July 1st, 2008

That 70’s Blog…

Every now and then, I’ll catch myself saying something crotchety like, “Life sure was a lot simpler before all of this freaking technology took over”.  And yes, I *do* actually look around wondering who the hell said that when clearly it was me.  I think this whole “back to basics” yearning started when I began to watch That 70’s Show in syndication.  I’d marvel at the simplicity of having one long-corded home telephone and a television that actually required you to get off of your ass to change the channel.   Perhaps it’s just that the whole “scene” makes me nostalgic for a time when I didn’t feel the need to be “jacked in” every second of every day.

But here’s the thing…I’m fully aware that it’s not technology’s fault that I tend to obsess over my email, blog, twitter, text messages, phone calls, DVR preferences, blah blah fuckity blah.  It’s just the way my life is, being that this high-tech digital girl has many close relationships that basically depend on technology.  Unlike some people who believe that there is a huge difference between “the Internet people” and “real friends”, my closest relationships actually were formed from deep inside my sweet sweet computer box.  Therefore, when I’m faced with the horror that I may not be able to email someone I need to get ahold of, chat with a person who brings me to my happy place, or check blogs to see what some of my best friends are up to, I tend to get a little bit twitchy.  Maybe, just mayyyybe I tend to take it overboard too.

You see, I sort of invited myself to Jester’s house for the 4th of July weekend when he and I were talking on the phone last night.  Seeing that the alternative is to stick around here with nothing to do, while most of my friends are off whooping it up, I totally jumped at the chance and was excited about it too!  I got off of the phone with Jester and started doing a happy dance on the inside (because I’ve been too sick to snoopy dance in my panties “for real”).  But then…a single thought brought me crashing and banging to this loud, screeching halt.

But my laptop is broken, which means I’ll be out of town for 4 days with no computer!  How can I go away without a laptop?  I can’t leave my precious Internet for that long!

I started to rethink my decision to go out of town, finding a million reasons that were way less pathetic than the one true reason stated above.  I tossed and turned in my sick bed, then started twitching for a bit.  My mind reeled as I thought of ways to quickly get myself a new laptop in time to go up to there to the Bay Area.  Suddenly, and without warning, my damned good sense came into play.  Uh, they have other computers at their house and maybe if I were to ask or bribe, they’d let me check my mail now and again.  Also?  Everyone else will be busy doing stuff this weekend and probably won’t be hanging out online anyway.  And lastly?  The fact that the mere thought of staying home actually crossed my mind made me feel highly pathetic.  Besides, I *do* have a SmartPhone with net capabilities anyway…*whistles*.

Seriously though, it’s moments like these that I truly do yearn for “a 70’s life” but know deep in my heart that I could not survive that shit one day, knowing what I know now.  So I guess I’ll just muddle along with all of these luxuries at my fingertips, if I must suffer (yes, I *am* Norma Desmond).

I’ve decided while writing this post, however, that if I *had* to give up *one* piece of modern technology, it would definitely be the microwave because, while convenient, it’s not a necessity for me.  Hello, it may take longer but cooking in the oven and on the stove top actually is possible, shock of all shocks!  And more importantly, my microwave doesn’t connect me to the people I love in any way, shape or form.  You see how I’m improving upon myself here by being so willing to give things up?  I’m a freaking pillar of strength, I tell you!  Snort…but seriously, could you give something up?  Would you want to?  And pray tell, what the hell would that something actually be?

Big Red Kisses,
Me

Posted in Emotional Technology, Silly Hilly | Comments (35)

35 Responses to “That 70’s Blog…”

  1. Avitable Says:
    July 1st, 2008 at 12:34 pm

    I’d give up the garage door opener.

    Avitables last blog post..AlphAvitable

  2. radioactive tori Says:
    July 1st, 2008 at 12:36 pm

    You must have just published this since there are no comments yet. I am thinking that it would be very easy for me to give up technology. I am a very simple person and I could totally occupy myself forever with games, knitting, etc. Would we still have a corded phone for me to call friends though?

    I think you are right though that it would be harder now that I know what could be, but I still think I could do it. Although the last thing I would give up would be the microwave! I heat things up for my kids all the time and without it my day would be more difficult for sure!

    radioactive toris last blog post..Wild Hares

  3. radioactive tori Says:
    July 1st, 2008 at 12:53 pm

    And I forgot to say that I think my kids would NOT be able to give up anything. They have no idea how much they have and how easy it all is for them. I would continue this comment but I feel like it is starting to sound all “when I was your age we walked uphill both ways in 40 fet of snow”.

    radioactive toris last blog post..Wild Hares

  4. sizzle Says:
    July 1st, 2008 at 1:17 pm

    It’s kind of ironic that I will be without internet access when I am in CA for BlogHer but for the 6 days I am gone I will not be on line and…I am actually looking forward to it!

    sizzles last blog post..Let’s Have Some “Closure”

  5. Mrs. F Says:
    July 1st, 2008 at 1:35 pm

    I’m with you on this one, I could give up the microwave, but that is as far as I am willing to go.You can’t have any of my other supah fab technologies. I’m not giving them up…

    Mrs. Fs last blog post..In The Depths of Mindless Drivel

  6. Miss Britt Says:
    July 1st, 2008 at 1:52 pm

    Ohhhh the irony, seeing as how the reason you’re going to Jester’s is because of the technology.

