I should have a lot of time on my hands. I am, after all, mostly retired. I do not go to an office, report to anyone but the occasional editor for freelance writing.
In the not too distant past I worked a full time job, taught part-time and maintained two homes on opposite coasts. That was my life.
But today? I should have a lot of time on my hands. Time to play games like Candy Crush on Facebook. Time to fiddle with apps like Words with Friends. Time to tweet constantly. To post on Instagram and Pinterest.
I look at friends who seem to do all this and wonder, where do they find the time? Because I have no time for apps. At all.
My days are full. The typical day involves lots of sitting in front of a screen writing. My daily blog post goes up and I share it on a few social media sites. I respond to reader comments.
I cook one big meal a day for me and hubby, which entails menu planning and grocery shopping. We try to get to the gym and walk Riley. We watch our favorite television shows either together or separately, and maybe go to a movie.
I talk to a girlfriend who’s sick and sometimes I spend a day and/or a night with her.
Me, heading off to party with friend.
At least once a week I have an outing in real time with a friend I know in real life. We do not “message” each other. We actually sit down in one another’s company and share a meal, talk, see a play, go to a movie. I’m in San Francisco at least twice a month doing things with friends.
I read at least one –if not two or three– books a week. And travel plans must be discussed and made.
Busy with the business of “real” life (as opposed to online life) — the busy-ness– I simply do not have time for “apps.”
And to be honest–I don’t want to be the person who stands around staring at the tiny screen in my hand. That person I see walking down the street not watching where she is going. The person who ignores the people she’s at dinner with in favor of taking photos of her plate and posting them on Instagram. Or who can’t participate in a conversation without snapping a photo and posting it. That woman who doesn’t have time to pick up a book because she is playing Farmville.
So, if you’re someone who digs apps, I’d like to know more about that. How do you find the time? What do you like about them?
Facebook is essential for writers. I am connected to the most skilled and talented essayist and authors in the world. The work they post, the call for submissions at Literary journals and contests they announce are key to keeping me in touch with what is going on in my craft. When I post, it is often to “warm up” my creative brain for essay work. I know Twitter has many of the same qualities, but I don’t have time for it. Pick one and play–but I agree with you Carol, apps can be another tactic to avoid human contact. It’s not healthy.And its freaking rude. I hate seeing everyone with their nose in a phone. I actually get scolded for not answering texts right away–I do not keep my phone with me intentionally. Call my home phone….I am home….I love my home…..I am usually reading on my sun porch. Call me. Come over for tea. Geez.
I’m with you Carol, I would much rather sit down across the table from a friend, have a cup of coffee enjoying their company than staring at a tiny screen playing a silly game.
Me too! While I am pretty computer dependent I barely ever remember to even look at my smart phone to see if I’ve gotten any calls–let alone play a game. About the only time I ever look at it is if I arrive early to an appointment or restaurant and I check FB. Of course I’ve never been a game player so doing it on the phone wouldn’t make any sense. So much more fun to be writing or chatting with friends. ~Kathy
The only apps I use are social media, news, and weather. I do not understand the desire to stare into a tiny screen to play solitaire all day. Sounds like your life is much more interesting without them!
Never do apps – no interest or time. Reading over what your days are like, I am completely envious. I would love to have the time to do the fun things you do.
You have no time for ‘apps’ and neither do I and we use our time similarly. We lead busy lives and I for one love that. I may not do as much leisurely tasks as you because I spend a lot of time marketing my online business, growing my fan base on a few platforms and I love my ‘retired’ life. I want my tombstone to read “she was all used up”. At 75 young, it could be tomorrow so every day I choose what I want to accomplish & enjoy. My word for 2015 is DELIGHT (myself & others).
