Opting Out

My mother is not participating in the digital age. She's no Luddite. She's just decided that enough is enough. She has no interest in getting online, doesn't even own a PC. Well actually that's not true. She got a free PC after taking a class (yes a free Pc). It's sitting on top of a chest of drawers in her spare bedroom.

I have given up on trying to drag her into the 21st century. A pointless endeavor. The signs were evident in the last century. She eschews the convenience of ATM's for going into the bank. Won't even do direct deposit, though I'm sure she won't have a choice once Social Security and - inevitably - her pension plan convert.

I by contrast have been totally taken over. I am online, I have a PDA, balance my checkbook with Quicken, am saving up for my first multi-media-better-than-sex laptop, and lust, unabashedly lust for all the other items that I cannot afford. I love TechTV.

I wonder where my breakpoint will be?

Surely you understand that there comes a point where we all opt out. Not out of fear and loathing but in favor of staying with what's comfortable, with what works. At some point we understand that all that glitters just ain't for us, no matter how much time it saves, allows us to mult-task, or just how damn pretty it looks.

So I'll wait with anticipation for the day that my daughter rolls her eyes at my pig headed refusal at getting a "Household Mobile Robotic Assistant"...."But Daddy they're so convenient!"

Until then I'll follow the glittering trail of all the latest geek tech available.

Though I am going to have to convince my mother to get cable.