The longer route

It's ridiculous. Though we live in a time where everything is now available a the click of a button, I find myself wanting to take my time. Or, as the Dixie Chicks would put it, "take the long way around."

 

This week, I eagerly anticipated two items in the mail. No, not e-mail - the traditional one that we call 'snail mail'. A friend from the east-coast told me last week that she'd put a package in the mail for me, and another friend who lives in the North-West Territories mentioned that she'd dropped a letter off as well. 

A few years ago, hearing this would make me anxious. I would probably freak out every day, cursing the mail system for being so slow. But surprisingly, I've found myself enjoying the wait this time around. When I received one of the packages in the mail last night, it came as a surprise. I kind of liked that it had to journey in order to reach me. I liked that I had to physically wait for it's arrival. I liked that I didn't know what it was as soon as my friend sent it... and though I spoke to her between the time the package was sent and I received it, I still didn't know what it was. 

I guess my point is that I enjoy the element of surprise that comes with the traditional mail system. Please don't misunderstand me - you can still get that with e-mail and messages via social-networking mediums, but it's definitely not the same. And I realized how much I missed it. 

- - - - 

I was also talking to a friend today about accessibility online. For instance, Twitter allows users to download applications like TwitterBerry, TwitterFox and DestroyTwitter -- widgets that give you constant updates of what's happening on the site without you having to log on to it. This is just one network, mind you. Facebook, MySpace, Chi.mp and other networks all have applications that let you use them on your phone or Blackberry.

I guess I really don't know how people do it. Or keep up. As it is, I barely use my pre-paid cell phone. I do admit to using e-mail a lot for personal reasons and for work (remind me to tell you the story of how a lady in the cubicle next to me, e-mailed me to get her a file that was literally a chair-roll away from her). But, it's all so fast! Don't people want to slow down? Just a bit?

It's hard, I know, because having things available at the click of a button is also a very good thing. The world is moving at a fast pace and we need to do our best to keep up, or risk being left behind. But sometimes, when it's possible, it's fun taking the longer route. 

It helps to have an element of surprise in moments when nothing is surprising anymore... I mean, we live in a world where you can custom-design your unborn child!

But, I digress. My point is that when possible, try to take your time... take the longer route... you just might appreciate the view. 

xo

SC

And since I mentioned them, here are the Dixie Chicks with one of my favourite songs. Enjoy!