Despite the fact that I use a computer on a daily basis and I am a frequent (probably too much so) visitor to Facebook and email and cell phones are nearly essential, there are some days I wish for plain old paper and pencil!

Computer crashes and programs that don’t work have been a headache to me this week which has made me realize how totally dependent we have become on “technology.” I actually sat and wrote out a couple of stories long-hand while I waited for a fix! I can tell you it’s been a while since I have done that although I must admit I used to write everything out long-hand first and then type it in. It took major adjustment to compose on the computer screen.

Throw in the cell phone that for me, and I’m sure for many, is often an extension of my arm and the headache continues! When was the time we could escape immediate contact? I admit I often turn the volume down (which is necessary when I attend meetings and events) and forget to turn it back up. Subconscious at work? Perhaps.

I do love Facebook and the ability to connect with people, but I find myself checking it more frequently than I need to. But, what if I miss seeing what so-and-so had for dinner? Tragedy strikes. And then there there Twitter….I will tell you right now, I don’t “tweet.” One more constant connection is more than I can bear! And I have found this week via my teenager’s Twitter, that there are some things you just don’t want or need to see. There are people you don’t need to communicate with!

So although I must use the the computer to work and know how to use social media for multiple purposes, I pride myself on reverting to the good old days of paper and pen as often as I can. Emails are for business and for when immediate communication is needed. That is not all the time! I have a stash of cards and notes in my office that I send out regularly to friends so that they receive something other than electronic messaging. It’s a personal touch we need to go back to, not pull farther from. Unless the pen runs out of ink, there aren’t really problems! And a new pen is so much easier than a computer fix!