    I would give up…er… uh… is a vacuum cleaner considered technology? I’d give that bitch up in a HEART BEAT.

    Miss Britts last blog post..I Went To NYC And All I Got Was 1248 Pictures Of Buildings

  7. elfenkate Says:
    July 1st, 2008 at 1:54 pm

    I could never give up my TV, computer or camera. I thought for a moment maybe the DVD player, but what would I watch my Buffy on then? After some thought I agree with you. The microwave can go. I’m not married to it as they say. I can certainly heat my food up with the stove.

    Also, I hope you’re feeling better today.

    elfenkates last blog post..Memes Can Be Fun

  8. diane Says:
    July 1st, 2008 at 2:02 pm

    Well, in fairness you ARE sick and irrational thoughts are to be expected. :lol:
    I feel similarly. The internet eats up so much of my time, but I cahn’t quit eeht. Buying a Blackberry made a lot of things more convenient, but also made the root problem worse.
    I would love to dare myself to give up my cell phone. Important people would be forced to call me at home and otherwise, I couldn’t be disturbed. *sigh* But at this point in my life? I’d freak the F out worrying that someone was trying to reach me anytime I went ANYWHERE!

  9. jessica Says:
    July 1st, 2008 at 2:21 pm

    I’m an internet / email / cell phone junky, and even when I go places like the cabin I bring that stuff with. I often wish we didn’t have wireless / cell reception at the “cabin” because it makes it too easy to NOT unwind.

    I went away for the weekend with The Auctioneer - he is totally wired the same way I am. I actually TURNED MY PHONE OFF — like, completely off — in the car on the way out of town and didn’t turn it back on again until we were back in city limits. He did the same thing. It was… remarkable.

  10. Sharon Says:
    July 1st, 2008 at 2:40 pm

    There’s actually a lot of technology that I would happily give up even though, like you, I am sorta addicted to the internet. (Although I don’t use it as much as you to keep in touch with my closest friends: I can’t even remember the last time I emailed my BFF!)

    I can’t be without my mobile for long, though. . . partly because I don’t have a landline and it is my only phone. Well, actually, I have a BlackBerry now. . . . which also means instant/constant access to email/internet.

    Our firm has a client in another county, and when I’ve had to drive there, I get no signal on the BlackBerry–for phone or internet or email–for at least an hour-and-a-half. It’s actually felt quite freeing, though a little weird. ;-)

    There is something to be said with actually being present when you are with friends or loved ones. I find that, when I have a mobile phone or BlackBerry, it’s too easy not to give the people in my life my undivided attention.

    Sharons last blog post..My New Roomie

  11. Denise Says:
    July 1st, 2008 at 3:34 pm

    Honestly, I’ve been contemplating giving everything up lately: cell phone, digital cable/DVR, and wireless internet at home. With the high prices of gas and groceries, it just seems so self-indulgent given that I don’t do anything important enough to NEED that stuff. Plus, I’m pretty sure I’d get desperate enough to get out and be active if there was nothing else to do at home. Of course, I always come to my senses before I pull the plug… :grin:

    Denises last blog post..To BlogHer or not to BlogHer?

  12. Tori Says:
    July 1st, 2008 at 3:38 pm

    I had to recently give up TiVo because my po-dunk little area doesn’t have the service available… and while it’s been hard, I don’t miss it nearly as bad as I thought I would…

    Toris last blog post..Caught up!

  13. adena Says:
    July 1st, 2008 at 3:40 pm

    I’m with Avitable. My garage door opener. :) Because, I don’t use my garage for anything other than junk storage, anyhow.

    Also, my coffee pot, or blender, because I NEVER use them.

    adenas last blog post..Teacher, I finished my assignment!

  14. Mattie Says:
    July 1st, 2008 at 3:56 pm

    I didn’t realize I was addicted to technological gizmos until my daughter complained that I was taking too long to reprogram my new cell phone.

    I mean really, I HAD to download a special ringback for each and every person on my contact list.

    Like this one for my mother:

    (sung to the music of “Sexy Back” by JT)

    Your momma’s calling back
    she wants to waste an hour
    talkin’ ’bout her cat

    There’s more but I can’t remember it off the top of my head.

