Technology Lapse

So many times recently, I have walked through an airport wondering what we all did without our cell phones and laptops. A high percentage of passengers passing through airport terminals are either talking, texting, reading emails, or surfing on their cell phones. And once they’re seated at the gate, out come the laptops for some full-blown web-surfing. The way we communicate and obtain information has changed dramatically in the past decade or so. There used to be banks of pay phones at the airport, often with lines of people waiting for their turn to make a call. Now, airports have turned those payphone booths and phone kiosks into mini computer stations, complete with plenty of electrical outlets for charging various devices. Without all this technology, some of us would be lost.

We have pretty reliable cable and internet service at the house, but as I write this, we have been without both for about 3 hours. I have to admit, it’s a pretty strange feeling to know that I can’t just jump online to send a quick email or to Google something. It has made me realize how much I depend on this technology to move through my day. Now don’t misunderstand. There are things to be done around here that don’t require technology. In fact there are some decidedly non-technology oriented tasks waiting for me in my yard right now. But when it comes to gathering information, communicating, entertainment, or even work, we live in a pretty technology dependent culture.

Fortunately, my cell phone is still up and running. That means I can do some things online if I want to. Not quite as conveniently, but I’m not cut off completely. And my computer is still up and running for things that don’t require online access. But I’m sitting here trying to imagine what it would feel like if all of my technology was lapsed right now. Tasks would get done, for sure. I would still have a meal on the table. But I have to admit, that the day would feel very different from the norm.

We adults are not the only ones intrigued by technology. On my recent visit to Washington, my grandsons (Jackson especially) were all excited to find me waiting for them each morning with my laptop. They wanted to “go to Google” or “YouTube” to look for “Cars” videos. They love the Pixar cars and also a series of videos called Auto B Good. Jackson got to typing stuff himself, and I realized how much technology is just second nature to these new little ones coming up. I have it in my head that some day when the boys are older, they’ll come to me and say, “Hey Geep…remember when we used to use those laptop things when we were little?” Who knows what advances will take place in the next 10-15 years. We won’t even recognize today’s gadgets!

And speaking of recognizing technology, here is one of life’s little mysteries. Why in the world, when you go to the toy department, do they still sell toy rotary phones?

Second Chances

I think it must be a common experience to want a second chance…a “do over”, if you will. Years ago when I did a little golfing, we called it a “mulligan”. When your drive off the tee was less than acceptable (even embarrassing), you got to do it over…once for a round of 18 holes. How many times in other situations have you wished for a mulligan?

I just had a situation recently where I got a “do over”, and I am very grateful. I had just gone on a wild goose chase over a potential Craigslist purchase. The seller had grossly misrepresented the condition of the item I had hoped to purchase, which I discovered only after driving clear across town in the rain, during the late afternoon traffic. I was irritated, both at the seller who had been given multiple opportunities to be forthright, and at myself for having made such a rookie Craigslist mistake. I was also getting irritated with several other drivers who had made poor driving decisions which not only slowed me down, but created a dangerous situation for those of us driving nearby.

On the way home, it seemed like I was hitting every single traffic light just as it was changing from amber to red. And most were at large intersections, where the light cycles are about 3 minutes long. With each delay, I was getting more irritated over having made the trip at all. As I approached the next light with good hopes of making it through, the light changed on me at the last minute. Had no one been in front of me, I would have sailed through on the amber. However, the car in front of me (wisely!) chose to stop. As soon as I saw the brake lights, my first thought was, “I’ve missed enough lights, so maybe YOU’RE not making this light, but I AM!” I (unwisely!) decided to move into the right lane, pass him on the right, and make it through the amber light. (Can you see where this is going?) Yep…there was another car in the right lane (in my blind spot) with the same idea. He sped up to make the light. Believe me when I say it was a close one!

But…I got my mulligan! I was able to swerve back into my own lane, and apply the brakes in time to stop at the light without ramming into the guy I had intended to pass. There was fishtailing. A fair amount of rubber was left on the road. And I’m sure that my heart was not the only one racing. The result of my hasty decision could have been disastrous. I believe the Lord protected me from my own foolishness that day, and a couple of lessons were quickly learned. First, don’t be so quick to get irritated at others when they make a foolish driving decision. Second, slow down when you realize that emotions are causing you to drive with less caution than you normally would.

My “do-over” was a valuable learning experience. We don’t always get them. Whether it’s driving, or at work, or with relationships, we can’t ever count on a mulligan. Good enough reason to do it right the first time!

