and book flights and get in touch with people instantly.  Cheers, Dee