Inventions that left their mark

 By far the biggest inventions in my life time that have had a direct impact on my day-to-day life are the internet and cell phones.

Literally everything I do at work or at home is internet driven. All our files reside “in the cloud,” which is nice that you can get at them from practically anywhere, but being in the Air Force still, there are so  many lock-downs that while everything is available, it is slow getting to them, and susubsequently more difficult to use them.

The massive telework evolution due to the 2020 pandemic forced almost everyone as a society to become  much more tech savy and familiar with things like texting, chats, video conferencing, and collaborative on-line work environments. I really think it forced a lot of senior citizens, like my in-laws to pick up their tech game so they would not be so isolated over the past year.

Cell phones have made all that accessible from your fingertips, no matter where you are in the world. It is definitely a game changer both personally and professionally. We got phones in the mid 80s. Before that, it was find a phone to make a call or to check in. Now the calls find you, wherever you are. Parenting is a relative breeze now days. (Of course your kids have more unrestrained connectivity too, so there are drawbacks). But you can reach your kids or significant others through text or voice calls instantly. Its a huge change in family dynamics. The downside is the same applies to relatives, and co-workers.

A plus: now with online shopping and banking, you can order food, clothing, groceries, gifts, book flights, cars, hotel rooms, etc, and never really stop what you are doing. Super efficient compared to even 5 years ago. You essentially get minutes and hours back in your life every day. The trick is using that time wisely.

Bidets are cool too.