About five years ago, I got caught up in the Farmville craze. At first, it was fun. Plant crops. Harvest them. Build up your farm. Then I started visiting friends’ farms and doing little things for them. I was planting more and more as my farm grew. I was spending three hours a day on this stupid game. But did it stop me? Not then. Nope. The end came when Husby and I were staying in Jasper, Alberta. In one of the most beautiful spots on earth. And I had to go back to the room to harvest my carrots. Virtual carrots kept me from enjoying the beautiful Rocky Mountains with my favourite person. That’s when the end came. I sold off everything on my farm. Closed the app and haven’t been back since. I suppose it’s still there. I never will be.
I have downloaded and deleted more apps than I can count. The ones I use now are moviefone, opentable and my banks, plus social media. No games for me, thank you very much.
I do use some apps–my kids and I (and a couple of our mutual friends) chat a fair bit; I use an app to track my physical activity and my food intake; I use another app to keep up with our WordPress blog; I play Words with Friends with a couple of friends; and I take photos on Instagram. I don’t really find them much of a time-suck–but then, my job as content marketing/social media manager keeps me online during my work day, so the apps feel like a natural extension of that.
I have a couple Apps that I “play” everyday – Elevate and Cranium Minis. Elevate helps me work on word finding and clearing out the cobwebs that are keeping me from turning a beautiful phrase. I spend 10 minutes on Elevate every day. Cranium Minis helps me track and focus. The awesome lady who created these cool little games designed them so I can get the maximum benefit in 90 seconds or less:)! So, I am in the minority here but I do love my apps!
I luvz me my apps. Apps are just bits of software that connect with other bits of software. My favorite is my messaging app that allow me to text with family. My second favorite is my Earthquake app. I love tracking shifts of the planet. And my silly Facebook games gives me positive, immediate feedback which I have sorely lacked all my life. So I’m not sure whether you are really talking mobile apps or gaming apps. Many of my most used software tools are apps such as Keynote, Pages, and Numbers. Here our inexact language is for these type of software is at fault. Use of a phone at an improper time is just rudeness.
I do like Instagram, and a few others. But I heard an interesting piece on NPR today about how our smart phones keep us busy, so we’re never bored. The problem is, boredom spurs creativity. They interviewed some scientists who had done studies and found people were their most creative after being bored (your brain is searching for stimulation, and goes into your sub conscious). Hmmmmm.
So glad I’m not the only one! I fall into bed every night like a drunken sailor only to lay there and think about all the things that I didn’t get accomplished that day. Farmville, Candy Crush, I can’t even imagine…don’t want to either!
There are all kinds of apps that can assist you instead of taking up your time. I don’t play games, I don’t have the interest or the patience. However, I use apps on my phone for a couple of things. We use Uber a great deal when we travel. It takes only seconds and we have car ready to take us where we need to go which is especially helpful in big cities. We are a very inquisitive family: We use Google a great deal to look up answers to questions. I am a photographer and use the Instagram app and use it for my blog. I never touch my phone when I am with someone else unless we are investigating something together. Like you I LOVE to read and try to make time for that. Fun post Carol! 🙂
I feel like my blog has pushed me to have a social medial presence, but I have to admit I find Facebook and twitter overwhelming and can’t “keep up.” I love Pinterest as a holding place, but it is fast becoming that fat stack of magazine articles I could never figure out what to do with. You have made some interesting points.
I would never play any game on facebook, simply far too time consuming. I enjoy Facebook…I do find it far more relaxing if i ignore the “click bait” most are completely biased with little or no real information. I love blogs, but they truly need to feed me some way. I look at twitter for headline news, and instagram is where I find my children.
I notice the apps my children use only enhance their lives. They don’t waste time with them.
Time is important….I try not to waste much of it, but I admit yesterday I wasted so much time because I was organizing a closet. Yuk
You get a lot done! Kudos Carol! I don’t have much time for apps either. I spend so much time writing, reading, promoting, writing music or playing it, housework, kids, dogs, rinse and repeat. The day goes by pretty quickly. I used to play online Scrabble on my phone, in fact, I was kind of addicted to it. But once I started my blog and really got into my writing, I haven’t looked back. This is so much more fulfilling and a much more productive use of my time.