    And then there’s “Don’t Hang Up” by the Orlons (1965-ish)as my main ringback for general incoming calls.

    Yeah, I love technology. It thoroughly amuses me.

    God help the person who takes it away. Seriously.

  15. jester Says:
    July 1st, 2008 at 4:01 pm

    I’d give up my robotic love doll. He’s a bit too whiny for my tastes anyway.

    Maybe Avitable would buy him from me?

    I’m sure we can work out an arrangement to let you check in on your email. :)
    jesters last blog post..I’m not here man.

  16. Rachel Says:
    July 1st, 2008 at 4:19 pm

    hmmmm…thinking….thinking….still thinking….

    yeah….i couldn’t give up any of the latest technology.

    i won’t leave the house without my cell phone…not even to go to the grocery store that is 5 minutes away…it’s a sick addiction. what in the hell did we ever do before we had them.

    my lastest tech addiction though is my garmin gps. i do way more shopping than i should now since i can no longer get lost.

  17. Sarah Says:
    July 1st, 2008 at 4:26 pm

    Some of my closest friends I’ve met through blogging too. I could give up my calculator. That’s considered pretty modern, right? I mean I did have to use that one time in class so I’m thinking it’s considered something modern.

  18. foo Says:
    July 1st, 2008 at 4:30 pm

    First things first. Beyotch better call if you are going to be at Jester’s house this weekend. As for giving up technology, I could go without my bluetooth headset…CA law can blow me. I’d rather just stay off the phone will driving. Microwave=Life for me… No way I could 86 that.

  19. Dagny Says:
    July 1st, 2008 at 4:42 pm

    I could give up the dishwasher. Oh yeah. I haven’t had one of those for years.

  20. Nat Says:
    July 1st, 2008 at 4:55 pm

    Hmmmm… microwave I don’t use that much. Ummmm… I’d give up the hair dryer and the flat iron — since I don’t use either. :P

    I’d love to give up my pager. Given that it’s a work-related I guess I have to keep it.

    Nats last blog post..It may be the beer talking…

  21. jodi Says:
    July 1st, 2008 at 5:17 pm

    I’ve been living without a microwave for over a year now. It’s really not that hard. The only time I want one is when I want to soften butter.

    We make our popcorn on the stove.

    jodis last blog post..Happy Canada Day!

  22. Hilly Says:
    July 1st, 2008 at 5:40 pm

    Avitable: You martyr, you.

    Radioactive Tori: Haha, you are so funny! Of COURSE you can keep your corded phone! You’d do much better than I would if technology were to “fall down go boom!”

    Sizz: There’s a small part of me that gets a thrill from the fact that I won’t be jacked in at BlogHer too. But when Jester is still sleeping and I am tapping my nails on the wall, well…you know. :shock:

    Mrs. F: Exactly! I’m not willing to give up anything real. Maybe like an electric toothbrush or something.

    Britt: Oooh, nice one. I mean, they had vacuums back in the 70’s but for the sake of arguement, sure?

    elfenkate: Thank you, sweetie…I AM feeling better :). If you had to give up your DVD player, you could watch Buffy on your computer! See how sneaky helpful I am?

    diane: I often leave my cell phone home accidentally then freak the fuck out once I realize that I have. Those are the days that generally no one wants me either, haha!

    jess: Eeek, you did it for a whole week? That makes my skin itch! ;)

    Sharon: You make a good point. I’m often guilty of checking text messages or twats when I am with other people. I need to knock that shit off too!

    Denise: Please call me before you pull the plug so I can talk you off the ledge!

    Tori: You know, I am watching less and less teevee on my actual DVR these days. Although when fall comes? Zoinks!

    Adena: Yes, but what about the little “friend” in your nightstand drawer?

    Mattie: Haha, that is so cute. Whenever I get a new gadget like that, I too have to “pretty it up” so I totally get it!

    Jester: Right…”arrangement”. Is this the part where you start asking me to use tongue again?

    Rachel: GPS is my life-blood and that’s not even an exaggeration.

    Sarah: Ha, but is it electronic? Oh pish tosh, who cares? You were willing to make a sacrifice so GO YOU!

    Foo: I was wondering how you were today….you know, with the infringement on your cell phone’s rights and all. Yes, I will call…will you hang?

    Dagny: Ew, not me. I am a dishwasher prissypants! But if I had not used one in years, I would.

    Nat: Oh no, not the beloved hair care tools. I just fainted a little!

    Jodi: See? Microwave is the easiest thing to give up cause one can still cook. :mrgreen:

  23. Selma Says:
    July 1st, 2008 at 6:46 pm

    I’d give up my clothes dryer. I like to see the clothes on the line, flapping in the breeze.

