New Crayons

I remember the excitement of going back to school. Getting new school supplies, new clothes, being a grade "older". Well, here I am -- going back to school (and it's not just the "grade" that's getting older these days).

School has certainly changed! I'm enrolled in an online college. I never have to go to a classroom. So much for new clothes! I didn't get any new crayons this time around either. But I can see the need to get out the sharpener because as far as pencils go, well, I'm not the sharpest in the box! My online college gives me access to a tool called a "Math Assessment." My first indication that I was in trouble was when it said that I had 3 hours to complete it. THREE HOURS! If it takes me more than 5 minutes, it ain't happening in my lifetime. I'm a firm believer that the only math I need is the math that is available through my desktop calculator. I don't need to know calculus or trigonometry... dude, I can barely spell those words, much less define them - or, God forbid - work a problem.

School these days is so much better. Heck, with school online, not only do I not need new clothes, I can attend class in my PJs. There's no tardy bell anymore, no detentions - and if I'm lucky, I can stay out of the principals office (this time around!)

Feeling old in an age of Technology

At fifty years old, I thought myself to be up-to-date, computer literate, able to use a cell phone with one hand. When I watch my daughter and others her age use the phone as a keyboard, I realize that I am really in the dark ages and getting darker all the time.

I've heard about blogs but the thought that they might become an important part of business life never occurred to me. Blogs, podcasts, RSS, discussion threads... I feel like I'm on another planet. My goal for the coming year is to be able to text messages without having to drag out the reading glasses and typing each individual letter... that's so yesterday (just like that comment.)

My daughter uses the feature that automagically guesses what you are trying to type and types it for you. My words end up looking like my fingers were on the wrong keys on a typewriter (I can remember when the latest technology was the correction tape key on an IBM Selectric)! I remember having to program my parent's VHS player for them and set up their voice mail. Now I feel like I AM my parents. I have to rely on my kids to keep me functioning in a technology-filled world.

It's the Fourth of July so I'm leaving now to go pop firecrackers while I still know how! Delete 1 – 1 of 1