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I totally agree. The only apps I need are my real peeps.
I wonder how much of a minority we are.
For very little things, apps are very overwhelming at times. I like the human connection!
Me, too!
I really love my dark sky weather app!!
Now I have to look that up!
Facebook is essential for writers. I am connected to the most skilled and talented essayist and authors in the world. The work they post, the call for submissions at Literary journals and contests they announce are key to keeping me in touch with what is going on in my craft. When I post, it is often to “warm up” my creative brain for essay work. I know Twitter has many of the same qualities, but I don’t have time for it. Pick one and play–but I agree with you Carol, apps can be another tactic to avoid human contact. It’s not healthy.And its freaking rude. I hate seeing everyone with their nose in a phone. I actually get scolded for not answering texts right away–I do not keep my phone with me intentionally. Call my home phone….I am home….I love my home…..I am usually reading on my sun porch. Call me. Come over for tea. Geez.
Solidarity, girl!
I’m with you Carol, I would much rather sit down across the table from a friend, have a cup of coffee enjoying their company than staring at a tiny screen playing a silly game.
I’m doing that very soon today, even!
Me too! While I am pretty computer dependent I barely ever remember to even look at my smart phone to see if I’ve gotten any calls–let alone play a game. About the only time I ever look at it is if I arrive early to an appointment or restaurant and I check FB. Of course I’ve never been a game player so doing it on the phone wouldn’t make any sense. So much more fun to be writing or chatting with friends. ~Kathy
And it’s all about fun at this age, something I love about being older!
The only apps I use are social media, news, and weather. I do not understand the desire to stare into a tiny screen to play solitaire all day. Sounds like your life is much more interesting without them!
And yours, too, from what I read!
I wholeheartedly agree with you… I do use a few social media apps but I honestly don’t need nor have time learn how to use anything else! Great post!
Don’t you wonder what that generation will be like at our age, given their lack of in-person interaction?
Never do apps – no interest or time. Reading over what your days are like, I am completely envious. I would love to have the time to do the fun things you do.
I love my life and feel so lucky to have it.
You have no time for ‘apps’ and neither do I and we use our time similarly. We lead busy lives and I for one love that. I may not do as much leisurely tasks as you because I spend a lot of time marketing my online business, growing my fan base on a few platforms and I love my ‘retired’ life. I want my tombstone to read “she was all used up”. At 75 young, it could be tomorrow so every day I choose what I want to accomplish & enjoy. My word for 2015 is DELIGHT (myself & others).
I love that, Roslyn! “Delight!”
About five years ago, I got caught up in the Farmville craze. At first, it was fun. Plant crops. Harvest them. Build up your farm. Then I started visiting friends’ farms and doing little things for them. I was planting more and more as my farm grew. I was spending three hours a day on this stupid game. But did it stop me? Not then. Nope. The end came when Husby and I were staying in Jasper, Alberta. In one of the most beautiful spots on earth. And I had to go back to the room to harvest my carrots. Virtual carrots kept me from enjoying the beautiful Rocky Mountains with my favourite person. That’s when the end came. I sold off everything on my farm. Closed the app and haven’t been back since. I suppose it’s still there. I never will be.
That is hilarious! And sad. Yes, Jasper is gorgeous. I am so glad you sold the farm!
Please… i barely have time to write and read and do a little networking – apps would kill me. forgetthabbboutit!
Sistahhhh, I hear you!
NO APPS! If I had to add one more thing on a screen, you would find me babbling on the floor.
Word!
I have downloaded and deleted more apps than I can count. The ones I use now are moviefone, opentable and my banks, plus social media. No games for me, thank you very much.
And some crash my phone!
I agree. Screen games are a waste of time, and it seems as if most everyone in this group agrees.
I think it is age-related.
I do not use them. No time, and no interest… So, basically, I just stopped by to say, “Hello, Carol.”
Hi Myke! I always love seeing you. And reading your poems, btw.
