Generation I(nternet): Talk to the Wall

I had the pleasure of going through my high school yearbooks this time when I went home to my parents' home. I was closed up for hours in my room going through page after page, picture after picture. I have this box that holds all of my memories from high school: every note I ever passed back and forth to a friend, report cards, slumber party invitations, my soccer letter, academic pins, souvenirs from dances, napkins with phone numbers, programs, and the like.

Going through the box, as tears of nostalgia ran down my cheeks, I wondered to myself, What will this generation remember of their youth? Everything is electronic. What will the children pass along to their children? How will they be able to look back on a facebook invite or an evite and remember the feeling of joy running down to the mailbox and seeing an invitation to the hottest party, like, ever fo sho?!

Yes, internet is a great tool. Yes, its a great way to communicate and spread ideas, network, etc. But, somehow, I get the feeling we're cheating ourselves; of the value of talking to people face to face, touching, feeling, seeing. How many senses are really involved in cyberspace?

I cannot help but laugh at how ridiculous we've made our world and I'm convinced God thinks we're retarded. We've given stalking a whole other meaning by having multiple, stalker facebook personalities (MFPS - multiple facebook personality syndrome) in different area codes and networks. And you thought Schizophrenics had it bad? We've evolved from playboy guys adding one more notch in their belts to adding one more person to their facebook circle. 'The one with the most friends wins nukaaa!!!' Oh and please don't make me get started on the auntie-ji and uncle-jis who want to add you online to 'do the chatting' and facebook status messages that bring up horrible nightmares of AIM away message wars!!

How safe is it to give someone a glimpse into your world? How well DO you know that person? What are you networking on?!?! Why does your child minimize their screen the minute you walk into the room?? For God's sake TALK to the person in the next cubicle instead of instant messaging!!! Why is it that men have so many communication tools at their disposal and still have problems telling you how they feel?!

What happened to the world where people didnt need online dating services? What happened to the break-up conversation before facebook made it so easy to change your status to single? What happened to privacy? What's the point of adding someone you have no intention of talking to...like EVER? Berlin Wall, Great Wall of China, Facebook walls?? I'd love for a kid to answer that as a response to a history question. And, seriously, what is up with the hooch brigade that congregates like maggots to rotten meat all over a guy's wall?

We can make this world safe if we want. It's all up to us. Oh, by the way, I'd really appreciate you all to call me with your response to this note, or just stop over for chai. ;o)

How Indian/Pakistani Teachers Speak English

1. Don't dare talk in front of my back!
2. Both of you three get out of class.
3. Why are you so late. say yes or no?
4. Take 5cm wire of any length!
5. I have 2 daughters both of which are girls.
6. All of you stand in a straight circle.
7. Quiet the principal just passed away.
8. Everybody stand lengthwise.
9. Why are you looking at the monkey outside when I am here?

Its from a forward that I read this morning and found funny enough to post. No offense to anyone. :D

Computer Shopping And Relationships

I love it, I love it not...

I've been on a very long hiatus from writing mainly due to my laptop dying on me and I having yet to purchase a new one. This past weekend I was fully determined to break through my commitment phobia and settle on a model. I planned to buy a computer in DE, the tax-free state on my way back to my apartment from my parents' place. As luck would have it, I got delayed in leaving in time to make the 6pm deadline for stores on Sunday in DE, and was forced to purchase a laptop with 6% tax.

The minute I set foot onto Best Buy's busy computer floor, I was approached by a sales associate who said he would be with me shortly, but while I waited he wanted me think about my needs and what I am looking for in a particular model. Slightly puzzled, as he walked away I thought to myself, Did I say I was looking for a husband or a computer?!

If you think about it, it isnt too far fetched of an idea to compare computer shopping to mate-hunting. What am I looking for? A sleek, sweet, powerful model thats reliable, capable of multi-tasking and running lots of programs together that is wireless -- no strings attached. One that includes anti-viral software to keep intruders out but with an enormous heart -- err hard drive -- for safely storing important secrets, documents, and remembering where I put my car keys. It must not over-heat and loose its cool. It must have lightning fast random access memory for quick thinking and remembering important details like birthdays and anniversaries and desire to make lots of beautiful babies.

Sales Associate Bryan: What?

Me: Movies! I need it to have a dvd writer so I can burn movies!

I ended up buying a Sony Vaio, not so much interested in all its bells and whistles but just because I didn't want to go another night without a computer. I called up my geek squad on the way home and wouldn't you know it every single guy had a different computer to recommend.

A: A Vaio?! Why!?!??! There are so many others that are cheaper!

B: Core 2? AMD isnt so bad either.

C: Toshiba -- you should have gotten a Toshiba.

D: Congratulations, Im so happy for you!

Now, if you're a girl, what I say next will come as no surprise. Have you ever asked a guy friend his opinion on another guy? NEVER will he EVER say, "Yeah yo that brother is a good dude." NEVER! This is what it felt like while A, B, C were talking with me. Oh, and most fabulous of all -- they all wanted to know why I didnt consult them first and who my source was that WAS consulted! Honest to God, the only one I consulted throughout Best Buy via text was D. And he was the only one genuinely happy for me for finally getting a computer!!

D: You're so happy. Just concentrate on that and don't let it bug you.

How does buyer's remorse work in marriages? I fell asleep next to my closed boxed laptop and the next morning couldnt even look at it! Had I made too quickie of a purchase? Have I been too capricious in expectations of a potential mate? Where's the Consumer's Report to consult when you find a guy you think is right? What if he's a Mac and all your programs are only compatible with Windows? Do marriages have a shelf-life like computers? An expensive computer and a mate --- both will get you screwed eventually.

I ended up returning the Vaio. In the end it didnt make me happy. I realize now that it wasnt the computer but rather the urge and necessity that compelled me to make the impulse decision. Best Buy doesn't refund cash so I have to wait for a check in the mail. It's actually a good thing: Ten day cold shower will force me to think with a more level-head and do better research on what is out there.

It's only a computer --- I know, I know! I made a bad decision and it wasnt so bad this time, the stakes werent so high -- thank God for receipts. It was only a computer, but the lesson learned applies to every situation.