What my first iPhone taught me

Last month I became a first-time iPhone owner. I resisted the lure for years and, when I finally decided to make the switch, my adult daughter met me at the store ‘for support.’ Since that evening, ‘B.A.’ has demonstrated infinite patience with my questions, user errors and FaceTime practice. At the beginning, she offered to review various settings with me, yet graciously allowed me to test the waters on my own. And she was notably impressed after I posted my first screenshot on Facebook. In the midst of my burgeoning tech savvy, however, I’ve learned it’s more rewarding to engage in everyday life, each moment—even the teaching kind (thanks B.A.!)—as it unfolds, without worrying about checking in on social media each time I go somewhere, or orchestrating the perfect selfie or posting photos of every meal I cook. Technology means well, keeps us connected. But real people, in real time, can never be upgraded or replaced.

How does technology impact your life?

Teachable moments

[Image credit: sixninepixels]

My 20-year-old daughter is learning how to manage a budget.  A few weeks ago, she bought the iPhone4 (because she could get it for free).  Less than a week after her auspicious deal, she dropped the phone outside (why are they made of 95% glass?), the screen spider webbed and the casing cracked.  And, unfortunately, she hadn’t purchased insurance because she couldn’t afford it with the other bills she’s juggling.  She walked in the house and showed me, disappointment written in her expression.  But instead of crying or cussing (which I admittedly may have done), she said that she had other more important things on her mind and wasn’t going to let it ruin the amazing night she experienced at her first rock concert.  Here was one of those teachable moments — where she taught me.  I just looked at her and hoped, in some small way, I have a hand in the amazing woman she is becoming.

Are you able to focus on the “more important things?”

Fifty shades of hype

I’ve heard a lot about the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy by E.L. James.  Just like the Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series, the trilogy has been flying off the bookshelves.  It seems when something new or different or edgy is introduced to the mass public, everyone wants a piece of the action.  The NOOK and the Kindle became “the” way to digest reading material.  Consumers just “had” to have the latest and greatest iPhones, iPads and iPods.  Hunger Games was a must-see movie and the list goes on.  Admittedly, I haven’t read the first two authors mentioned, I still read books the old-fashioned way, I don’t own anything iRelated and I typically wait for films to hit the discount theaters.  Crazes are fun to get caught up in, but I typically find that’s all it is: hype.  I’d rather save my money for a sure thing that doesn’t result in disappointment.  Maybe I’m missing out, maybe I’m not.

If you’ve read E.L. James’ trilogy, am I missing out?