When I was a kid, there was not even color TV. We had a black and white set, and we were one of the few who did have a TV. Never heard of FM Radio. The word "computer" was not a word the everyday person uttered.
I was married, with children, when we got our first home computer. I remember Bob bringing it in and saying that the girls needed to be exposed to the computer because there would come a time that everything would be computerized. I thought he was nuts, but we tried very hard to open the horizons for the girls. Before long, they were playing computer games. (Remember, Where in the World is Carmen Sandiago?) I mainly used the computer as a word processor, eventually branching out to using Quicken for keeping our checking account straight. Bob and the girls embraced it and were constantly trying new things. Then I discovered email. That is something I truly love. Bob taught me how to use Microsoft Word and I did a lot of things in that.
In 1996, Valerie had the audacity to graduate from High School and I was laid off from my full time job of mommy. I went to work part time at Hoover Middle School. I quickly learned that I was going to need more computer skills. I worked to learn the school programs and began using the computer for more aspects in our personal life.
Fast forward to 2009 ... Several things happened at the same time to make me realize that I was getting old and letting opportunities pass me by. There were some things that I wanted to do and if I were younger I would do them. Three of those items were Technology issues. I wanted to have a Facebook page, I wanted to Twitter and I wanted a blog. I talked to my head cheerleader, Bob, and he said go for it. I enlisted the assistance of 2 good friends and spent Spring Break"springing" onto the Technology highway. I am loving every minute of it.
This last week, I received an invitation from one of the ladies (and soon both were on the bandwagon) to be a presenter at a Day long Technology workshop. Yes, you are reading that right. It seems these 2 ladies think that I might be able to help other people my age (read older than dirt) conquer their fears of technology. After my initial reaction that this is a joke, I said no. After several emails back and forth, talking to Bob about it and more emails back and forth, I have decided to do it. I must admit when I opened the email telling me where I was to present, all I could do was reply "oh my". I am sure my friend thought I was brilliant at that moment.
I have made a list of what I CAN do technology wise and it it pretty long. The list of thing I can't do is fairly short. I have to admit, I am scared that I will make a fool of myself, but wouldn't it be wonderful if one "old lady" leaves my presentation and goes home and sets up a blog for her family to keep up with on another?
This shindig is in June. Stay tuned for my progress. Who knows, all of you may be part of my presentation.
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