Dealership Shout-Out

I'm typically not a big fan of car dealership service departments. The repairs are often more expensive, and I often feel like I'm being up-sold. However, I had a good enough experience today that I thought it deserved a shout-out.

My 2001 Honda Accord needed some recall work. Something about a potential problem with the driver's airbag inflator using so much pressure, that some metal part could explode, sending metal fragments into the driver, should the airbag ever deploy. It sounded sufficiently scary, so as instructed, I called my local dealer to arrange for the free repair.

I called Leith Honda two days ago. They were very pleasant on the phone. I was asked to fax the recall notice, they would order the part, then they would call me when it arrived so I could set an appointment for the work. Yesterday I got the call, and we arranged for an 8AM appointment for this morning. All very professional.

Upon arrival at Leith Honda, I simply pulled up under a portico, and was met by a pleasant and professional check-in agent who quickly got some necessary information from me, told me the repair would take about an hour, and then pointed me to the customer service waiting room. I never had to step out into the bad weather, which was much appreciated.

In the waiting room, instead of the obligatory "Mr. Coffee" pot with burned coffee brewed several hours before, I had access to a professional "one cup at a time" coffee machine that actually made a decent cup of coffee. (Not being a fan of styrofoam cups, if I ever have reason to return, I'll bring my own cup.) There was also a supply of chilled bottled water, along with a basket of granola bars and other snacks.

Perhaps the biggest perk of all (which I had confirmed ahead of time) was the availability of free wi-fi. I was able to log in to my home PC using GoToMyPC right from the waiting room and accomplish the morning tasks that would have had to wait, had I been in most other auto service waiting rooms.

The service was complete in just under an hour. The agent who led me to the check-out counter was very pleasant, and the checkout staff person was efficient and professional. Best of all, the repair cost me nothing other than 50 minutes of round-trip driving time.

I usually dread having to take care of auto service. Calling, scheduling, waiting...it's always such an inconvenience. Thanks, Leith Honda, for making this one of the most convenient and pleasant auto service experiences I've had.

School Clothes

Growing up in the Philadelphia area during the 1960’s, we were always on a traditional school calendar. The schedule where you went back to school the day after Labor Day. We always dreaded that last Monday night, because even though it was a holiday, it was also a school night…the first one of the year. Our school bedtimes kicked in, and the next day the freedom of summer would be over.

There was always one bright spot at the beginning of the year. The weekend before school started, we would go shopping for new school clothes. (This was back when we had school clothes and play clothes.) I still remember what it felt like to put on a brand new pair of pants, a stiff new shirt (button down with a collar was required in those days), and a new pair of shoes. Once the tags were unpinned (remember the straight-pin price tickets?), our new clothes were ready to go. They smelled new, and when we were allowed to choose the latest style, we felt like we looked really sharp on that first day back in class with our schoolmates.

Another highlight of the new school year came the evening after our first day of class. We came home armed with that year’s requirements for school supplies. What fun we had picking out a new 3-ring binder, subject dividers, book covers, pencils and erasers, rulers, notebook paper, and pencil cases. When we got back from the store, we got to organize everything and get our textbooks covered, all prepared for another year of hard studying.

Well, some things never change. Even though many schools in our area have moved to a year round schedule to accommodate a growing school population, and even though I’ve been out of school for many years, my mind still functions on a traditional schedule. After all, I had 13 years of public school, 4 years of college followed by 10 years as a public school teacher, and finally all those years raising 2 children through public school and college (all on a traditional schedule). Old habits are hard to break. As the August calendar page gives way to September, I still get that “fall” beginning-of-the-school-year feeling. And I get the urge for new “school clothes”. (OK, now it’s “work clothes”).

Because I travel so much for work, I have a set of clothes that is always ready for the suitcase. I never wear these clothes at home. Once laundered, they get folded and stacked on a shelf in my closet. When it’s time to pack, it’s a simple matter of selecting the appropriate number of slacks and shirts, and along with the underwear and socks, into the suitcase they go. My travel shoes, belt, sneakers, and my toiletries never even leave the suitcase. I even have separate gym clothes for travel.

Every September, having worn the same clothes on business trips for an entire year, I find that things are starting to look a bit worn, and sometimes I tire of wearing the same things over and over. So when that old “new school year” feeling kicks in, off to the store I go! I’m not a big shopper, but this is one time during the year that I check out the goods at a lot of stores, picking out new pants, shirts, and shoes to wear for the next year. Makes me feel like a kid again! And boy, do I feel sharp my first few times out wearing the new stuff!

