During our road trip from Texas to Virginia it is very obvious how technology has changed our lives. My husband and I make this trip every year so we know exactly what is needed for our travel. We both like to read so we were sure to include our favorite books. In previous years we would pack a large bag with several books for each of us. This year all we needed was the Kindle.
Since it is always difficult to find a good radio station without static we travel with our favorite CDs. This year all we needed was the Droid (Verizon Multi-Media station cell phone) with the Pandora app.
Travel over the years meant we were busy with three children in the car trying to keep everyone entertained during the trip. They were forbidden to ask “are we there yet?” This is the first year we were traveling alone and all we needed was to entertain each other. After a few hours of reading and conversation I decided to reach out to my network through Uber Twitter on my Blackberry and engage in conversation. I was able to catch up with my friend @JeffMello from Atlanta , @Justinthesouth in North Carolina, @itzabitza in Seattle and many more. I was also multi-tasking and sending text messages to Cyndee Perkins and my adult children in NJ, TX and AL. I had the capabilities to send emails to Lorri Wyndham regarding the 2010 COMPUTER EXPLORERS conference. With the Facebook app on my Blackberry I checked in with family and friends.
On Saturdays I like to listen to the Computer Corner radio show hosted by Ken Colburn in Phoenix AZ if possible. The show is streamed live through their web page so to tune in all I needed to do was set up my computer with the wireless aircard. This week Ken was discussing “To switch or not to switch (to a Mac)” which I thought would be of interest to others so I posted a reminder on Twitter along with a photo and message documenting how I was tuned in. 
Ken lifted the photo and posted on Data Doctor facebook page and announced on air that I was the “most special fan in the world”.
Technology has changed my world and I am a happy high tech multi-tasker!
Great post Deb – I’ve got my eyes on a kindle and I bet you’ll buy many more books that way. When Angie and I go out for dinner we joke that it is always a double date: the two of us and our iphones. I hope you don’t forget to spend quality time with your husband on your trip!
Technology is a godsend and it is really amazing how convenient communications have become.
The Kindle is a great investment! I downloaded a new book from the car.
Believe it or not, I actually do know how to turn technology off in order to enjoy my family.
Enjoy the holiday.
Wow Deb! It’s amazing all you can get done now with out ever having to be in your office. What’s the next tech tool to be added to your high tech multi-task list? The kindle is next on mine. Don’t forget to keep your eyes on the road!!
Deb, I really like the photo you shared on Twitter of your mobile technology setup. You really geeked it out! Very impressive.
Deb,
Great blog post.
I can just imagine you surrounded with all your electronic toys/tools while your husband was driving. Your enthusiasm helps all COMPUTER EXPLORERS owners maintain and ramp up our desire to keep up with all the exciting changes in the world of business and technology education.
Collette
I love this analysis of how our lives are simplified now with technology! A great visualization of how you multi-task, but still make your family feel like they’re number one.