Recently, my husband saw me eying a programmable rice cooker/steamer/slow cooker while grocery shopping, and, knowing I would find a way to convince myself I didn't really need it, he silently put it in the cart. I love that man. He then sat at home and tried not to mock me while I excitedly explained all the things I could do with it. As I'm sure none of you can relate, I'll quickly explain that I feel like I'm being drawn and quartered in the afternoons, between homework and snacks and playtime and refereeing and a needy toddler underfoot, when I should be preparing fabulously healthy and delicious home-cooked meals for my growing family. The chaos has, more than once (okay, more than 20 times), instead had me reaching for the mac & cheese and hotdogs. Now I'm not selling rice cookers or crock pots, and this isn't really about that. It's about deciding on an end goal and using the available technology to make it happen. My afternoons tend to be crazy, and a programmable rice cooker/steamer/slow cooker, being slightly cheaper than a personal chef, just might help with that. We also have family spread all over the universe, and Facebook, blogs, Facetime, and Skype are great resources for us. My smartphone is my phone, grocery list, GPS, personal trainer, camera, newspaper, music player, book, birthday reminder, bank access, organizer, and recipe book.
Now there are times we fight technology, and sometimes rightfully so. Large doses of smartphones, tablets, and Facebook aren't always truly relaxing or conducive to positive human interaction. Trying to control autocorrect or learn how to use a new remote can be mind-bending. One's connection with the outside world might diminish considerably if an interesting show with several cliffhanging seasons appears on Netflix. The Internet, while an almost endless sea of knowledge and connection, is also the proverbial carrot of danger and filth dangling before us and our children constantly.
The catch with technology is much the same as with carbs, sleep, and sex. It's all about moderation and keeping your eye on that end goal. So I say embrace technology, but ask yourself a few questions first. 1) What is my end goal? 2) What can assist me in achieving it? 3) Are there inherent risks that should be considered, such as possible abuse or safety concerns, that limit a tool's benefits or need to be addressed?
Computers, smartphones, tablets, Internet, smart TVs, Bluetooth, and fancy kitchen appliances can all be amazing resources. Don't let technology use you, though, gobbling up all your time, money, or sanity. Instead, use IT as a tool to help you achieve your goals! Now what's been on your mind- that goal you've been pushing to the back of your head to get to when you have more time, money, or courage? What little piece of the 21st century can help get you there? Do you need to set limits or do a bit of risk management so this tool stays properly in its helpful place? Okay. Now get there!
