Plugging In

 I woke up this morning and wandered into the living room.  It was light out, but the room was dim, so first thing, I plugged the Christmas tree in.  I let the dog out, made coffee, and then retreated to my office to do a little writing and have some quiet time.  When I got in there, my chair was piled with a speaker system recently used at a friend's birthday party.  I wanted to listen to some music while I worked, so before I got started with anything else, I took the speakers and plugged them in.

Recently, I packed for a trip and secretly hoped The Pastor didn't come in the room while I was stuffing things into my bag.  Mr. low-tech just doesn't understand all the technology required for a proper vacation, or what it takes to keep said technology charged up and ready to use.  Besides the laptop and power cord, I obviously need chargers for my iPod, cell phone, digital camera, and camcorder.  Much is required to keep my life running, and rather than the regular amenities, my main concern when choosing a hotel is how many power outlets they have in the rooms.  I require a lot of plugging in.  (And we haven't even discussed electric hair-care products.)

A week or so ago, I noticed that I'd neglected to plug in something very important.  Myself.  I felt drained and tired; dry and alone.  I looked over at my Bible, which hadn't been touched since the Sunday before.  I considered my prayer life, which had consisted of selfish words mumbled as I fell off to sleep each night; and I thought about the mental energy I'd wasted on the wrong things.  I realized that it had been too long since I had properly connected with my power source. Maybe that happens a little more easily during the Christmas season (which is actually very ironic), but either way, I better continually address the issue or I will lose "charge".

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas.  Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go plug in....

Longing For Simplicity

Pinch me--I must be dreaming.  The Pastor has decided he might like to get an iPad.  Following his lead when I decided I might like to get a gun, there's a large part of me that doesn't want to let the grass grow before we run down to the store and make this purchase. But there's another part of me that hesitates.

Maybe it's the imminent pressure of the holiday season or maybe it's just that overwhelming desire to maintain control of life, but lately, I've had a longing for simplicity. There's a battle surrounding all the junk in my life. I've described my technological dilemma before, but let me review.  While I firmly believe that technology, gadgets, the internet, and smartphones serve more to complicate our lives than help them, I remain hopelessly and unabashedly, a gadget lover.

My favorite childhood Christmas memories are of getting something, anything electronic.  When I was little, it was my Frogger watch.  You could actually tell time on it and play Frogger.  How cool is that? (although my teacher made me take it off in class after once forgetting to turn the sound off and thereby revealing that I was playing it.)  As I got older it was various stereos, mini-TV's, Walkmans, video games, etc..  I like to deny it, but I have a proven track record of being a technology junkie.

iPods, netbooks, smartphones, laptops--as I mature (ha), I have to stop and ask myself if I really need them.  Are they enhancing my life or just dividing my attention?  Do they help me organize or just exacerbate my ADD?  These are serious questions that must be given an answer.  I believe I'll think about it and make a decision...right after we buy that iPad.