    Selmas last blog post..The Table By The Window

  24. Finn Says:
    July 1st, 2008 at 6:52 pm

    I’d give up the phone. At least the voice part of it. I’ve never cared for talking on the phone. I don’t why. I love talking in person. And, clearly, I could “talk” all day in comments and e-mail.

    Finns last blog post..Thank You For Visiting A Life Less Ordinary

  25. kilax Says:
    July 1st, 2008 at 9:26 pm

    4 days isn’t so bad, and I bet they will let you use a house computer. I have felt the same way before, but been fine, and felt refreshed when I come back. I sometimes feel weighed down by it all.

    We don’t even have a microwave… hee hee.

    kilaxs last blog post..Let me in!

  26. Iron Fist Says:
    July 2nd, 2008 at 12:18 am

    The five days I spent without any internet access when I went to TequilaCon were actually kind of liberating, although I was pretty antsy sometimes. However, I came home to 1000+ backlogged items in my feedreader. It took me the whole week to get through it all.

  27. suze Says:
    July 2nd, 2008 at 6:02 am

    Four days is doable - although, I was very antsy last night when we got home from the cabin with only enough turnaround time to shower and change before heading out for Canada day festivities….”But, I NEED to check my email, and my blogs, and my twitter, and my facebook…”

    I survived.

    But as you can see, first thing this morning, I’m checking blogs.

    As for technology - I think I would give up my cell phone. I hardly ever use it. But it’s so handy when I do need it…
    I couldn’t live without the microwave - it’s the only reason I eat hot food when Mike’s away. And I KNOW I can’t survive without a computer or the internet or my iPod. I might be able to return to the way of the VCR if I was forced to give up the PVR, but it would be hard.

    I’m a slave to the technogadgets.

    suzes last blog post..perhaps an outhouse and some fireworks will clear my head…

  28. student teacher Says:
    July 2nd, 2008 at 6:26 am

    I think a lot of people have already given up their land line. When our home phone rings, we just all look at each other.

    My kids would starve if we didn’t have a microwave.

    I probably would go crazy without a hair dryer. My hair is naturally curly, but it doesn’t look like Shakira’s or anything, so I have to blow dry it straight.

    student teachers last blog post..Why Did I Write That? First Edition.

  29. Hilly Says:
    July 2nd, 2008 at 6:38 am

    Selma: Oooh I love the smell of line dried clothes too!

    Finn: Haha, I am not much of a phone person but I still can’t give it up due to the few (like 4) people I actually enjoy talking to!

    Kim: No microwave? That’s kind of kitschy and cool!

    Vahid: Soooo, it’s sort of like a bad one night stand then? ;)

    Suze: Me too! And…if you say I can make it…*twitch*…then I can!

    Student Teacher: I would never ever ever give up my hair dryer! I’d rather they take my alarm clock. :mrgreen:

  30. SJ Says:
    July 2nd, 2008 at 11:25 am

    Bret misplaced our cell phone, and it was three days before we even noticed, two more before we found it. I HATE talking on the phone because it kills my hand.

    We don’t ever *cook* in our microwave, so it only gets used to reheat leftovers. Take it away!

    But my sweet, sweet baby camera that even fits in my pocket so I am never without one but still takes xlnt photos? KILL ME FIRST. Seriously.

    And my DVR that helps me NEVER MISS Ghost Hunters and Dexter and So You Think You Can Dance? Aiyee! I would die. DIE.

    SJs last blog post..So many blogs, so little uptime

  31. Turnbaby Says:
    July 2nd, 2008 at 12:06 pm

    A part I’d easily give up would be network TV

    I went a week without turning on the TV very recently.

    And it’s rarely on in the house except for old movies, BBC America, or the music channels.

    Turnbabys last blog post..Pride And Prejudice

  32. Karl Says:
    July 2nd, 2008 at 3:51 pm

    I’d give up the electric can opener. No way I’m giving up the microwave.

    Karls last blog post..It’s Called Brittcon! Suck It!

  33. MB Says:
    July 2nd, 2008 at 7:13 pm

    I absolutely loved That 70’s Show. The best episode is the one where they had a yard sale and Hyde made his “special brownies” and the pans got mixed up and Red and Kitty ate them … it was hysterical watching them in the circle doing shots of whipped cream. LMAO ….

    I would gladly give up the cell phone but would never ever give up the internet. I could live without the microwave too.

    MBs last blog post..Time Keeps Ticking ….

  34. sandra Says:
    July 4th, 2008 at 9:34 am

    Believe it or not, I actually don’t have a microwave. So I’d give that up. :)

  35. martymankins Says:
    July 8th, 2008 at 3:48 pm

    Damn… I’m such a gadget whore. I guess if I had to give something up, it would have to be the TV remote… why? because I know how to change channels and turn on and off the TV without it.

    martymankinss last blog post..Scooter Sunday #12

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