More Technology, Less Brains

The more we use technology the less we use our brains. We rely on a machine to think for us. It used to be okay when the information was limited to math skills. It is not okay when it is incorporated into life skills. There is a new technology called Face Book live. Everything you stupidly do is live streamed for others to see. If you are speeding in your car, you live stream it then crash and die. If you assault someone, you live stream it and get arrested. Common sense and decency have been replaced with showmanship. People are so busy being on stage that they no longer have any decency.

Creature of Habit

As I get older, I realize that I do not like change. This morning I am up early and have to go to a doctor's appointment. It is snowing a bit. Although I have a new SUV all wheel drive that is made for driving in the snow, I still want to use my old Honda. Most people would want to jump right into the new car. I want to jump into the one that feels like a worn in shoe. I like my comfort zone but know that things, like life, change.

SUV

Last night we bought an SUV. I have always driven sedan type cars but this time decided to go bigger. At first I was a bit scared to get behind the wheel and drive it, but after a few minutes it felt like any other car. I hate buying cars. I would rather have a root canal. I do not like the bargaining or the extra fees that make no sense. Why is there a destination fee? Everything we use had to arrive at the store at some time so why are cars different. Why have an MSRP if you always pay less than that? What does it matter to me what the Manufacturers Suggested Price is, when I am suggesting to pay less? In total it took 5 hours to get it and drive it home. It looks strange in my garage. Somehow I feel like I just want to keep on driving my old car and only look at the new one.

Out With The Old

The face of my neighborhood is changing. In the past year, established businesses have closd. Buildings are being taken down and new ones erected. Within a one mile radius, the landscape has changed. Pathmark is becoming Stew Leonards. Mr Donut will be Arby's. Checkers will be an unknown business. A gas station will be a 7-11. If I moved away and returned for a visit, I would be stunned. As the saying goes, "Out with the old and in with the new".

Back to Work

I am back to work after four days off. Since it is the beginning of a new year, updates must be done. This year I was proactive. On Thursday I changed the fee schedules and entered them into the medical software. I filed away all of 2016's EOB's and shredded the 2015 ones. I started new folders for our new patients and ordered 2017 stickers. I am good to go and everything is in order.

Cost Comparison

It doesn't cost a penny to get information. This afternoon I will be on a fact finding mission. I am curious how much it would be to get a new car. I am not sure if I want to lease or buy. The car I am driving now is in great condition but as it approaches 135,000 miles, I am beginning to worry. I do not want to push my luck and have my transmission go. Then I can get no money out of it. So, today I will gather some information and start a decision making process.

2017

It is 2017. I pray that this year is a good one. It will be a year of changes. Many people think for the worse but I think for the better. I went to the movies last night and began speaking to people as I waited on line. I do not talk politics because I do not need to prove a point to anyone. The nation has done that for me. For the first time in a long time I saw hope in people's eyes. A hope of a better country. A hope of safety. A hope of stronger economics. I stood silently soaking in the optimism and it felt good.