Do you remember life before the internet?

Of course. The internet wasn’t common when I was in school, really until after I started working. In school we had to look things up using encyclopedias, card catalogs and microfilms. We used phone books to get numbers and addresses. Newspapers were sources for daily information.

We ordered through a catalog, or went to a real store. We paid our bills through the mail or at the store. We went to the bank to deposit checks or make transactions.

When I drove cross country I went to AAA to get a triptik. This was Google Maps but in book form. They highlighted the route and noted areas where there may be construction traffic. I also got guide books for the areas I was traveling through. They listed motels along the way and we would call for reservations.

Runner races meant paper applications. Results were sent to you via mail or published in the paper. You found out about races through running magazines, or flyers that were put on your car while at another race.

Was it better or worse without internet? Both. While things were more challenging, we were more patient. The anticipation of waiting for the nightly news to find out daily events and weather could be exciting. We worked harder to get information and had more personal interaction. Sometimes I miss the simplicity but I can’t imagine going back to pre-internet.

I was away this past weekend at a place with spotty cell coverage. I didn’t look at my phone much. Emails went unread, statuses were not updated and we had to call or drive by to get information. It was a welcome reminder to slow down and put the phone away. Of course I jumped on it as soon as I had coverage.

How do you feel about cold weather?

(Yup, I’m referencing a controversial song)

The cold never bothered me anyway. (I’ll stop). I’m all for seasons, for four seasons. I like bundling up in a warm winter coat and a cute hat. Getting under a warm blanket with a cup of tea. What bothers me about winter is the dark. I love the spring as it stays light out longer. It is depressing when it is dark at 4:30, especially after the holidays when there is nothing to look forward to.

I wonder what it would be like to have the cold but longer sun light. I may not dread January if there were more sunlight.

Having lived in San Diego I did enjoy have better weather year round, being able to get outside more. I did miss autumn, the chilly mornings and crisp air. It seemed unnatural to be Christmas shopping in shorts. I did not miss the snow though. A light coating is fine but shoveling out stinks. I would take the cold over the snow.

Of course paying for heat in an old house is painful as is worrying about frozen pipes. Why do I live in the northeast again?