Communication these days
When did we stop talking but still found a way to overcommunicate? This topic came to me when I was driving home from work the other day and started counting how many people were on their cell phones. After that, I watched drivers who were actually texting and not watching the road. All during this time, my phone was dinging and ringing too. Then there is the stigma that if you haven’t answered a text or call within an expected amount of time that something must have happened to you — what’s wrong? Of course, we then explain later to the caller or texter the entire reason we couldn’t answer…are there unwritten cell phone rules we should all know? In the old days, if you didn’t answer it meant you weren’t home. Oh the simple days. To solve any issues with driving and cell phones, I am enjoying the Bluetooth hookup for my phone. So now I talk hands-free in the car but probably look incredibly weird talking to myself back and forth to Rochester.
There are so many new modes of communication we started using over the past 10 years and those are only those this old chick knows of and is using. Did you ever get a text that further instructs you to read your email or checkout a Facebook post? Or, have you seen people cross posting from Instagram to Facebook because only a certain age group is using Instagram? Crazy. And, I know you all have said at one time that if it wasn’t for Facebook you wouldn’t know what was going on with your family and friends. It truly is a great way to connect to family who live states away and see pictures of their kids but when you find out your neighbor next door got married and only because it was on Facebook, there is a communication issue (or you are not a good neighbor and weren’t invited…ha). The best part of the whole Facebook craze is the multiple apps available to help you create the best pictures and ideas for creating better posts. For cripes sakes, just post a photo even IF it shows your bad side, wrinkles, or that baby weight you haven’t lost since you had your baby 18 years ago (oops…when did we start talking about me?).
Many of you might remember the wall phones and desk phones we used back in the day. I say this with a sly grin on my face because many people still have a landline, but ask anyone in grade school what a landline is and you may get a blank look and simultaneously feel like a walking dinosaur. What is cool for us old girls is the princess phone they came out with that connects to your cell phone so you can have nostalgia and modern technology combined. My memories of landlines include the relatives calling collect as a way to let us know they made it home after a long drive after visiting Minnesota. Of course, my mom wouldn’t “accept” the call because she knew it was just their secret signal. My mom, working the system! From landlines to cell phones, written letters to emails, and passing notes in class to sending text messages, we have all changed in some way and embraced new technology. My suggestion?…. use whatever form of communication you need to keep in touch with friends and family — just always keep in touch. Life is so short and the horrific events in today’s world are taking the lives of moms, dads, grandparents, children and other loved ones in a split second. Tell those that are important to you that you love them in whatever form of communication works — by letter, text, or better yet, let them hear your voice telling them. I hope you don’t mind me sharing this very special recipe in honor of lost loved ones and my friends who were involved in the Las Vegas shooting event.
Recipe for Peace
1 cup of friendship
1/2 cup of hope
2 cups of love
5 Tbsp. of respect
1/2 cup of kindness
1 cup of joy
3 tsp. of understanding
1 1/2 cups honesty
Mix friendship, love, and kindness in a large bowl. Add understanding a few drops at a time. Then stir in honesty and joy for good firm dough. Sprinkle half of respect over it and mix well.
Pour into a cake pan and bake at 350°F. When it is ready pour the hope and the rest of respect on top and share with everyone you know.
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