First of all, I want to give a huge shout-out to a certain someone who ensured that my toothbrush situation in Paraguay is taken care off. I can't begin to describe how meaningful that small act of kindness was to me. Thank you.
Now, back to your regularly scheduled entertainment!
***
Things to do before I leave for my service in the Peace
Corps:
-Pack
-Attend my “surprise” farewell party
-Pack
-Go to the Zoo
-Did I mention Pack??? There will be a post on packing... Boy will there, so hang tight for that!
-Find peace between me and technology
***
Me and technology… I have a very love hate relationship. We
all know the benefits of technology. Hell, I couldn’t even transmit this to you
if it wasn’t for technology. And before you say anything, I am referring to the
common usage of the word “technology”… That is, things that use electricity. I
know that a fire is technology, given that the definition (handily provided by
Google, technology itself) is “The application of scientific knowledge for
practical purposes, esp. in industry.” I want to focus on the newer technology.
Namely Computers.
A rare example of new technology meeting newer technology to make even newer technology!
A quick dive into my personal history will reveal that computers
played a large role in pretty much everything in my life. My father was a
computer doctor during my youth, and it was through computers that I learned to
truly express myself. And not in the social recluse/mega attention seeking way... Well, okay... Kinda exactly like that…
but also in an artistic way.
Sooooooo high-technical!
Computers (and video games… which I’ll consider
specialized computers for the sake of the non-existent argument) were my
gateways to expression… I learned life lessons that I wouldn’t through
computers and games… and when I got old enough to start learning lessons from
reality and NOT from the Matrix, I turned to computers as an artistic medium.
This isn't this blog encrypted, but we can pretend it is also for non-existent arguments sake.
The computer screen became my canvas, sometimes literally but most times metaphorically.
It was (and still is) my museum, my playground and my concert hall. It is
through this 16 inch screen that I have viewed the outside world. Which is why
I’m giving them up… and why it’s so hard for me to do so.
When the screen is my canvas... this happens (so mediocre I insist on watermarking it so people refuse to use it)
In today’s society, it’s very easy to develop an internet
addiction. I am confident I don’t have one, as one of the main qualities that
an addiction must have is a negative impact on daily life… But, as someone can
drink a six pack a day and TECHNICALLY not be an alcoholic... A similar thing
may be said for technology. I consider a screen to be a security blanket of
sorts. I know I’m not the only one who is more comfortable through keyboard
than through their voice. The subconscious sense of detachment is simply liberating. And to
me, it was freedom. I grew and evolved through it and found my sense of
identity in part thanks to it. So, it can easily be said that part of me
considers technology as a core component of who I am.
Another group of individuals who consider technology as a core component of who they are.
While that may sound fine and dandy, nothing is without
consequence. This heavy reliance in technology can leave many socially stunted,
to the point that most social skills atrophy. And, like any proper illness, I
can feel its grip on me. So, I’ve taken it upon myself to sever as much of
technology as I can in the following years. Other than the occasional visit to
the web to check up on family, friends and you (of course), I want to stop
relying on technology as a source of entertainment, social interaction and
distraction. I want to be able to go to
actual museums, to real playgrounds and to preform and listen to music in real concert
halls. I want to feel and use real canvas, take real travels and have unfiltered and
real social bonds that are not reliant on a screen being the glue.
"Cute Dress ;) *like*"
"Omg, Thankssss <3 #BargainShopping"
This is one of my biggest personal goals and challenges in
the Peace Corps. It would mean an almost complete re-construction of my being,
but I’m looking forward to see how my service will impact me on a personal
level. And I’m so happy you’ve decided to join me in the journey.
Next post will most likely be about my experiences in Boy Scouts, to balance the equation out and show that I do get out and commune with nature.
An accurate representation of what happens when I commune with nature, except with more body hair and a Y chromosome
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