Every other year in September, I get to satisfy my “new school supplies” urge by replacing my suitcase. I’ve found that no matter how high the quality, after two years of packing and unpacking, not to mention hundreds of trips through baggage claim, most any suitcase is going to break down enough as to require replacement. Again, I’m like a kid in a candy store. I check out the newest crop of luggage at all the stores, and after I make my selection, I take my new bag home and spend an hour or two figuring out the best way to organize all my travel stuff. It really reminds me of the old days getting my new school supplies organized for the new school year.

Like I said, some things never change! Once a kid, always a kid when that traditional school calendar says summer’s over and a brand new school year is about to begin!

Still Amazed After All These Years

I've written quite a bit in the past about the perils of business travel...particularly air travel. It's certainly not glamorous, and it's often exhausting. That said, I have to confess. When you strip away all the hassles, air travel still blows me away.

Think about it. Board a plane in Atlanta. Drink a couple of cups of coffee and eat a snack, do a little reading, watch a couple of episodes of West Wing, maybe get a little work-related stuff done, and then you get off the plane in Seattle. When you look at a map, it really hits home how amazing this really is. No matter what inconveniences or frustrations go along with it, waking up in one city and having dinner in another one that's clear across the country is still pretty darn amazing.

That's 3 Bags, Sir

I really can't figure out the airlines. Gate agents make a big announcement before boarding about how travelers are only allowed to carry on two bags. One regular bag, such as a roll-aboard suitcase, and one personal item, such as a purse or computer bag. Yet, I regularly see those same gate agents turn a blind eye when passengers board with bags hanging all over their bodies...and clearly more than three!

Many experienced airline travelers disagree with my decision to check my bag. They would much rather carry their bag on board, thereby avoiding the often long wait at baggagee claim at their destination. I, on the other hand, am willing to lengthen my check-in time and to wait at baggage claim in return for other benefits. By not carrying on luggage, I do not have to worry that all of the overhead bin space will be gone by the time I board. And because most of my flights involve a connection, I like being hands-free at the connecting airport. My one carry-on is a backpack so that both of my hands are free while walking from one gate to the next. One to hold my Starbucks, the other to be checking email on my Blackberry. Finally, I prefer not to have to put a second bag under the seat in front of me, so that I can more freely stretch out my legs during longer flights. So...everyone determines which advantages are most important, and then acts accordingly.

My beef is with people who want the best of both worlds, and don't care who they inconvenience. On a recent flight, the guy seated next to me in first class arrived late. By the time he arrived....with three carry-ons...the overhead bin space was nearly gone. He proceeded to rearrange other passengers' belongings, and then shoved his larger bag up against another bag, without regard to whether he might be damaging someone else's stuff. He then became frustrated when he couldn't find space for his second large bag, so he enlisted the help of the flight attendant. In my opinion, the flight attendant should have called him out on having three bags, and required him to gate check the third one. Instead, she started checking each of the full overhead bins to see if some additional rearranging could be done. In the end, she spotted my backpack. Keep in mind that I have already agreed to the prior mentioned inconveniences of checking my bag, in order to achieve the benefits that are important to me. Now the flight attendant requests that I place my backpack under the seat in front of me so that my seatmate can use that space in the overhead bin for his illegal third bag. As you can imagine, I was not a happy camper.

So IS the limit really TWO carry-ons? If it IS, then please enforce it. If it ISN'T, then please stop saying that it is.

I'll Take the Compliment AND the Discount

Attending church recently with family in Blaine, WA. Son-in-law Jared leading worship. Fellow band member sees me sitting next to my daughter Rachel in row 2. Band member: “Is that Rachel’s brother sitting down there with Rachel?” Jared: “No…that’s her dad!” Me (later, upon hearing the story): happy to take the compliment. Rachel: Maybe not amused??

After church. Local restaurant. Everyone hungry for something different . Brunch to the rescue. Senior discount ($3 off) mentioned in menu. Me: “How old do you have to be to qualify for the senior discount?” Waitress: “It’s available to anyone age 55 and older, sir.” Me: Thrilled to be getting a senior discount for the first time. Me (two seconds later): depressed that I just qualified for my first senior discount.

Later the same day. Picking up a few things at the grocery store. Rachel and I in checkout line with her boys. Cashier (talking to my grandson): "Have your daddy lift you up so I can show you something." Me: “Well, actually I’m his grandfather.” Cashier: "Grandfather?? Whoa! Lookin’ good, Grandpa!" Me: Beaming, and feeling totally OK about qualifying earlier for that senior discount. Rachel: Maybe not amused??