Using the technology for good

I think that deep down, I am a frustated Luddite.

Recently, I was telling my dream interpreter about a strange one that I had involving a pig running through my living room and a basement with a dirt floor. She concluded that I must have a secret desire to live in the 1800s and be a farmer. Sometimes, the simplicity of that does sound appealing. But I won't be inventing any time machines soon.

I like technology, but I am wary of it. One of my particular worries is the prevalence of teens on the internet. It doesn't encourage interaction with family, and turns every conversation into small talk as well as encouraging very bad sentence structure. What will their writing be like when they're forty if they concoct things like this: r u going 2 go to skool tomrrw? North American Teenage Hieroglyphics.

Anyway, all that aside, as with all conveniences, discernment must be used. And the use of the internet is something I'm thankful for, especially having MSN messenger. I leave myself signed in all day long so that if my daughter happens to sign in from school (which she does throughout the day) I can just ask her how it's going or whatever. She knows that I'm available to her as well. If I'm away from my computer, she can send me a message that will pop up the next time I sign in. It's the closest thing to having her around the house.

Just yesterday, I was working on something at my desk, and she sent me a message about something that happened. It was a brief little exchange, but it is easier than trying to remember everything to tell me when she's home. So, I guess I am thankful for that, even if I am very wary of the future of communication skills among the youth.

Don't forget to check out Rebecca's blog for more thankful stories. I am thinking Rebecca is thankful to have won (yet) another Scrabble game against my dear hubby!