Technology—ain’t it both a blessing and a curse?
For those long time readers out there, you may remember when my computer crashed last April. It was definitely a really shitty thing in the moment—a piece of technology I relied on everyday suddenly failed me. I lost a lot of my pictures from 2014, and spent a whole day restoring my computer to its former glory. I was beholden to a device that was supposed to make my life easier, yet it turned out causing me a weekend of more stress and anxiety than it should.
But it ultimately turned out to be an okay thing, too—I ended up opting for Dropbox Pro and clearing a lot of unnecessary files on my computer. I mean, did I really need to be carrying around Aaron Carter’s Oh Aaron* album in 2015? I’m not so sure. And in the grand scheme of life, it really wasn’t a big deal.
(*I mean, I could have at least opted for the arguably better Aaron’s Party.)
I recently got reacquainted with that terrible feeling you get when your technological devices fail you. Devices like our phones, computers, and cameras that are supposed to make our lives easier end up becoming stressful, expensive items on our to-do list.
You see, last week I accidentally dropped my phone. Though, I guess no one really drops their phone on purpose. A few hours later when I went to take a picture, I realized the camera was completely shot and I wouldn’t be able to get to the Genius Bar for a couple of days. I had a schedule full of fun, Instagrammable social events and no way to document them on the go. Not to mention, my phone isn’t up for an upgrade until September. *Insert expensive sigh here.*
A few days later, the autofocus on my Nikon DSLR 3300 stopped working while Monica and I were shooting pictures. A trip to the Geek Squad—though not as reassuring as the Genius Bar—revealed that it would need to be sent away for three weeks for maintenance.
THREE WEEKS! (Note to 2014 self: you were so smart for buying the insurance.)
My initial thought was how am I supposed to run a blog without my nice camera? I didn’t even drop it! It just stopped working! What did I do to deserve this, Nikon gods?!
But after I texted my sister in a frantic panic, she reminded me, it is only three weeks. Like my computer’s failure back in April, in the grand scheme of life, it doesn’t matter. It’s just a thing. I have my health. I have a roof over my head. I have a family that loves me unconditionally, and friends to hang out with. This is a complete #firstworldproblem, as were the phone and computer before it.
Yet why do I find myself so dependent on technology? Why do I let their failures cause me so much anxiety?
(I mean you guys, I literally kept a very hungry Monica from The Italian Store while Best Buy John and I walked around taking pictures of the CD section to test the autofocus. For the record, there were no Aaron Carter CDs in sight.)
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I don’t even have a really good conclusion to this post—but as I am watching Fuller House and writing this post, DJ and Kimmy are taking yet another selfie. There was very little technology in the original Full House, so I know I am not the only one that feels this way about how technology has pervaded our life in a way it didn’t in the 1980s and 1990s.
What do you all think? Do you recommend a detox? An hour a day without your phone? How do you rule technology, yet not let it rule your life?
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Pictures by Alicia
All greattt points…we all need a little reminder that life goes on without technology. And let’s thank those Mickey D’s mozz sticks for the tide-over! 🙂
Woo! Mickey-D’s ftw.
Gah. At one point two years ago I started a monthly resolution to not check my phone before I got out of bed. I really liked the positive impact it had on my life. But these days I can’t imagine waking up without reading what the world is up to! I would feel the exact same way if my phone AND camera died so I don’t think you should feel bad, but these are great points about the state of our technological addiction!
That’s actually a really good idea – I am trying to be on my phone less around bed time! Ah, thanks for the validation! Just too many broken things in one week for my liking :]
I love technology, but definitely think breaks are needed from it. We just get so used to having it, it’s hard to remember that we did survive without it! I think as bloggers it’s a little tougher because we feel like we need to be connected even more! Also, I’ve been watching Fuller House too! I love the split screens/trips down memory lane to the good ol’ days 🙂
Yes! It is all about finding that balance. And it was never around when we were kids. LOVE Fuller House! I hope they do more episodes.
How did you like Fuller House?! I haven’t had the chance to watch it yet! XO, Sarah | http://www.thebellainsider.com/
I watched all 13 episodes this weekend…no shame! Loved it so much, and I hope they do more!
Jeez that is rough but your sister def put it into perfective. I think fasting technology is great but I am not sure what the right balance is…insert monkey covering eyes emoji (see I even need technology/emojis to describe my feelings). Haha. You’ll figure it out and I look forward to the post when you do so that I can do the same! Good luck! I pray your camera comes back early!
Haha I love it! I need more emojis to express my emotions, too! Thanks for the prayers – I just hope they can fix it and it doesn’t come back to me still broken!
I hear you sweet girl! This weekend I went out and about to get some photos was so happy with them, thought I was transferring them.. ended up deleting half of them. I was so upset and frustrated, but really what’s the point? The week will come and go with or without those photos. I ended up getting most of them back, but I also kind of resolved then and there that I’m not going to stress if I don’t take my camera with me everywhere.
Oh also I bought a photo recovery program, to save myself future worries that don’t really matter. xo
Kelsey | http://www.abalancingpeach.com
Ugh, girl! I would be so frustrated with that, too! You’re definitely not alone. But you’re so right – time is going to march on so we might as well just leave our problems in the pass. Great idea on the photo recovery program! xx
I feel like all of my technology likes to break around the same time as well (I had to get both a new phone and computer in October). It is pretty unfair but you’re right it’s just technology and we can survive without it for a little while.
Great post, girl.
xoxo, Jenny
Ugh! I guess bad things happen in threes, so I really should be prepared for something else! We definitely can survive, and in the grand scheme of life, 21 days isn’t that long.
As I sit here, on my laptop, and using my iPhone….while my camera sits beside me…I totally understand where you’re coming from. It’s definitely good to unplug once in a while, but it can be difficult.
I’m on social media and my computer for work, and I do the same when I get home, so unless I make an effort to step back, some days, it doesn’t happen!
Jackie
Something About That
Yes! My three favorite devices! I really need to stop taking my phone everywhere because then I would drop it less. I do a lot of social for work too – honestly one of the reasons I love church or those exercise classes so much is that it is a guaranteed hour without your phone!
I can totally relate. While I love my phone, computer and camera, they can get in the way of being in the moment and just living. About six months ago, I was in the process of switching phones and didn’t have a phone for a week. It actually ended up being so freeing! And I can’t tell you how much I got done in those seven days. Definitely a much needed break. I should completely unplug again one of these days. It’s good for the soul 🙂
Taffeta & Tulips