It’s A Tech World, After All

I love technology.  I hate technology.  I get so frustrated with technology.  All of the above.  That’s my generation and definitely me.  My friend Marty is a tech world wizard, while my wife is still using computers primarily for e-mail.  I’m somewhat in the middle with my knowledge and depth of tech use and dependence, though my boys laugh at my attempts to learn anything new.  But, it’s hard to resist all we hear about what every new tech gadget has to offer, especially for us men (a.k.a. boys and their toys).

When I get a new tech device, like a digital camera for instance, I am very excited by the purchase and I take it home with pride and eagerness.  I carefully place it on my desk where it usually sits for a week or so until I muster the courage to open the box.  Then, I take out the various parts of the device, and ask for some help to lift out the user manual.  On viewing this lengthy document, in 42 different languages, I sit down discouraged, and place all the pieces and the manual on top of the just opened box, where it will sit for another week or two.  A strong drink will finally give me the courage to start the learning process. read more

The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly

No, I’m not writing about the movie or its wonderful music. Instead, this column will contain lists of random things that I think fit those three categories. I was driving to Mammoth, a ski resort we frequent, alone and early in the morning and began reflecting on my life. I had a rough period recently and was feeling a bit blue. I know that that feeling is fleeting and I have much to be grateful for. In fact, I know that gratitude is the key to happiness.

So, I started making a mental list of the things that I have to be grateful for, but I couldn’t help but also think of some of the ca-ca (a good parenting word, don’t you think?) in my life and the world, as well. I’m going to try and stay focused on “The Good” though acknowledging and recognizing “The Bad, and the Ugly.” read more