So this SSG is kind of a luddite. And while I APPRECIATE technology--things like cars and planes, self cleaning ovens and dishwashers, there is something about me that resists it too.
I like being bored on occasion. I think it's important to schedule time where there is nothing, empty space--to use your imagination, to dream to UNPLUG. One of my favorite scenes from the movie Before Sunrise is when Ethan Hawke's character talks about all the time we save by using technology and yet what do we do with all of the "saved time?"
I remember the summer road trips I'd take with my family driving from San Diego to Yosemite. I'd just stare out the window and make up stories in my head, talk to my sister or play the occasional "Alphabet Game." When I think back over my parents' parenting skills, I see that giving me the time and space to get bored as one of their strengths. We didn't always have to fill the space. I appreciate that as an adult--that I am unafraid to live alone, move to cities where I know no one and have the freedom to travel places by myself. The world seems more open, more accessible because I know I'll be fine and will make my way.
I say this, as I have about 96 items plugged into various outlets around my house. Tonight I had scheduled to get all of my chargers and various gadgets and adaptors together in one place to make sure I don't need a truck to haul it all to France. I Pods and phones, cameras and my shuffle clutter my desk. I worry that when TSA sees me coming with the sheer amount of wires I've got in my purse I'm going to have some serious explaining to do (though something tells me they've seen it all before). My TV is set to DVR the Republican convention (and um, 90210!) and I've got my ITunes playing in the background as I type this. When I get on the plane Friday, I'll have hours upon hours of movies and television shows to entertain me. 500 songs to choose from and listen to. Magazines to read and new books to fall into. And while I look forward to all of it, my guess is a large portion of the trip will be spent looking out the airplane window like I always do--watching the world move beneath me and realizing that those dreams I had as a little girl, are now coming true.
6 comments:
I am so very excited for you! You know, even on planes they hook you up with movies and magazines to look at...But, you can still gaze out the window if you want to! ;)
Marcel Proust:
If a little dreaming is dangerous, the cure for it is not to dream less but to dream more, to dream all the time.
I can still remember saying to my parents, "I'm bored!" when I was a kid. And my father would turn to me, and say, "There's nothing more boring than a bored person. Find something to do!"
I could always entertain myself, and it was seldom with something that plugged into anything. My kids however...if the TV goes out for wahtever reason they are absolutely beside themselves.
I am beyond excited for you. Remind me- is this your first trip to Europe? I realize that I only know you through this whole blogging thing but I have a feeling you are the kind of girl that is going to leave part of her heart there. I did. Not a day goes by that I don't think of or long or something in Germany. Now, I realize that your's is a shorter trip than my 3 years but I know I know it will only take you about 2 seconds there to GET it. I have butterflies for you!
You also need to remind me when you will be returning to the states. We are all going to miss you, you know!
TSA has seen alot of things before so don't fret. Also, check to see if some of your chargers can multi-task :) That's always a bonus.
I think you are going to have a fabulous time, soaking it all in from the minute you board the plane to when you return. Enjoy it!!! You will be missed SSG!
@ halfasstic - Ok, now I don't know if I'm going to WANT to get off the plane!
@ Wah-dah-tay - Look at you breaking out the Proust and being all hot and smart.
@ Candy - Just wait 'til your kids get out of college and realize how much cable costs. They'll break out those rabbit ears and 2 channels faster if they know the extra money can be used to buy BEER. It's all about priorities.
@ Bella Della - Aww thanks! I've been to Ireland, but that's it. I'll be back on the 17th, but there is going to be SO MUCH fun happening here without me you won't miss me for a second! Stay tuned ...
@ Lys - Thanks so much lady! And I have Band Aid blister block and foot petals thanks to YOU. My feet thank you too ; )
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