Bird of Useless Knowledge

I took one of those FB quizzes. "What's your native American name?" My results were "Strong Heart". As I was reading the description my son, Alex, walked by, took a look and snickered. "That's wrong," he laughed. "Your name should be Bird of Useless Knowledge."

I thought about this. Yep. He's right. That's probably what I should call my blog, too. For as long as they can remember, my children have been bombarded with mother's little witticisms and pieces of knowledge. As Charlene from Designing Women said, "I thirst for knowledge--it's a sickness!" Car trips were notorious times for me to impart words of wisdom that I had most likely learned from Animal Planet or the Discovery Channel or from some obscure reading. I tried my best to entice my children to look out the windows rather than at the gameboy screen. No luck. It wasn't till last month while visiting my married daughter that my rantings finally paid off.

On the post where my son-in-law is stationed, a breed of wild African antelope roam. Nature lover that I am, (and B.O.U.K.), I was determined to see one before coming home. Alex, Mallory and I drove along, looking for a glimpse. Of course I was giving a running commentary--"Jack rabbit. Another one. Another one." Again trying to convince the kids that seeing nature is fun. Mallory actually joined in, even spotting a snake curled up along the edge of the road. She said, "You know, mom, I really DID pay attention sometimes to your tour guide spiel." Alex just moaned and rolled his eyes. We never did spot the elusive antelope. And Alex refused to search again the following evening. He's just no fun.

Cell phones and VCRs

Recently my cell phone has been dying much sooner than it should. I checked and my contract is up, allowing me to "upgrade" at a "discount". So the other day, my son and I checked out some new phones. I don't use texting (an extra $20 per month) and I don't use the web on the phone (also that extra $20). So having one of those teeny tiny keyboards or a camera is not necessary. Neither is an mp3 player since I have an ipod. I do use bluetooth as my car has that wonderful function and people holding their cells and/or texting while driving is a pet peeve...
So what should I buy?
Alex, my son, thinks people are too dependent on technology anyway....

Which brought me to thinking about "when I was growing up" (can't believe I have been using that phrase to begin conversations with my kids). Remember when calculators were huge and cost several hundred for a simple one? How about "party lines"? B&W televisions, then color? Antenna on the roof and no cable? Clunky, big VCRs with movies that cost $80 and up? Using CB radios while travelling? Cell phones that could barely fit in your purse?

Now there are so many choices and too much technology.... So what cell phone should I buy?