The Last Time I Loved Technology

I just found out that my husband has been conveniently depositing his paychecks through his CELL PHONE, because his employer does not offer direct deposit. Apparently, he takes a picture of both sides of the check, enters a few key pieces of information, and the bank deposits the $$$ without ever possessing the actual check. And apparently, a lot of people are already aware of this, and I am just utterly oblivious.

In the past, this would be something that would have completely amazed me. And it should amaze me. There was a time when I used to feel so astonished with each new, technological invention or concept. However, at some point, technology started evolving so fast that I became numb to it all. Not just numb, but...a little repelled. I started regarding it with some distaste. It's like the kid who freakin' LOVES candy, but after eating it all night on Halloween, doesn't want another bite.

Here are a few examples of new technology that I should find astounding, but I don't.

Google Glass

And you thought your Oakley's were cool



This is a wearable computer with a head mounted display, which displays information in a smartphone-like hands-free format. If you can't walk and chew gum at the same time, this probably isn't for you.

Wireless Solar Keyboard

Hopefully you have a wireless, solar monitor lying around



This keyboard doesn't look like much, but it contains a solar battery that will stay charged for up to 3 months, even when the keyboard has been indoors or in total darkness. It comes in really handy for those three month power outages.  

Livescribe Echo Smartpen

The pen yet again proves it is mightier than the sword

This pen allows you to record audio while you’re taking notes, and then play them back later. You can save and share interactive notes to your computer, iPad or iPhone, and the memory storage holds 400 or 800 hours of recorded audio. Also great for blackmailing your coworkers.

Senseglove

 

I don't know what the hell this does, but it looks cool.

So yeah, this is some pretty neat stuff. But my failure to feel any sense of wonder with all this new technology got me thinking....when DID I last love technology? And I remembered three times when...I did.

The Cordless Phone



I can't remember how old I was when we first got a cordless phone, but I am guessing I was either in my preteens or early teenage years. And holy shit, I LOVED that thing. The first time I used it, I kept a running monologue going of my astonishment to my poor friend on the other end, that went something like this:

"Now I am approaching the door...It is still working...Now I am outside, can you BELIEVE I am OUTSIDE? I am walking ON my driveway now, and it is STILL working. I can't believe this, I am by my street, and I can STILL talk to you! Now I am ON the street-*static* Hello? *static* HELLO?!"

Super Mario Bros 3

To be honest, I was pretty impressed with all the old Nintendo games. But Super Mario 3 blew my mind away. My brain couldn't grasp the sheer amount of different worlds/levels. I loved all the secrets in the game. I loved the animation. Up until Super Mario 3, all the other games seemed repetitive, but this game offered so much variety. My parents and Jodi also loved the game. I remember all of us sitting on the bed in their master bedroom, laughing and playing for hours.

Compact Discs

I first heard about CDs from Jodi. I think it was her high school Spanish teacher who had a CD player, and she excitedly told me all about it. She described this "disc thing" that you could put in the player, and you "didn't have to REWIND or FAST-FORWARD to get to your song." I was dumbfounded. I could not imagine sticking a disc in and just being able to press the number of the song you wanted. The first CD I saw with my own eyes was at our friend Scott's house. It was "The Cranberries." I picked up the CD and gently held it up, letting it reflect the light. I thought it was the prettiest, most modern thing I had ever seen in my life.

I MISS loving technology. I wonder if anyone else feels this way?