Monday, April 7, 2008

Gratitude Monday – Thank You, Internet

I’m grateful to live in an age where contact is so easy. We may grumble about computers, curse them out and threaten them with defenestration, but they are a powerful tool and they make life easier in so many ways.

I’ve started doing some freelance work, another thing for which I am deeply thankful, and using the Internet has made finding my interview subjects for two possible stories easier. Two have long moved away while a third never lived here. She made the news by being lost out in the bush 15 years ago.

Simple Google searches found them. It took mere seconds. The finding part took mere seconds. The forming- the- thought- to- do- it- that- way part took somewhat longer. I still got there, though, so I’m grateful for that, too.

14 comments:

Crabby McSlacker said...

It's so often we curse technology for it's failings and frustrations but forget to be grateful for what it lets us accomplish!

As I recently discovered, one of the best ways to appreciate the internet is to go without it for a while.

Thanks for the gratitude reminder!

Leah J. Utas said...

Oh I agree, Crabby. You don't know what you've got 'til it's gone.

You're welcome, and it's so good to have you back.

Terrie Farley Moran said...

df Leah,

I am grateful for the internet because without out it, there are so many wonderful people I would never have met.

Thanks for another great lesson in gratitude.

Terrie

the Bag Lady said...

I, too, am grateful for the opportunities for new friendships presented by the Internet, and also the opportunity to keep in daily contact with old friends and relatives!
Thanks for the opportunity to express our gratitude, cousin!

Leah J. Utas said...

dfTerrie - I agree wholeheartedly.

df BagLady - It's good to stay in touch.

Sharon Lippincott said...

I'm so grateful for cyberspace that I've practically moved there. ;-)

Hilary said...

It's a lifeline.. one I could no longer do without. You've expressed what I'm sure all of us feel.

Leah J. Utas said...

Ritergal, I totally understand. You made me smile.

Hilary, lifeline is a great way to put it.
I'm not sure I could adjust to life without it.

Reb said...

(try this again) Yes, it is wonderful, you can find old friends and make new ones. Learn about so many things you didn't know even existed - even if you wind up spending far too long going from page to page.

Of course, now that you have hi-speed, you will never be able to go back to dial up.

Leah J. Utas said...

It's all that, Reb.
And yes, if I have to go back to dial up it will be brutal.

Terrie Farley Moran said...

df Leah,

I did go back to dial -up when I was in Florida for two months this winter. You are right, IT WAS BRUTAL! Okay, I'll stop shouting now. :)

Terrie

Leah J. Utas said...

df Terrie - It must have been very frustrating.

Anonymous said...

The internet is also very handy for quickly looking up words you don't know the meaning of, such as: defenestration.

What a GREAT word!

(Sorry, GREAT was the best I could do under pressure!)

Leah J. Utas said...

Yes, it is a great word.
Holly, defenstration is one of my favourite words. I hardly ever get to use it so I'm also grateful today's post gave me that chance.