Electronics, Technology and All That Jazz

Recently I was sharing with my young thirty-something year old friend my new business idea. She read my first blog posts then replied in a text:

 "I wonder how many mature adults are on the internet."

I replied, "Oh wow!  You really didn't just say that, did you? I knew instantly that this was a catalyst for a new blog post.

It was Boss's Day. Our team made prior arrangements to take ours to lunch at his favorite Mexican restaurant. I wanted a special treat for dessert however, and had checked with his wife to ask if he had a favorite cake. "He likes carrot, chocolate and red velvet cake," she replied to my email. Fortunately, the local supermarket had all three varieties available in individual slices. I purchased all three and quickly rushed off to work. I arrived just minutes before he did and placed them on his desk.   

I was a bit taken back when we headed out the door for lunch, noticing that he had grabbed the three cakes to take with him.  Being the direct person that I am, I made a comment that it wasn't appropriate to take your own dessert into a restaurant. One of the gals on my team snapped back at me letting me know that THIS is the 20th century!

"Actually Kathy," I replied, "this is the 21st Century and some things like good manners, never change."

"Well, at least you know how to use the computer," she responded.

I seriously believe that God was on my side with this one as I quickly asked,

"Kathy, what year were you born?"

"1988," she said in a proud voice.

"Well, that's the year we bought our first computer.  I guess I've been using one for as long as you've been alive!"

Alright, I will admit that there are many mature citizens who struggle with electronics and the ever changing technological advances.  I do believe however, that there are more of us who use them than the younger generation believes. We just weren't handed a cell phone at the age of 18 months to keep us occupied while mommy quickly puts a load of laundry in the washing machine.  

I recall when we purchased our first remote controlled television in the early 90's. I will admit that my husband was struggling to figure out all the buttons and which one would assist him in whatever it was that he wanted to do with the television at the time.  Our toddler immediately walked up to him, grabbed the remote control out of his hand and punched the appropriate button. Viola’! It's just second nature to the younger generation.  Some of us have to work harder at it.

Intimidation plays a huge part in our hesitation to excel at using electronics.  Our lives were so simple back in the day.  Most of us had one black and white television.  There were only three channels; ABC, NBC and CBS.  We used a popular publication, the TV Guide, to find out what was scheduled on any particular day or time.  There was no remote control.  There was an on and off button and a dial to change the channel.  There were smaller knobs on the side of the TV to adjust the brightness, contrast, etc. and one had to get UP from their comfy spot on the sofa to make those changes. 

My mother didn't own a dryer, and washed our clothes using the old ringer washing machine.  She even injured her hand once when it got too close to the rollers and was sucked in. All dishes were washed and dried by hand. Meal preparations took time.  There was no microwave or prepackaged meals to expedite the process.  A few fast food restaurants graced our neighborhood, but going out to eat or getting take out was a special treat, not a weekly or daily event.

In the 60's, my friend's family purchased the first color TV in the neighborhood.  Disney was in Technicolor!  The quality was poor of course and reminded me much of someone whose coloring skills needed improvement, as the colors on the screen appeared to run outside the lines. 

Over the years, we acquired appliances that made life easier for our families:  washers, dryers, dishwashers, microwaves and other smaller electrical appliances.  We sacrificed space in our kitchen for convenience.  Technology advanced appliances further, and they became more complex to use as additional features were added.  What was once a simple dial selection of low, medium, or high water lever, and cold, warm or hot temperature settings, later modernized to the addition of fabric care and consideration, time delays and places to add detergent, fabric softener and bleach.  

Our first microwave was purchased for approximately $500 from Sears.  It had more options than I knew what to do with.  It had a meat thermometer, delayed cooking time, defrosting buttons, etc.  All I wanted to do was warm up food or cook a bean burrito, and honestly, that was all I ever used it for.  When it died, it became an expensive bread box until I could afford to replace it.  As technology would have it, appliances were no longer made to last.  Our washers and dryers that once lasted us ten to twenty years, now barely make it past the one year warranty before we need to call a repairman.  

The good news is that we do not have to be afraid to try something new.  We no longer have to be intimidated. You aren't going to blow up the computer or break your cell phone. If you can get past your fears, there is an unlimited wealth of resources at your fingertips. The internet in general and YouTube specifically, can open the doors to an entirely new life for you.

I personally have been able to troubleshoot and even fix large and small appliances. Do you have any computer issues or concerns?  There's a YouTube video for that.  Everything I have learned about setting up an online business using social media, was found by searching the internet. When in doubt, Google it! 

There are also classes available through the community, colleges and there are even individuals who are willing to help. There is no need with today's resources available, for you to be shy or feel reluctant to experience the wonder of electronics, technology and all that jazz!

Now go Work Your Wisdom.  You've got this! 💓