Most of my life was spent working with technology in some respect: electronics, computers, and the instruction of it. It is one profession where you cannot relax for a minute.

One minute, I’m thinking “someone needs to build something….” The next, I hear how someone has built it. It never stands still for a minute.

Mostly it’s been good. I never was fond of finding square roots on paper as in the 6th grade. Much better on a phone.

There are, however, drawbacks. It has really destroyed our ability to maintain our privacy. It has also made it easier for people to steal and destroy the lives of others.

It has certainly put the world on the brink of utter destruction, what 2 or 3 times. Who’s counting? Planes, boats and rockets are generally good productive things, but not always.

There are big advances in the field of biology. On the other hand we have monster scientists who use the knowledge to kill millions. Who would have thunk?

I do believe, however, that one place where technology has helped the most is to help those who have been crippled; to help those who have lost the use of their arms. Think of those who were born deaf and now they hear and speak.

If only we could permit the one use of of tech and not the other. However, I am convinced that this side of heaven, that is not going to happen. It takes a twisted mind to figure out how to turn a big jet passenger plane into a very destructive weapon. It is why those of us with normal minds never considered it.

Daily writing prompt

How has technology changed your job?

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How do I go about doing that? I almost always complement the staff, especially when they deserve it. I don’t do it for this purpose, but they are far more likely to remember me when I take a second to thank them.

I have made myself the unofficial baby inspector. To be sure, considering the type of people they let rome the streets these days, one must be careful. A parent can get the wrong idea.

Nonetheless, I do ask if I can say hello to their little ones while complementing them. I don’t think there is much that will bring a bright smile to a parent faster than a compliment to their child.

Holding a door works too, or thanking another for holding a door for me.

You might find this odd but some people don’t like my attempts at brightening the atmosphere. I look at this way. That is their problem, not mine.

Daily writing prompt

What do you wish you could do more every day?

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I was brought up in sunny California. It is an accurate description. The Christmas that I got my bicycle, my friends and I spent the day after riding all over the neighborhood.

The sun was busy doing it’s thing; there was hardly a cloud in the sky and the only reason we were sweating was because of our riding.

I guess I would have to say that that southern California weather is my favorite. Obviously, I was not alone in my opinion. During the time I spent in the area, property values skyrocketed.

It does somewhat remind me of one of my favorite Yogisms, “Nobody goes there anymore. It’s too crowded.” He was talking about one of his favorite restaurants. I’m referring to my favorite place on earth. Considering the weather, it’s hard to imagine people leaving, but they are, for a number of reasons, not the least of which it’s too overcrowded.

Too be sure, there were rainy days. Occasionally, it did get uncomfortably warm, but they were the exception. Most anywhere else they seem to be the rule.

So, alas, I spend the remainder of my life in a place with hot humid summers and cold windy winters because I chose a place not so crowded over a place with the ideal weather.

Daily writing prompt

What is your favorite type of weather?

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While it is true I have considered the question, I never put any deep thought into it. The question prodded and searched into some very old memories.

In the 8th grade, I had a teacher of English and US history. She really helped me understand the structure of our language inside and out. This I might add, in spite of my efforts not to.

Her name was Mrs. Roper. She didn’t have to work. Her husband was wealthy. However, she was very determined that I learned something, like it or not.

Well, I am 76 now, definition of old. It has been a long time ago. My memory isn’t like it used to be. Yet, today, I seem to know more about The Constitution, the Revolutionary War and the Civil War than half those graduating from college.

Finally, she was the first person to warn me about communist in the our schools. At the time, I wondered if she was being an alarmist.

Since that day, I can see she hadn’t told the half of it. It wasn’t but one generation later, the colleges were overwhelmed by socialists. Those graduating those colleges were soon the teachers in our schools, or should I say, mind warpers.

She really had it nailed. Today, if you want teachers like Mrs. Roper, you’ll likely need to look in private schools. I suspect there aren’t many there.

The prompt has made me wish I would have gone back to the school and thanked her for her stubbornness. I doubt she is still around. I think very few like her are.

Daily writing prompt

Who was your most influential teacher? Why?

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Don’t do tattoos. Why would I even think of disfigurement? I don’t think that God likes it when we do that. I don’t see the point of it anyway.

A few decades ago, most folks were as me. Not so much anymore. Do we really want to classify that as progress? Do we really want to start assuming that everyone likes defacing themselves?

Let’s keep our art on paper and canvas. Maybe stone or bronze. it looks better and lasts longer.

Daily writing prompt

What tattoo do you want and where would you put it?

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Fidler On the Roof

Sound of Music

Oklahoma

South Pacific

Kismet

Pal Joey

The Desert Song

Ten Commandments

There are dozens of others. Unfortunately, on the spur of the moment, my memory fails me.

Also, I have purchased a couple of movies that were never on TV or in the movie theaters, Pirates of Penzance & HMS Pinafore. I lost count of the times I’ve watched them.

Daily writing prompt

What movies or TV series have you watched more than 5 times?

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Motor home. It has been my dream since high school. Doesn’t look like it will happen, though.

It would be nice. Came close to buying motorhome. Then, reality hit me right between my eyes. Sometimes, that happens, you know.

Daily writing prompt

You’re going on a cross-country trip. Airplane, train, bus, car, or bike?

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Even before I was married I wanted a radar oven. I couldn’t afford one. Finally, I bought a 750 watt unit. Ever since, I have rarely been without one.

It is somewhat odd, though. I soon learned microwave effect. Always before, I put put something in the oven and walked away. I knew it would take awhile, so there was no since standing and waiting. Generally, I’d come back after 20 or 30 minutes and return.

Not so with the radar range. I stood right there, tapping my toe. Then, of course, I needed to check and heat the food for just a tad longer. Then, of course, tap my toe some more.

The last time I replaced a microwave, the old one was getting slow. I had a new one before I tossed the old one, as if one can truly toss a microwave.

My original reasoning for getting a cell phone was to make sure I could remain in contact with family and for emergencies. Okay. Isn’t that what we all told ourselves when the truth was that the things are really cool?

Today, in a real since, I spend about half my waking time with one in my hand. In fact I am writing this post on one whilst sitting in my recliner.

Push come to shove, I am sure I could live without it. I just don’t know how. I would go through serious withdrawal.

For the 3rd thing, I am having to think it over good. I used to think it would be hard to go without cable, but I am managing. Moreover, my phone has replaced my camera, recorder, and many aspects of my computer. For instance, just today, I started trying to think of Ben Carson’s name and the harder I tried to remember it, the more it escaped me. Kind of the result of aging. Gives me another reason to hold onto the cell phone. It sort of replaces my memory.

I don’t cook much any more, but I bought a new electric skillet and though I use it less than 1 or 2 times a week. It has really spoiled me. It has surprised me how much easier and faster I can make things. Oddly, it takes me longer to get out and plug it in than to scramble up some nice fluffy eggs. Never could do that before. Makes it very worthwhile hanging onto. Maybe it qualifies as the 3rd thing for me.

Daily writing prompt

What are three objects you couldn’t live without?

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