My laptop: The Hardworking partner
My laptop is my only partner that never complains or takes breaks and doesn’t question why I’m still not dressed at noon. It has been with me through drafts and rewrites, and there are times I shout, “WHY DID YOU DO THAT?” even though it did nothing wrong.
It’s the only device that knows the real me:
- The me who has 47 tabs open “for later.”
- The me who internet searches things like “how to fix the thing I just broke.”
- The me who swears I’ll organize my files someday. (I won’t.)
If this laptop ever dies, I’m going with it.
My Smartphone: The Pocket-Sized Chaos Manager
My phone is essential to my life. It’s my camera, calendar, flashlight, weather app, GPS, alarm clock, entertainment system, and sometimes my therapist (“why am I like this?” searched at 1 a.m.).
I check for it every time I leave the house: Keys? Wallet? Phone?
If I forget something, I’ll manage.
But if I lose my phone, I worry it has been stolen by raccoons.
The Internet: My Invisible Roommate
The internet is a roommate who doesn’t pay rent but shapes the whole mood of the house. When it works, everything is great. When it doesn’t, I find myself unplugging and replugging devices like I’m trying to save them.
Honestly,
The internet is where I work, play, learn, procrastinate, and get lost in searches like “What happened to that actor from that show I watched in 1998?”
Without it, I’d have to depend on my own memory, which isn’t reliable.
Why I Can’t Live Without Them (And I’m Not Even Sorry)
These devices are essential to my daily life. They help me write, connect, navigate, and stay somewhat organized.
I could try to live without them, but I’d rather not. I’m not suited for the wilderness, let alone low battery mode.
The Truth
I don’t need these devices because I’m addicted.
I need them because they’re how I move through the world—how I create, communicate, and keep track of everything from birthdays to grocery lists to the name of that actor from that show in 1998.
In our fast-paced society, these tools have become essential extensions of ourselves, allowing us to navigate daily life with greater ease and efficiency.
They’re not merely gadgets; they’re co‑stars, seamlessly integrating into my routine and enhancing my ability to connect with loved ones, pursue my passions, and manage my responsibilities.
With every notification that pops up, there’s an opportunity for interaction and a reminder of the people and experiences that enrich my life, emphasizing the importance of these devices in shaping my modern existence.
I am over eighty and I may be wrong about this, but I believe these items have helped me keep my brain active and have significantly contributed to slowing down the advance of dementia. Engaging in activities that challenge my thinking, such as puzzles, reading, and even learning new skills, has proven beneficial over the years. My old philosophy is, if you don’t use it, you lose it, and I take this to heart daily. Each day presents an opportunity for mental exercise, whether it’s through social interactions, playing memory games with friends, or even simply reflecting on my life experiences. Staying mentally stimulated is not only a way to maintain my cognitive function but also a source of joy and fulfillment in my twilight years.
TomT2.0 