This is a question I’ve been asking myself for some time now. It seems like everything has a longer instruction manual, more undecipherable terminology, and more pieces to break, than ever before. My job at work has become incredibly complicated as the State of California keeps multiplying their requirements for student data. My cell phone has so many bells and whistles that it just seems like a bundle of complexity. My car has over 16 buttons on the steering wheel alone and over 25 more on the radio… what are all these things??
So here is a question…
Is anything getting simpler?
Does anything just work, anymore?
Can I actually say… I know how this operates without an instruction manual?
Well… I’ve run into three things lately that seem to fit the bill.
1. A Good Book. Yes I can still pick up a book and know how to operate it (read) without instructions or a two hour seminar. It’s nice to just sit down and read.
2. My Dog. My Cocker Spaniel is one of the greatest joys in my life. She jumps in my lap and enjoys a good pat. She likes to play and go for walks. She smiles at me and enjoys just being around. Her simple loyalty is really refreshing.
3. An iPad. Since the minute I took it out of the box, the iPad just worked. It’s simple to understand interface was instantly intuitive and the programs work with just a tap or slide of my finger. New e-books and music are just a click away. There is only one button on the whole unit, and it always takes me home, where I know where I’m at. For once, a piece of technology that just simply works!
How about you… what complicates your life? What are your simple pleasures?
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Another great blog! Thanks!
Paperwork and meetings definitely complicate my life. They're both big time suckers. Things that make my life simpler? Not meeting and using google docs instead of paper.
I love good old books too, especially cookbooks. With an abundance of recipes online, I find cookbooks are handier than ever for cooking–I wouldn't want to get raw meat on my computer or phone
Not meeting and using Google docs… Brilliant!
The symptom – Constant noise, television, radio, conversations, email, sms, IMs etc.
The cure – quite walks, exercise, a good meal with friends, a good meal alone, sleep, eating well – going days without a newspare, email, mobile phone etc.