I do use some apps–my kids and I (and a couple of our mutual friends) chat a fair bit; I use an app to track my physical activity and my food intake; I use another app to keep up with our WordPress blog; I play Words with Friends with a couple of friends; and I take photos on Instagram. I don’t really find them much of a time-suck–but then, my job as content marketing/social media manager keeps me online during my work day, so the apps feel like a natural extension of that.
I wonder how much time you spend on them. Serious question. Per day.
I have a couple Apps that I “play” everyday – Elevate and Cranium Minis. Elevate helps me work on word finding and clearing out the cobwebs that are keeping me from turning a beautiful phrase. I spend 10 minutes on Elevate every day. Cranium Minis helps me track and focus. The awesome lady who created these cool little games designed them so I can get the maximum benefit in 90 seconds or less:)! So, I am in the minority here but I do love my apps!
Oh, now that intrigues me.
I luvz me my apps. Apps are just bits of software that connect with other bits of software. My favorite is my messaging app that allow me to text with family. My second favorite is my Earthquake app. I love tracking shifts of the planet. And my silly Facebook games gives me positive, immediate feedback which I have sorely lacked all my life. So I’m not sure whether you are really talking mobile apps or gaming apps. Many of my most used software tools are apps such as Keynote, Pages, and Numbers. Here our inexact language is for these type of software is at fault. Use of a phone at an improper time is just rudeness.
Thank you, darlin’!
i wish it were 1979 and the only ap was what belt you were going to wear with the maxi shirt.
Hahhh, good one!
I’ve never been one to get into all these crazy apps. I barely have time to keep up with Facebook, Twitter, G+ and my own blog, LOL!
LOL is right!
I have avoided all apps..I already can barely see my phone. Getting old isn’t for wussies.
Hahhh yes, on barely seeing phone. I’m about to get a bigger one.
I do like Instagram, and a few others. But I heard an interesting piece on NPR today about how our smart phones keep us busy, so we’re never bored. The problem is, boredom spurs creativity. They interviewed some scientists who had done studies and found people were their most creative after being bored (your brain is searching for stimulation, and goes into your sub conscious). Hmmmmm.
Exactly.
So glad I’m not the only one! I fall into bed every night like a drunken sailor only to lay there and think about all the things that I didn’t get accomplished that day. Farmville, Candy Crush, I can’t even imagine…don’t want to either!
Me either!
There are all kinds of apps that can assist you instead of taking up your time. I don’t play games, I don’t have the interest or the patience. However, I use apps on my phone for a couple of things. We use Uber a great deal when we travel. It takes only seconds and we have car ready to take us where we need to go which is especially helpful in big cities. We are a very inquisitive family: We use Google a great deal to look up answers to questions. I am a photographer and use the Instagram app and use it for my blog. I never touch my phone when I am with someone else unless we are investigating something together. Like you I LOVE to read and try to make time for that. Fun post Carol! 🙂
I feel like my blog has pushed me to have a social medial presence, but I have to admit I find Facebook and twitter overwhelming and can’t “keep up.” I love Pinterest as a holding place, but it is fast becoming that fat stack of magazine articles I could never figure out what to do with. You have made some interesting points.
I would never play any game on facebook, simply far too time consuming. I enjoy Facebook…I do find it far more relaxing if i ignore the “click bait” most are completely biased with little or no real information. I love blogs, but they truly need to feed me some way. I look at twitter for headline news, and instagram is where I find my children.
I notice the apps my children use only enhance their lives. They don’t waste time with them.
Time is important….I try not to waste much of it, but I admit yesterday I wasted so much time because I was organizing a closet. Yuk
You get a lot done! Kudos Carol! I don’t have much time for apps either. I spend so much time writing, reading, promoting, writing music or playing it, housework, kids, dogs, rinse and repeat. The day goes by pretty quickly. I used to play online Scrabble on my phone, in fact, I was kind of addicted to it. But once I started my blog and really got into my writing, I haven’t looked back. This is so much more fulfilling and a much more productive use of my time.