Danielle's thoughts.....

Last week as I was driving through my neighborhood looking at some automatic sprinklers who were competing with with rain over who could dump the most water on the lawn I literally said out loud "I hate technology."  Then I paused.  I don't hate technology.  I like technology.  I like flushing toilets and Google.  I like having a phone and having running water.  But I hate it when technology thinks for me.  Seriously.  HATE IT.  I'm using the word hate about this situation.

I don't want a machine to make my decisions.   I want the freedom to assess a situation and the ability to select my response.  Auto correct, auto locking doors, timed sprinklers, auto flush toilets....all examples of things that drive me crazy.  I'm the human.  It's MY decision to make.  Maybe I want to let the water run to let it get hot.  Or maybe I want to flush before I stand up so I don't pollute the air for the person in the next stall.  Yes, my name is spelled D-a-n-e-l-l-e not Danielle.  

Our desire for convenience has begun to epitomize laziness, if you ask me (who am I kidding - I never wait for someone to ask my opinion).  I understand that these inventions are all intended to better our lives but, really, how hard is it to flush a toilet?  OR lock your own door? I will decide when it's time to water the lawn and it won't be when it is already raining.  I will decide when to indent as I write a blog.  I am capable of turning on a faucet of water and I can even turn it off.  I'm super talented.  

And here's another point; many times the "helpful technology" doesn't work.  Then I get even MORE angry.  This thing that is supposed to make my life better isn't working and is not only not working but is making the situation worse because now my blood pressure is rising (I'm most likely cursing and contemplating throwing things) and I can't accomplish the intended task.  Incredibly frustrating.  

I'm too controlling and self sufficient to desire or appreciate things being done for me that I am perfectly capable of doing on my own.  I know the technology isn't going to change.  I know the cheese stands alone.  But as I go to sleep tonight I will be lulled to sleep by happy thoughts of simpler days that don't result in my needing anger management classes.